Academic Comparison between Western Washington and SPU

Western Washington University and Seattle Pacific University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Western Washington is a four-year, public school located in Bellingham, WA and SPU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Seattle, WA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Western Washington is a public and SPU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SPU has more expensive tuition & fees ($40,407) than Western Washington ($28,707).
  • It is harder to admit to SPU than Western Washington.
  • Western Washington has more students with 14,710 students while SPU has 2,261 students.
  • SPU has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while Western Washington's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Western Washington has more full-time faculties with 686 faculties while SPU has 176 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Western Washington Universityvs.Seattle Pacific University
Bellingham, WashingtonLocationSeattle, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707
2025 Tuition & Fees$40,407
58%% Receiving Financial Aid97%
$9,066Average Amount of Financial Aid$28,171
93.25 %Acceptance Rates83.40 %
22.94 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.75 %
1,280SAT Score-
28ACT Score-
65 %Graduation Rate62 %
-Transfer-out Rate25 %
79 %Retention Rate72 %
14,710Student Population2,261
686Number of Faculties176
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services