Seattle University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Seattle University is a private Jesuit university with an acceptance rate of 79%. Located on a 48-acre campus in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, Seattle University offers 65 undergraduate and over 50 graduate programs. Classes tend to be small with an average size of 18, and the university has a healthy 11-to-1 student / faculty ratio. Seattle has a 12-course core curriculum that culminates in a major-specific capstone course. In athletics, the Seattle Redhawks compete in the NCAA Division I in the Western Athletic Conference.

Considering applying to Seattle University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, Seattle University had an acceptance rate of 79%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 79 students were admitted, making Seattle U's admissions process somewhat competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Beginning with the 2020-21 admissions cycle, Seattle University will offer test-optional admissions. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 79% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Seattle University's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Seattle University scored between 580 and 660, while 25% scored below 580 and 25% scored above 660. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 570 and 670, while 25% scored below 570 and 25% scored above 670. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1330 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Seattle University.

Requirements

Seattle University does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Seattle participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Beginning with the 2020-21 admissions cycle, Seattle University will offer test-optional admissions. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 37% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Seattle University's admitted students fall within the top 26% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Seattle University received a composite ACT score between 24 and 30, while 25% scored above 30 and 25% scored below 24.

Requirements

Seattle University does not require the optional ACT writing section. Unlike many universities, Seattle superscores ACT results; your highest subscores from multiple ACT sittings will be considered.

GPA

In 2019, over 45% of Seattle University's incoming freshmen class had average GPAs of 3.75 and above. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Seattle University have primarily A grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Seattle University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Seattle University, which accepts just over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat competitive admissions pool with above average GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. However, Seattle University has a holistic admissions process and is test-optional, and admissions are based on other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and glowing letters of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside Seattle's average range.

Seattle University offers freshman applicants the opportunity to apply for Direct Entry to specific majors. Note that some programs require additional credit requirements and minimum test scores for Direct Entry.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent students who were admitted to Seattle University. Most had SAT scores of 1050 or higher (ERW+M), an ACT composite score of 22 or higher, and a high school average of a "B" or higher. Grades and test scores above these lower ranges will improve your chances, and you can see that many admitted students had grades in the "A" range.

If You Like Seattle University, You May Also Like These Schools

• University of Washington
• Gonzaga University
• New York University
• Oregon State University
• Stanford University
• University of San Diego
• Lewis & Clark College
• Loyola Marymount University
• University of Oregon
• Santa Clara University

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Seattle University Undergraduate Admissions Office.