Seattle is one of the most popular study destinations in the United States, particularly for students interested in technology, healthcare, and business-related fields. Recently, over 14,000 international students were enrolled across universities in Washington State, with a significant number choosing top universities in Seattle.
The city is home to respected universities such as the University of Washington, which ranks among the top 80 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025. These universities maintain strong links with major employers, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. It provides students with real-world learning opportunities and access to employment after graduation.
If you are planning to study in Seattle in 2025, this guide will help you explore the best universities, understand tuition fees, and learn more about entry requirements and deadlines.
Key Highlights:
- The University of Washington ranks among the top public research institutions globally, with QS 2025 placing it at #76 and offering extensive STEM and business programmes.
- Seattle’s education scene includes a mix of public, private, and specialist colleges like Seattle U, Cornish, and Bastyr. It provides options from arts to naturopathy to tech.
- Tuition fees for international students in Seattle range from USD 12,000 (INR 10 L) at community colleges to over USD 56,000 (INR 47 L) at top private universities.
Get a personalized list of top universities and courses tailored just for you by our experts
Benefits of Studying in Seattle, USA
Selecting a university to pursue your education is a significant decision, as your long-term academic and professional goals will often depend on it. If you're considering Seattle as your study destination, here are several reasons why it could be a strong choice.
1. Access to Leading Industries and Research
Seattle is a recognised hub for biotechnology, healthcare, and technology. Students benefit from proximity to world-class medical research centres and high-tech companies. This offers practical exposure to health initiatives, emerging technologies, and research-led teaching across various disciplines.
2. Strong Presence of Global Corporations
The city is home to several global organisations, including Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Expedia, Uber, Amgen, Seattle Genetics, and NanoString Technologies. This opens up pathways to internships, industrial collaborations, and employment opportunities during and after your studies.
3. Diverse and Inclusive Learning Environment
Universities in Seattle foster an inclusive academic culture where students from different backgrounds, nationalities, and identities study together. This diversity enhances classroom discussions, encourages broader perspectives, and promotes mutual understanding among international peers.
With the benefits in mind, let’s explore the top 5 universities in Seattle to choose from.
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Top 10 Universities in Seattle
Seattle offers a wide selection of highly regarded universities that attract students from across the world. These institutions are known for their academic quality, well-structured programmes, and strong links to industries such as technology, business, and healthcare. Universities in Seattle provide both academic depth and career-oriented outcomes. In this section, we explore the top 10 universities in Seattle for 2025, based on global and national rankings, course availability, and student opportunities.
|
Name of University |
US News 2025 (National / Global) |
QS World Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Washington |
#40 (US), #7 (Global) |
#81 |
|
Seattle University |
#152 (US) |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
|
Seattle Pacific University |
#272 (US) |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
|
Cornish College of the Arts |
Not Ranked |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
|
Seattle Central College |
Not Ranked (2‑year college) |
#4,774 |
|
Bastyr University |
Not Ranked |
Not Ranked |
|
Antioch University – Seattle Campus |
Not Ranked |
Not Ranked |
|
City University of Seattle |
Ranked in Regional (West) |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
|
University of Washington Bothell |
Regional University (West) |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
|
University of Washington Tacoma |
Regional University (West) |
Not Ranked (beyond 1,500) |
1. University of Washington
The University of Washington (UW), established in 1861, is one of the top public universities in the United States. It ranks #76 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, #7 globally, and #40 nationally in US News 2025. With over 50,000 enrolled students, including approximately 8,000 international students, the university offers highly respected programmes in Computer Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Business, and Law. Its research expenditure surpassed $1.7 billion in 2023, making it one of the top five research universities in the country. UW’s Seattle campus is also closely connected to major tech employers like Amazon and Microsoft, giving students strong prospects for internships and job placement.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Establishment Year |
1861 |
|
University of Washington World Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BSc, BBA, MBA, M.A, M.Arch, MS, MPH, LLM |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
MS: 18–42 lakhs (USD 21,600–50,000)M.Arch: ~23 lakhs (USD 27,000)BBA: 28–29 lakhs (USD 33,000–34,000)MA: 14–30 lakhs (USD 17,000–36,000) |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA: 3.72 – 4.0 |
|
Intakes |
Summer, Autumn/Fall, Spring (varies by course) |
|
Application Deadlines |
UG: 15 November 2025 (Autumn & Summer)PG: Varies by programme, typically 15 March 2025 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~42% |
2. Seattle University
Seattle University (SU), founded in 1891, is a private Jesuit institution located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. It has around 7,400 students across undergraduate and graduate levels, including approximately 648 international students. In the 2025 US News national rankings, SU is placed at #152 among national universities. Its QS World University ranking for 2025 falls between 1201–1400, and its Albers School of Business & Economics boasts multiple graduate programmes in the top 30 nationally (e.g., Business Analytics and Finance at #16 each).
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Private, Jesuit |
|
Establishment Year |
1891 |
|
Seattle University Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BBA, BSc in Finance, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Law (JD), MS in Business Analytics |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
UG Tuition: USD 56,721 (INR 47 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA: 3.6+ |
|
Intakes |
Fall, Spring |
|
Application Deadlines |
UG: 31 July 2025 (Fall)PG: Varies by programme |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~75% |
3. Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian institution located in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighbourhood. It offers a quarter-based academic calendar and is known for its small class sizes and integration of service learning into the curriculum. SPU maintains partnerships with local hospitals, schools, and nonprofits, giving students practical exposure in fields like nursing, education, and psychology.
|
Field |
Details |
|
University Type |
Private, Christian (Free Methodist) |
|
Establishment Year |
1891 |
|
Seattle Pacific University Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BSc in Nursing, Psychology, Business, Biology; MS in Education, Engineering, Counseling |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
UG Tuition: USD 37,965 (INR 30 L)Total cost after aid: USD 26,155 (INR 21 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA: ~3.5 |
|
Intakes |
Fall, Spring, Winter |
|
Application Deadline |
UG (Fall): 1 July 2025 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~91 % |
4. Cornish College of the Arts
Cornish College of the Arts is a specialised private institution with fewer than 500 students, nestled in downtown Seattle. It officially merged into Seattle University in June 2025, yet it remains Seattle’s principal centre for visual, performing, and design arts. The campus includes historic performance venues like Kerry Hall and the Cornish Playhouse, and the college awards over US$4 million annually in merit-based scholarships to support arts education.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Private ART & DESIGN college |
|
Establishment Year |
1914 |
|
Cornish College of the Arts Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BFA in Music, Dance, Theatre, Film & Digital Media, Interdisciplinary Arts |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
Tuition + fees: USD 41,640 (INR 34 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA: Required (not specified) |
|
Intakes |
Rolling admissions; early action deadline: 1 December |
|
Application Fee |
USD 60 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Approximately 70–71 % (773 accepted of 1,097 applicants in 2023) |
5. Seattle Central College
Seattle Central College is Seattle’s foremost public community college, situated in Capitol Hill. It serves over 11,000 students annually, including nearly 1,000 international learners, making it one of the region’s most culturally diverse institutions. The college provides strong transfer pathways to universities such as the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, while offering specialised vocational programmes like the Seattle Maritime Academy and Culinary Academy. Its downtown campus is integrated into the city’s transport network, with direct light rail access to downtown and the UW campus.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Public community college |
|
Establishment Year |
1966 |
|
Seattle Central College Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
Associates' in Nursing, IT, Computer Science, Liberal Arts; Bachelor's (Applied Science) in Allied Health, Behavioural Science |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
In‑State UG: USD 5,184 (INR 0.45 L)Out‑of‑State UG: USD 5,745 (INR 0.50 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
Open admission—high school diploma/GED/ESL completion only |
|
Intakes |
Rolling admissions; quarters start in Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer |
|
Application Deadline |
No fixed deadline (rolling); for Winter cohort ADN: 21 Jul–21 Aug |
|
Acceptance Rate |
Effectively 100% |
6. Bastyr University
Bastyr University, with its secluded 51-acre woodland campus in Kenmore (just north of Seattle), was among the first accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. Its graduate-focused student body of around 700+ receives training in natural health practices, supported by internal clinical facilities and a steady rate of 700+ research publications in 2024, centred on herbal sciences and environmental health.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Private, Health Sciences-focused |
|
Establishment Year |
1978 |
|
Bastyr University Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
ND (Naturopathic Medicine), MS Acupuncture, MS Nutrition, MA Counseling Psychology, MS Midwifery |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
UG: USD 30,126 (INR 25 L) PG: USD 30,228 (INR 25 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
Transcripts + NACES evaluation; USD 75 fee; 2 LORs; TOEFL ≥92 (or IELTS ≥6.0–6.5) |
|
Intakes & Deadlines |
Rolling admissionsEarly priority deadline: 1 Nov |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~94% |
7. Antioch University – Seattle Campus
Antioch University Seattle specialises in professional training for working adults, offering flexible BA completion, MA, PsyD, and counseling degrees. With a total enrolment of about 800 students, 90% of whom are postgraduates, the campus has a 5:1 student‑faculty ratio, reflecting an intimate learning environment designed for mature learners and career changers. The university operates on a quarter system and received a Tuition Freeze through 2025 at USD 19,410 undergrad and USD 20,166 graduate costs.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Private, non-profit |
|
Establishment Year |
1975 (Seattle campus) |
|
Antioch University Seattle Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BA completion (Liberal Studies), MA Counseling, PsyD Clinical Psychology, MA Education, MA Marriage & Family Therapy |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
UG: USD 19,410 (INR 16 L); PG: USD 20,166 (INR 16.5 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
BA: High school diploma and transfer credits; MA/PsyD: Bachelor’s, LORs, personal statement; TOEFL/IELTS optional/Test‑optional |
|
Intakes & Deadlines |
Quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall); rolling admissions; Fall priority: 15 Sept |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~79% |
8. City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle (CityU) is a private, non-profit institution established in 1973, primarily catering to working professionals and international learners. CityU is designed for career-oriented learners with a student–faculty ratio of 6:1 and a postgraduate population of over 2,500. It holds ABET accreditation for its Information Systems programme and is recognised by the NSA and DHS as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The university emphasises flexible intake cycles and a practical, global curriculum enhanced by partnerships across Canada, China, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Private, non-profit |
|
Establishment Year |
1973 |
|
City University of Seattle Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BSc Information Systems, Business Administration; MBA; MS Project Management; MSCS; MA Education; BA Healthcare Admin |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
UG: USD 13,965 (INR 12 L) PG: USD 12,975–14,550 (INR 11–13 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
High school diploma/GED; no SAT/ACT requirement; TOEFL iBT 80+ / IELTS 6.5+; transcripts; personal statement; LORs for grad programmes |
|
Intakes & Deadlines |
Rolling admissions; quarterly starts (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall); application fee USD 50; no fixed deadlines |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~100% |
9. University of Washington Bothell
Set on 128 acres in suburban Bothell, this UW branch maintains a quarter-based system and enrols around 6,060 students (5,478 undergraduates and 586 postgraduates as of Autumn 2024). The campus restored over 58 acres of wetland, which is now used in 30+ courses for ecological study. UW Bothell was recognised in 2025 as a Carnegie-classified Research University, and 72% of students graduate debt-free.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Public University (regional branch of UW) |
|
Establishment Year |
1989 |
|
UW Bothell Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BSc in Computer Science, Business, Biology, Nursing; MSCSSE; MA/Edu; Graduate STEM programs |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
In-state UG: USD 12,919 (INR 10 L)Out-of-state UG: USD 43,155 (INR 36 L) - Graduate Tier II: USD 19,548 (INR 16 L) in-state; USD 34,074 (INR 28 L) out-of-state |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA: competitive; SAT: 1170–1470 (middle 50%); ACT: 32–34; TOEFL: 80+; Letters & transcripts required |
|
Intakes & Deadline |
Quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn); Regular application deadline: 15 January 2025 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~92% |
|
Additional Notes |
Over 70% of students graduate debt-free; alumni have highest average wages in WA among public university grads |
10. University of Washington Tacoma
The University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma) is a public urban campus founded in 1990 on 46 acres in downtown Tacoma. Unlike its Seattle counterpart, the campus is notable for its urban engagement and social mobility focus, receiving the top performer status in the West and providing over $53 million in financial aid in 2022–23. It hosts around 4,777 students, of whom 84.5% attend full time, with 81% reporting SAT scores, indicating a blend of commuter and traditional undergraduates.
|
Field |
Details |
|---|---|
|
University Type |
Public (regional branch of the University of Washington) |
|
Establishment Year |
1990 |
|
UW Tacoma Ranking 2025 |
|
|
Popular Courses |
BSc Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Psychology, Nursing; MSCSSE; MBAs; Urban Studies |
|
Estimated Fees (Yearly) |
In-state UG: USD 13,168 (INR 10 L)Out-of-state UG: USD 43,404 (INR 36 L)Graduate: USD 21,969 in-state; USD 32,685 out-of-state (INR 28–29 L) |
|
Admission Requirements |
GPA ≥3.5; SAT: 988–1180 (25–75%); ACT: 23–29; TOEFL iBT: 80+; high school transcript; optional LORs |
|
Intakes & Deadlines |
Quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn); Regular deadline: 30 June 2025 |
|
Acceptance Rate |
~83% |
|
Additional Notes |
~84.5% of students are full-time; 72% graduates borrow average US$14,574; urban campus adjacent to museums; 15:1 student–faculty ratio |
From the Desk of Yocket
Studying in Seattle isn’t just about location—it’s about access. Whether you’re aiming for hands-on research at UW, personalised training at Seattle Pacific, or artistic mastery at Cornish, the city offers an academic ecosystem that blends learning with industry relevance. With tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft just blocks away from several campuses, students don’t just study trends—they become part of them.
If you’re planning your university journey and want expert help navigating Seattle’s admissions, Yocket Premium offers personalised support—from test prep and SOP review to university shortlisting and visa filing. Thousands of students have used Yocket Premium to get into top universities across the U.S.—and Seattle is no exception. Connect with our counsellors today and take the guesswork out of your study abroad plans.
