Founded in 1861, the University of Washington (UW) is a public research university that is known as one of the best higher learning institutions in the United States. Ranked in the top 10 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities, UW is best known for its medical research facilities, but has several majors that consistently rank in the top 20 of magazines such as "U.S. News & World Report."
The 683-acre campus is located just outside of downtown Seattle near Lake Washington in an area known as the University District. The school is routinely in the top five in research money throughout the year. Athletics play an integral role in student life, with the Washington Huskies football and basketball teams receiving the most attention. There are on-campus dorms available.
University of Washington
Northeast 45th Street and 17th Avenue Northeast
Seattle, WA 98105
206-543-2100
washington.edu
Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university of the liberal arts and sciences. Located in the Queen Anne section of Seattle, SPU was founded in 1891 as Seattle Seminary. It was renamed Seattle Pacific College in 1915 and took on its current namesake in 1977.
SPU is a small school with 3,891 enrolled as of 2007. Class sizes are small and intimate, with the largest classes maxing out at 30 students. There are four residence halls on or near the campus. SPU offers 60 undergraduate majors, 12 master's degrees and three doctoral degrees. There are both men's and women's athletics, with basketball being the dominant sport on campus.
Seattle Pacific University
3307 3rd Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
206-281-2000
spu.edu
Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic University located in the Capitol Hill section of Seattle. It is the largest independent university in the northwest United States. Founded in 1898 the campus has expanded into one of the more diverse colleges in the nation.
The school offers 61 bachelor's degrees and 31 graduate degrees. It also has a law school and a doctoral degree program. Seattle University has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability through the building of a green campus.
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
206-296-6000
seattleu.edu