Admission Requirements

Credit Requirements

Successful candidates complete the following minimal program in high school (each unit is equivalent to one academic year of study): 

  • English: 4 units
  • Mathematics (college preparatory): 3 units
  • Social studies: 3 units
  • Laboratory science: 2 units
  • Foreign language: 2 units
  • History: 1 unit
  • Additional academic units from the above disciplines: 2 units

Other Requirements

ACT and SAT exam scores

Seattle University employs a holistic review of your application materials to determine admission. Part of that holistic review includes evaluation of student performance on the SAT or ACT exam, both of which are optional for all first-time in college applicants. 

If you choose to submit your test scores, Seattle University will use the highest sub-scores on both the ACT and SAT Reasoning test when making admission and scholarship decisions and in the advisement and course placement of first-time freshmen.

Should applicants choose to submit test scores, they must be received from first-time freshman applicants no later than November 15 for those applying for early action and no later than January 15 for those applying for regular admission consideration. We will provisionally accept self-reported scores from the Common Application to complete applications, but students are required to send official scores if they choose to attend SU.

International students

Although it is not required for international students to submit the SAT or ACT, the Admissions Office recommends international students take either exam and submit their scores.

Gaps in education

If an applicant has a gap in education of 5 or more years, they may be asked to establish a current academic record at another college or university prior to applying for admission at Seattle University.  In addition, recent prerequisite coursework may be needed to apply to specific majors. Please contact your Admissions Counselor for more information.

English proficiency requirements

Applicants whose native language is other than English must demonstrate English proficiency regardless of length of residency in the U.S., their citizenship or their immigration status.

Gaps in Education

If an applicant has a gap in education of 5 or more years, they may be asked to establish a current academic record at another college or university prior to applying for admission at Seattle University.  In addition, recent prerequisite coursework may be needed to apply to specific majors. Please contact your Admissions Counselor for more information.

Direct Entry Admissions Requirements

Seattle University offers the distinct advantage of considering freshman applicants for direct admission to specific majors. Accordingly, there are specific additional requirements for admission to certain majors. 

Some programs require additional credit requirements for Direct Entry consideration. For instance, if a student indicates "Nursing" on the Common Application, that student will be considered for admission to Seattle University in the Nursing program. If admitted, that student will be eligible to begin taking classes—or pre-requisites—in the Nursing program from the start of their enrollment at SU and have a path to a degree in four years.


Albers School of Business and Economics  

Admission is not guaranteed, but we are looking for the following: 

General Requirements  

All Albers programs require the following: 

  • Applicant must complete three units of college preparatory mathematics. Pre-Calculus is not required but encouraged. Otherwise, students need to take it as a business elective.   
  • Demonstrated interest in math, business, entrepreneurship, or other related topics. 

Business Analytics 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • 3.5 GPA or higher is required.
  • Strong math background 

Business and Law 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • 3.5 GPA or higher is required 
  • Strong math background, ideally B or higher in Pre-Calculus (or in progress). 

Please note the following: Students who are enrolled in the Bridge program would not be able to complete the Business Foundation requirements in three years and therefore would not be able to enroll in Business and Law. 

 

 College of Arts and Sciences 

Admission is not guaranteed, but we are looking for the following: 

General Requirements  

All College of Arts and Sciences programs require the following: 

  • English: 4 units 
  • Mathematics (college preparatory): 3 units 
  • Social studies: 3 units 
  • Laboratory Science: 2 units 
  • Foreign language: 2 units 
  • Additional academic units from above disciplines: 2 units 

Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • 4 units of college preparatory mathematics (B grade or higher), including the equivalent of Pre-Calculus (complete or in-progress) 
  • Applicants must complete laboratory Biology and Chemistry (B grades or higher) to be considered for direct entry 

 College of Nursing 

Admission is not guaranteed, but we are looking for the following: 

General Requirements  

All College of Nursing programs require the following: 

  • Applicant must complete three units of college preparatory mathematics (with B grades or higher) including the equivalent of Pre-Calculus (complete or in-progress), as well as a full year of laboratory Biology and Laboratory Chemistry (with B grades or higher) to be viable candidates.   
  • Demonstrated interest in Nursing, Diagnostic Ultrasound, Science, or other related topics. 

Nursing 

Admission Requirements and considerations: 

  • 3.85-4.0 GPA 
  • Strong math and science foundation, with B grade or higher in Chemistry and Biology 
  • 4 years of Math, with Pre-Calculus (complete or in-progress) 
  • Strong interest in Nursing 
  • If test scores are submitted: 1210-1330 SAT, 25-29 ACT Composite with at least a 560 in Math 

Diagnostic Ultrasound 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • Strong math and science foundation  
  • B or higher in Physics and Chemistry (complete or in-progress) 
  • Four years of Math, Pre-Calculus Required (complete or in-progress).  
  • If test scores are submitted: at least 560 math score on SAT / 24 Math score on ACT  

College of Science and Engineering 

Admission is not guaranteed, but we are looking for the following: 

General Requirements  

All College of Science and Engineering programs require the following: 

  • Applicant must complete four units of college preparatory mathematics (B grades or higher) for admission to any of its specific majors.  
  • B- or higher in Algebra II or preferably a higher math course 
  • Generally, B’s or higher in math/science courses, particularly in direct major-related courses 
  • Strong math and science foundation, with a minimum of two lab sciences. 
  • Demonstrated interest in STEM courses and activities. 
  • Demonstrated interest in math, business, entrepreneurship, or other related topics. 

Engineering 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • Applicants must complete Chemistry (B grade or higher) 

Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry 

 

Admissions Requirements and Considerations: 

  • Applicants must complete Laboratory Biology and Chemistry (B grades or higher) to be considered for admission. 

Pre-Science, Pre-Engineering 
  • Four years of high school level math.  
  • Generally, B’s or better in math/science courses, particularly in direct major-related courses 
  • B- or better in Algebra II or preferably a higher math course. 
  • Strong math and science foundation, with a minimum of two lab sciences. 
  • Demonstrated interest in STEM courses and activities 

Please note that students who do not meet the qualifications listed above may still be admissible to the university and ultimately able to pursue the majors listed above (with the exception of Nursing). 

What if I don’t know what I want to major in? 

We have advisors that work with you to research, explore and prepare for a wide variety of majors. Students who have not yet selected a major should contact the Admissions Office to learn more about our Premajor, Pre-Business, Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering programs. See some more information below. 

Pre-Major Studies 

Unsure of what to major in? Working with Pre-Major Studies advisor, they will help to provide the framework, programming, and resources necessary to help you make informed decisions about choosing a major. They also help you process and interpret this information. 

Pre-Science Advising or Science (major undeclared) 

Are you interested in a Science major, but unsure of what field you want to pursue? Do you need to complete some prerequisites before you officially start your intended Science program? Pre-Science offers the opportunity to explore the different science disciplines and complete necessary prerequisites while being a part of the College of Science and Engineering.  

Pre-Engineering Advising or Engineering (major undeclared) 

Are you interested in Engineering, but unsure of what field of engineering is for you? Do you need to complete some prerequisites before you officially start your intended Engineering program? Pre-Engineering offers the opportunity to explore the different engineering disciplines and complete necessary prerequisites while being a part of the College of Science and Engineering. 

Pre-Business Advising or Business (major undeclared) 

Are you interested in Business, but unsure of what field you want to pursue? Do you need to complete some prerequisites before you officially start your intended Business program? Pre-Business offers the opportunity to explore different business majors and avenues and complete necessary prerequisites while being part of the Albers School of Business and Economics. 

 

Direct Entry Test Score Requirements

Note, the test score requirements outlined below apply only to those students choosing to submit SAT or ACT scores as a part of their admissions application. Test-optional admissions may be chosen for entry into any and all programs at Seattle University. Please note, for students applying test-optional, admissions will employ a holistic review process using transcripts, coursework, grade trend, recommendation letters and other application materials not including SAT or ACT test scores.

  SAT Math Score Minimum   ACT Math Score Minimum
All majors in the College of Science and Engineering* 560   24
College of Nursing 560   24
All majors in Albers School of Business and Economics  540   23
Business (all other majors) 540   23
Business and Law and Business Analytics 640   28
Kinesiology 560   24
Forensic Science (B.S.) 560   24

*with the exception of Pre-Science and Pre-Engineering