More selective than 76% of Washington colleges we cover. U.S. median 77%.
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class
24% of enrolled first-years sent SAT scores, 6% sent ACT scores.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Called “yield.” A high yield means many admitted students choose Seattle University over other offers.
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class
Applicants, admits and enrollment
IPEDS Admissions, Fall 2023 entering class (first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates). Newer counts arrive with the next IPEDS release.
Seattle University SAT and ACT scores
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted them, Fall 2024. A quarter scored below the 25th percentile and a quarter above the 75th. If your score is above the 75th, Seattle University is likely within reach on scores alone; below the 25th, it is a reach.
| Test | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT reading & writing | 620 | 710 |
| SAT math | 580 | 720 |
| ACT composite | 23 | 30 |
| SAT total (approx.) | 1200 | 1430 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class (reported to IPEDS). SAT total adds the two section scores, an approximation.
Seattle University admissions year over year
| Entering class | Acceptance | SAT reading | SAT math | ACT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 77% | 620–710 | 580–720 | 23–30 | College Scorecard |
| Fall 2023 | 76% | 570–670 | 560–680 | 23–30 | IPEDS |
Score ranges are the 25th–75th percentiles. Each year is kept as published; we add a year with every federal release.
How selective is Seattle University compared with other Washington colleges?
Seattle University has the 5th-lowest acceptance rate of 18 Washington colleges we cover. Schools around it:
| Rank | College | Acceptance | Graduation | Avg. net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs | 29% | — | — |
| 2 | Whitman College | 38% | 81% | $33,313 |
| 3 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | 39% | 85% | $14,091 |
| 4 | University of Puget Sound | 72% | 68% | $38,394 |
| 5 | Seattle University | 77% | 76% | $34,662 |
| 6 | Pacific Lutheran University | 78% | 69% | $19,589 |
| 7 | Gonzaga University | 82% | 86% | $35,119 |
| 8 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | 83% | 63% | $10,163 |
| 9 | Northwest University | 83% | 71% | $22,288 |
College Scorecard, Fall 2024 entering class. All Washington colleges →
Who enrolls at Seattle University
College Scorecard; IPEDS
Seattle University admissions questions
What is the Seattle University acceptance rate?
Seattle University accepts 77% of applicants, most. For the Fall 2023 entering class, 6,826 of 8,976 applicants were admitted.
Does Seattle University require the SAT or ACT?
Seattle University considers SAT or ACT scores but does not require them (test-optional), according to its federal admissions report for Fall 2023. 24% of enrolled first-year students submitted SAT scores and 6% submitted ACT scores.
What SAT score do you need for Seattle University?
The middle 50% of Seattle University enrolled first-year students scored 1200–1430 on the SAT and 23–30 on the ACT. A score above the upper number puts you in the top quarter of enrolled students; below the lower number puts you in the bottom quarter.
How many admitted students enroll at Seattle University?
15% of admitted students enrolled in Fall 2023 (1,049 of 6,826).
Is Seattle University getting harder to get into?
Seattle University accepted 77% of applicants for Fall 2024, compared with 76% for Fall 2023.
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and IPEDS Admissions; years shown with each figure. “Colleges we cover” means colleges awarding bachelor's degrees to at least 100 undergraduates. Back to Seattle University overview