City University of Seattle logo

City University of Seattle

Seattle, WA Private ยท Urban Est. 1973 www.cityu.edu
Grad Rate
47.2%
Enrollment
1,091
Tuition
$14,589
Median Salary
$69,460
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

City University of Seattle offers a focused, career-oriented environment with a small, intimate campus feel. It's designed for working adults and non-traditional students seeking practical, flexible education. The atmosphere is professional and community-driven, emphasizing real-world application over theoretical theory.

Academics & Majors

The university specializes in professional programs like business, accounting, and leadership, often with flexible online and hybrid formats. It is known for its applied learning approach, ensuring students gain skills immediately usable in the workforce. While not a research powerhouse, it offers strong vocational training tailored to current market needs.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
59.6%
Education
10.1%
Computer Science
9.1%
Psychology
6.7%
Health Professions
3.4%
Criminal Justice
2.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

47.2%
Graduation Rate
1,091
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$14,589
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$35,049
After financial aid
Total Cost
$35,049
Cost of attendance/year
12.8%
Receive Pell Grants
14.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Seattle

Seattle offers a vibrant tech and cultural hub with endless networking and internship opportunities. Students enjoy access to world-class coffee, music, and outdoor activities like hiking and water sports. The city's robust public transportation system makes exploring neighborhoods and commuting convenient.

Local Rent Check

$2,269 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Seattle
Explore Seattle

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$58,356
$0Est. 4 Years: $58,356

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($69,460):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in downtown Seattle, which requires standard urban awareness regarding personal belongings. While the university provides security services, students should remain vigilant of surroundings due to the city environment.

Notable Alumni

John K. Coughlin
Former CEO of the Seattle SuperSonics and a key figure in local sports management.
Sharon M. Kneiss
Chief Sustainability Officer at Waste Management with a background in environmental science.
Erik K. Meyer
Higher education executive and President of City University of Seattle.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a private, non-profit independent university with no religious affiliation.

No, CityU does not provide on-campus housing, as it primarily serves commuting students and working adults.

Classes are typically small, often ranging from 15 to 25 students, fostering interaction with instructors.

Yes, CityU offers a variety of online and hybrid programs designed for flexibility.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Amazon Boeing Microsoft Starbucks Providence Health & Services
Smart Start Score
68

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1973
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,870
  • In-State Tuition $14,589
  • Zip Code 98121

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44% โ™€ 56%

The Money Talk

With tuition at $14,589, the university is relatively affordable compared to other private institutions. The $69,460 earnings figure suggests a solid return on investment for graduates entering professional fields. However, prospective students should compare these costs carefully against public alternatives to ensure financial alignment with their career goals.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Edward Waters University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $14,589
Housing (12 mo) $27,228
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $49,017
With avg financial aid:
$35,049/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.