Opportunities Begin at Seattle University

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By Sakina Taher
Last updated on January 31, 2025

Top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs, engaging campus activities, and exciting city life awaits international students who head to Seattle University.

The Space Needle and Mount Rainier loom over the Seattle city skyline. Seattle University is now accepting international student applications via Shorelight.

Live and learn at a beautiful, modern, and vibrant campus located in the heart of Seattle with Shorelight’s newest school, Seattle University! Offering top-ranked undergraduate and graduate degree programs, Seattle University of Washington is recognized for its world-class academic experiences, engaging on-campus activities, and dynamic career development opportunities. As a global tech hub, home to the headquarters of Amazon and Microsoft, and ranked #2 in best cities for STEM jobs (WalletHub), Seattle offers internship and professional experiences that can’t be found anywhere else.

Earn a Degree that Builds Strong Futures

Ranked #76 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News & World Report, Seattle University supports students in building successful futures. Home to more than 7,200 local and international students on its 55-acre lush green campus, Seattle University offers 120+ undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in arts, business, STEM, and more, with hands-on learning and research opportunities integrated within the curricula. 

The university’s Albers School of Business and Economics is ranked #4 in Best Undergraduate Programs in the West Coast (U.S. News & World Report), while the College of Arts and Sciences offers programs ranked among the top 6% in the US (College Factual). The university’s tech-connected business and economics programs, as well as cutting-edge liberal arts and sciences degrees, have expert faculty and industry-focused advisory boards to ensure graduates are career ready. 

STEM-focused programs at Seattle University are also designed to encourage a future-oriented mindset with sustainability and community well-being at their core. Here, 94% of undergraduate students participate in on-campus research, summer research, and industry-sponsored projects, helping them build a wide range of skills to prepare for successful careers. For example, the College of Nursing at Seattle University — ranked #1 in nursing programs in Washington State (Niche, 2023) — supports students in gaining clinical experience at more than five medical centers within a mile of campus. 

Additionally, 97% of Seattle University graduates are employed, enrolled in a full-time graduate program, or are in postgraduate volunteer service within six months after graduation. The school’s in-person partnerships with industry-leading organizations give students the opportunity to gain work experiences and build professional networks at Fortune 500 companies including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and many more. This exposure offers an ideal opportunity for students to gain real-world insight into their fields while building skills such as critical thinking, negotiation, and deep understanding of working with people from different cultures.

Graduate students also have the unique chance to develop in-demand technical skills in a professional setting with one-year cohort-based postgraduate programs. Students learn how to approach complex industry problems, use data and analytics for decision-making, build flexible leadership skills, and more, enabling them to graduate with the required skills (and confidence) to climb the career ladder in their respective industries.

Earn a Degree that’s Affordable, Inclusive

More than 96% of Seattle University students receive financial aid through scholarships, grants, loans, and employment assistance. 

First-year and transfer students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships, which are renewable for up to four years. Students can also apply for the Seattle U Bound Scholarship program which covers full tuition and other expenses such as books, accommodations, and more. The university also offers specialized STEM scholarships such as the Sperry Goodmen Scholarship and the Seattle University Math and Science Scholars program, making high-quality STEM degrees accessible to students from around the world. 

The academic culture at Seattle University also creates a space for students to build value-driven skills for professional and personal growth. Seattle University is one of 27 Jesuit universities in the US, focusing on nurturing values such integrity, responsibility, ethics, and empathy. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion also organizes on-campus events such as speaker series and community panels to advocate for equity and diversity among different gender groups, races, and disabilities. 

The university offers students an encouraging learning environment that supports both academic and personal growth. The campus is designed to be a peaceful retreat, featuring lush gardens, award-winning sacred spaces, and modern buildings with views of the mountains and the famous Seattle skyline. Students also have access to quiet, reflective spaces like the Chapel of St. Ignatius, the Japanese American Remembrance Garden, and the Multifaith Prayer Space. For deeper meditation and reflection, the Ecumenical Chapel and the Chartres Essence Labyrinth offer an area to get in touch with their mind and spirit.

Experience Student Life at Seattle University of Washington

With more than 180 student-led clubs and organizations for international students to join, Seattle University offers a vibrant campus community and engaging space for students to develop strong interpersonal, networking, and communication skills

Students interested in storytelling can pitch their ideas to The Spectator student newspaper, while students who enjoy broadcasting can apply for an on-air role at the student-run radio station. For athletic students, there are sports clubs covering basketball, soccer, water polo, and more, while academic communities, like the Engineering for a Sustainable World club, offer great opportunities to put course curriculum to use in the real world. Some student organizations also sponsor workshops and events to empower women in career development, such as the Women in Business career group, while arts students encourage applications for the Fashion club, SU Filmmakers club, and more. 

My experience as RA [Residential Assistant] has given me the opportunity to live in a community with diverse students that have unique perspectives to share. The experience has challenged how my leadership skills adapt to the day, which has been incredibly rewarding, to have the chance to deal with situations and people that are unique.”— Lia, management major, minors in entrepreneurship and innovation and global studies, Dominican Republic

Seattle University is also committed to ensuring the success of its international students by offering comprehensive support through the International Student Center (ISC). The ISC provides guidance on areas such as visa and immigration services, helping students transition smoothly to life in the US, managing culture shock, academic advising, career preparation, and more. With ISC, international students can receive personalized support from the moment they are accepted into Seattle University, all the way to graduation. 

At Seattle University, international students can also enjoy living in an amazing city in the beautiful Pacific Northwest region of the US. On campus itself, there are tranquil gardens, views of the Seattle skyline, worship centers, and even a labyrinth. The school’s central location between Seattle’s First Hill and Capitol Hill neighborhoods enables international students to experience a traditional US university setting within a major city. From engaging with the city’s rich arts and cultural institutions to exploring outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains and Pacific Ocean, students benefit from the best of both worlds. 

International students interested in beginning their journey in the US at Seattle University of Washington can look forward to extensive support services when they apply through Shorelight. Our advisors help you transition to student life in the US, identify which degree programs may best suit your academic interests, and guide you on how you can develop your career development plans to achieve your dreams. Shorelight’s student success managers also offer additional language support, accommodation options, cultural tips, and more. Take the leap and begin your study abroad journey at Seattle University with Shorelight today!

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