One of the Best in the U.S.

Seattle University is among the nation’s top undergraduate institutions, according to The Princeton Review’s The Best 392 Colleges guide.

“We are delighted to name Seattle University one of our Best Colleges for 2027 and we recommend it to students searching for their ‘best-fit’ college,” said Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief and lead author of The Best 392 Colleges, in a provided statement. “Seattle University has outstanding academic programs and we took into account the candid feedback we received about it from its very own customers—enrolled students.”

The Princeton Review chose the colleges for its 2027 guide based on surveys conducted in 2025-2026 of 2,000 college administrators about their school’s academic offerings. They also surveyed students—172,000, or about 439 students per school—who rated their college or university on dozens of topics and reported on their overall campus experiences. Only about 14 percent of the nearly 2,8000 four-year colleges in the U.S. landed in the rankings.

Students surveyed described Seattle University as having “really expanded my thinking,” thanks in part to its Core courses, taught in the Jesuit tradition, that are designed to educate “the whole person” and help them think critically and act ethically. Students also praised the active and engaged style of learning in the classroom, noting “lots of hands-on activities and practice problems in class. I have never sat through an entire class of just lecturing.”

Many students also had positive assessments of faculty and the support they provide that contribute to their success. They also appreciate that professors “don’t shy away from rough topics, which is important.” The caliber of professors is frequently listed as one of the university’s best assets. As one student notes, “I haven’t had one professor that I didn’t enjoy” and another adds that the faculty provide “absolutely amazing support for students academically.”

Considering its location is interwoven in the university’s identity, it’s no wonder that many students surveyed spoke of the value add of being in the heart of one of the world’s most innovative, creative and progressive cities.

Students note that SU’s central location leads them to “take advantage of all the city has to offer,” while another notes that the city’s ubiquitous drink of choice makes “off-campus coffee shops ... the study spots.”  

There was also praise for the overall on-campus environment, from community-building activities to a diverse array of clubs and recreational offerings. As one student said, “It’s a very friendly environment where students work together instead of competing against each other.”

The Princeton Review tallies ratings (scores from 60 to 99) of the schools in The Best 392 Colleges in eight categories. The ratings are primarily based on institutional survey data. A few ratings score tallies also factor in student survey data. The ratings are published in the profiles of the schools in the book as well as online.

Learn more about The Princeton Review ratings including methodology for the rankings and the student survey published in the guidebook.