City University of Seattle
Tuition per year
$13,929
2025
Peer median $42,296
Undergraduates
1,187
Student-faculty ratio 5:1
Peer median 12 : 1
“Peers” are all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
City University of Seattle is a distinguished private university located in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington. Established in 1973, the university has a strong commitment to providing high-quality education tailored for adult learners and professionals. The institution is particularly known for its flexible learning options, including online programs, which cater to a diverse student body seeking to balance education with work and personal commitments. City University of Seattle emphasizes practical education, with a focus on applied learning, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market upon graduation. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, education, health, and technology, making it a versatile choice for many aspiring professionals.
The university's campus culture is marked by a strong sense of community and inclusivity. Students are encouraged to engage in various extracurricular activities, fostering a vibrant student life that promotes personal growth and development. The university also boasts a dedicated faculty who are not only educators but also industry practitioners, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship. This connection to the professional world enhances the learning experience and equips graduates with the necessary skills to excel in their careers. Furthermore, City University of Seattle takes pride in its global perspective, with a diverse student population and partnerships with institutions around the world, enriching the educational experience and preparing students for a globalized workforce.
Analysis of Key Data Trends at City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle, a private institution, has demonstrated notable trends in several key areas, particularly tuition rates, student enrollment, graduation rates, and gender ratios among students.
First, examining tuition, there has been a fluctuation in rates over the years. From 2014 to 2023, in-state undergraduate tuition increased from $14,880 to approximately $13,558, with a significant dip in 2020 likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This downward trend in tuition during challenging times may reflect the institution's effort to remain accessible to students facing financial hardships.
Student enrollment figures reveal a concerning decline in undergraduate numbers, dropping from 1,272 in 2014 to 1,274 in 2023, despite a peak of 1,364 in 2015. This declining trend could raise questions about the university's appeal and marketing effectiveness, particularly against the backdrop of rising educational costs and evolving student preferences.
Additionally, graduation rates have shown some improvement, with the timely graduation rate increasing from 12.5% in 2014 to 40% in 2022. This upward trajectory indicates enhanced support for students, possibly through better academic advising or more engaging curricula, which could positively influence retention and overall student satisfaction.
Lastly, the gender ratio among students has remained relatively balanced but shows fluctuations over the years. For example, in 2023, the female undergraduates accounted for approximately 59.4%, while male undergraduates made up about 40.6%. The gender distribution in graduate programs has similarly skewed towards women, suggesting a growing trend of female empowerment and representation in higher education.
Overall, while some indicators such as graduation rates are encouraging, the decline in enrollment and the challenges posed by tuition fluctuations highlight areas where City University of Seattle must focus its efforts to enhance student experiences and institutional growth.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Seattle
- Nearest international airport
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), about 10 mi
- Also known as
- CityU
- Academic calendar
- Quarter
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Christopher Bryan (Chief Financial Officer)
- Phone
- 8884224898
- City
- Seattle, Washington
- Address
- 521 Wall Street, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98121
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Curriculum and Instruction · Master's96 (0% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's38 (34% international)
- Computer Science · Master's31 (48% international)
- Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling · Master's16 (0% international)
- Project Management · Master's13 (0% international)
- Educational Leadership and Administration, General · Doctoral9 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from City University of Seattle
The graduation data from City University of Seattle presents some notable insights into the trends in higher education for the year 2023. One of the most striking observations is the dominance of master's degrees in the field of Curriculum and Instruction, with 72 graduates. This indicates a strong interest in advanced studies within the education sector, likely fueled by the ongoing need for qualified educators amidst evolving educational standards and practices.
Another area of significance is the field of Computer Science, which reflects the growing demand for tech professionals. Although the bachelor’s degree numbers are relatively low with only 18 graduates, there is a noteworthy presence of international students pursuing their master’s degree, with 14 graduates. This trend aligns with the global emphasis on tech-related fields and the competitive edge that a master's can provide in the job market.
In contrast, the business administration programs show a mix of outcomes. While there are no graduates at the bachelor’s or master’s level, there are a few at the doctorate level, indicating a shift in focus towards research or higher-level studies rather than traditional undergraduate pathways. This shift could be reflective of broader trends in business education, where professional experience may be prioritized over formal degrees.
Moreover, the data also highlights the absence of graduates in certain categories, such as associate degrees, suggesting that City University of Seattle may be focusing more on graduate-level education or that these programs are less popular among the student population.
Overall, this data underscores the evolving landscape of higher education, where certain fields are experiencing growth while others may be declining, potentially influenced by societal needs and job market dynamics. As the world continues to change, these trends will be crucial for educational institutions to monitor in order to adapt their offerings accordingly.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $81,614-$85,432 | ||||
| Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $81,614-$85,432 | ||||
| Project Management. | $81,614-$85,432 | ||||
| Organizational Leadership. | $81,614-$85,432 | ||||
| Science/Technology Management. | $81,614-$85,432 | ||||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $81,614-$85,432 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | $73,754 | ||||
| Educational Leadership and Administration, General. | $107,676-$140,752 | ||||
| Special Education and Teaching, General. | - | ||||
| Education/Teaching of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs. | - | ||||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | - | ||||
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | $65,920 | ||||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $65,920 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | ||||
| Computer Science. | - | ||||
| Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||||
| Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling. | - | ||||
| Health Services Administration. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Psychology. | $38,261-$56,985 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | - |
Students
2,007 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53
- Continuing undergraduates 1,031
- Graduate students 820
- Transfers and others 156
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,187)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at City University of Seattle in 2023
The student demographic data from City University of Seattle for the year 2023 reveals intriguing insights into the composition of its student body. The university hosts a total of 1,895 students across various classifications, including undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate continuing students, undergraduate transfer students, and graduate students.
Among undergraduate freshmen, there are 26 students, of which 38.5% are male and 61.5% are female, indicating a predominance of female students in this group. For undergraduate continuing students, the population significantly increases to 838, maintaining a slightly more balanced gender ratio with 42% male and 58% female.
The undergraduate transfer students number 213, with a gender ratio of 40.4% male and 59.6% female, which is consistent with the trends observed in the previous groups. The graduate student demographic is notably larger, with 821 students; however, it shows a more pronounced gender disparity, with only 33.1% being male and 66.9% female.
This data highlights a significant representation of female students across all classifications, particularly in graduate studies, which aligns with national trends indicating an increasing enrollment of women in higher education. Additionally, the data on racial and ethnic breakdowns within each classification is essential for understanding diversity, although specific numbers are not provided for 2023.
Overall, City University of Seattle appears to be fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, particularly in terms of gender representation, reflecting broader societal shifts in educational demographics.
Analysis of Student Age Distribution at City University of Seattle
The age distribution of students at City University of Seattle reveals several interesting trends. A significant proportion of students falls within the 18-24 age range, reflecting the traditional demographic of undergraduate education. Specifically, students aged 18-19 represent 30.4% of the total male population and 41.8% of the total female population, indicating a strong presence of fresh high school graduates embarking on their academic journeys.
Notably, the data shows a marked increase in the number of students aged 25-29, who account for approximately 26.3% of the total male student population and an impressive 63.7% of female students. This suggests that the university is attracting a considerable number of non-traditional students who may be pursuing further education or career changes later in life.
The 30-39 age group also has a substantial representation, with males and females comprising 18.9% and 63.2% of their respective totals. This trend aligns with broader societal observations that more individuals are seeking advanced degrees or returning to education in their thirties.
Furthermore, the presence of older students aged 40 and above, while smaller, indicates that lifelong learning is becoming increasingly valued in today’s society. As job markets evolve, many individuals may seek additional qualifications or a career pivot, leading to a diverse range of ages within the academic environment.
Overall, the age composition at City University of Seattle reflects a blend of traditional and non-traditional students, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in higher education and the evolving landscape of student demographics.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
39 in 2025 · 16.5% in 2016
101 in 2025 · 18.2% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at City University of Seattle
The data on international student enrollment at City University of Seattle reveals some interesting trends over the years. Initially, from 2004 to 2015, there was a noticeable increase in the percentage of international undergraduate students, peaking at 16.50% in 2016. This suggests that the university was becoming increasingly attractive to international students during this period, possibly due to its diverse programs and supportive environment.
However, a significant downturn occurred post-2016, with the percentage of international students dropping sharply to just 2.52% in 2021. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including changes in immigration policies in the United States, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and possibly increased competition from other universities globally.
In contrast, the graduate programs exhibited a different trajectory. The percentage of international graduate students rose to 18.75% in 2017, indicating that the graduate programs were successful in attracting international talent, even as undergraduate numbers dwindled. This discrepancy raises questions about the university’s appeal to different student demographics and the effectiveness of its recruitment strategies.
The data underscores the challenges faced by institutions in maintaining international student enrollment, especially in the wake of global events such as the pandemic. It also highlights the importance of adaptability in recruitment strategies to respond to changing conditions. Moving forward, City University of Seattle may need to explore new initiatives to bolster both undergraduate and graduate international student numbers, ensuring a more balanced and diverse academic community.
Cost
2025 tuition
$13,929
- Undergraduate tuition
- $13,929
- Graduate tuition
- $12,533
Peer median tuition + room and board $56,962 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose -16% from 2016 to 2025.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$30.3M
Expenses$32.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Seattle UniversitySeattle · 1.3 mi
U.S. News #179
-
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle · 2.4 mi
U.S. News #262
-
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle · 3.2 mi
U.S. News #49
-
University of Puget SoundTacoma · 25.3 mi
Liberal Arts #100
-
Portland State UniversityPortland · 146.4 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Reed CollegePortland · 148.2 mi
Liberal Arts #60
-
Pacific UniversityForest Grove · 149.3 mi
U.S. News #236
-
Lewis & Clark CollegePortland · 150.5 mi
Liberal Arts #97
-
George Fox UniversityNewberg · 162.6 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding City University of Seattle:
-
University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40th in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Washington is a prominent public research university known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.
-
Seattle University - With a ranking of 163, Seattle University is a private Jesuit institution offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing social justice and community service.
-
Seattle Pacific University - Ranked 269th, Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian university that focuses on liberal arts education and character development.
-
University of Puget Sound - This private liberal arts college is ranked 89th and is known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and a distinctive residential experience.
-
Reed College - With a ranking of 67, Reed College is a highly selective liberal arts college that is recognized for its rigorous academic programs and a strong commitment to independent scholarship.
-
Oregon State University - Ranked 142nd, this public research university located in Corvallis, Oregon, offers a wide range of programs and is known for its research initiatives and community engagement.
These schools provide a rich educational landscape around City University of Seattle, each contributing unique strengths and opportunities for students.
Peer median 5.3 · all 233 private doctoral universities in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at City University of Seattle
The crime data from City University of Seattle presents a significant trend over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. In 2013, the university recorded a total of seven incidents, which translates to a crime rate of 3.05 per 1,000 students. This initial figure, while seemingly modest, highlights the potential for criminal activity within university campuses.
However, a remarkable decline is evident in subsequent years. From 2014 onward, the recorded incidents plummeted to zero, resulting in a crime rate of 0.00 for the years 2015 through 2023. This dramatic decrease suggests that the university has implemented effective measures to enhance campus safety and security. It is noteworthy that in 2014, the crime rate had already dropped to 0.84 per 1,000 students, indicating a positive response to any safety concerns raised in previous years.
Such a sustained reduction in crime could be attributed to various factors, including improved campus security protocols, heightened awareness programs, and community engagement initiatives. This reflects a broader trend observed in many educational institutions, where proactive measures lead to a safer learning environment.
Moreover, the absence of serious offenses such as assault, robbery, or drug-related arrests in recent years is commendable and suggests a focus on maintaining a peaceful academic atmosphere. As crime rates continue to impact student well-being and academic performance, the university's commitment to safety is crucial for its reputation and for attracting prospective students.
Overall, the data indicates a positive trajectory in crime reduction at City University of Seattle, which is essential for fostering a secure and conducive learning environment. For further understanding of crime rates and their calculations, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.