Seattle University Earns Top U.S. News Rankings

Among the best national universities, Seattle University is the top-ranked university for best value of any institution in Washington state and is the highest ranked among private universities in the state for social mobility, according to the just-released 2025 undergraduate U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings.

SU also ranked #63 nationally for Most Innovative, the only institution in Washington state recognized in that category, which focuses on curriculum, technology and teaching methods. Additionally, Seattle University ranked #70 for undergraduate teaching—one of only two universities in state to appear on that list—highlighting its teaching excellence and the quality of education SU faculty provide. The university was also recognized as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. 

Overall, Seattle University was the third highest-ranked university in the state. 

Several individual Seattle University undergraduate programs were also recognized with high national rankings: 

• (Albers) Analytics (#15)
• (Albers) Marketing (#21)
• (Albers) Finance (#28)
• (Albers) Accounting (#29)
• (College of Science and Engineering) Engineering (#30)
• (College of Nursing) Nursing (#74)

“While rankings and their methodologies are highly imperfect tools for assessing the excellence of an academic program, we are delighted to see Seattle University receive this national recognition of what we already knew—that we are a superb and innovative academic institution that provides tremendous value for our students and is a powerful vehicle for social mobility,” says President Eduardo Peñalver.

The best value, social mobility and best university for veterans are based on formulas that consider outcomes and progress of work universities put in to ensure they are institutions providing great value to a diverse population. 

In the Best Value Schools category, Seattle University ranked #76 nationally. Value is determined by academic quality to price, the percentage of its undergraduates receiving need-based aid as well as scholarships or grants (such as the Pell Grant or Washington College Grant) and its average discount. This comes on the heels of the New York Times ranking SU as the most economically diverse university in Washington state earlier this year. 

SU moved up 45 spots in the social mobility rankings from last year’s rankings. U.S. News rated social mobility on schools that successfully enroll and graduate large proportions of students from disadvantaged backgrounds awarded with Pell Grants. 

The rankings come on the heels of the New York Times College-Access Index ranking SU as the most economically diverse selective university (public or private) in Washington state last year. 

“The latest U.S. News rankings recognize Seattle University’s commitment to inclusive academic excellence and the value of a Jesuit education that cares for the whole person, transforms the lives of our students, and contributes to the common good of our communities,” says Provost Shane P. Martin.