SPU Seattle vs Bethel University
Seattle Pacific University and Bethel University, both located in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, offer distinct educational experiences for prospective students. Seattle Pacific University, a private Christian university, boasts a lower acceptance rate of 68% compared to Bethel University's 84%. While both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, Seattle Pacific University is known for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, while Bethel University excels in business, nursing, and education. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional program offerings, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Bethel University |
![]() Seattle Pacific University |
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Overview |
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Location | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Seattle, Washington |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Quarter |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 86.0% | 82.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Baptist | Methodism |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 88.7% | 91.9% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
|
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SAT range | 1123 - 1343 | 1050 - 1300 |
ACT range | 20 - 28 | 20 - 28 |
Students submitting SAT score | 4.0% | 21.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 57.0% | 11.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,050 | 4,359 |
Total number of admissions given out | 1,818 | 4,008 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 504 | 580 |
Yield rate | 27.7% | 14.5% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Not required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $55,228 | $53,766 |
Average net price | $28,840 | $26,153 |
Tuition | $39,920 | $35,100 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$5,990
Meal plan:
$5,160
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Room/dormitory:
$7,350
Meal plan:
$6,054
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
99.0%
Average amount $24,534 |
99.0%
Average amount $37,230 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
65.0%
Average amount $5,559 |
55.0%
Average amount $5,468 |
Students taking out private loans |
17.0%
Average amount $15,453 |
5.0%
Average amount $14,470 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
2,653
Men 38.9% Women 61.1% |
2,640
Men 32.8% Women 67.2% |
Graduate students |
1,078
Men 32.5% Women 67.5% |
803
Men 26.0% Women 74.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
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Moderate
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Out-of-state students | 22.4% | 26.8% |
International students | 0.8% | 5.5% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 1,819 | 1,779 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa South Dakota Illinois | Washington California Hawaii Oregon Colorado |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 11:1 | 13:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Higher Learning Commission | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 74.3% | 65.9% |
Dropout rate | 25.0% | 21.2% |
Transferred out | N/A | 12.7% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
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