6 Best Universities In Seattle For International Students 2025

Seattle is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 6 universities in Seattle, University of Washington and Seattle University are the top-performing schools in Seattle. This list covers both public and private institutions in Seattle.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Seattle, Washington. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Seattle, Washington.

Rank University Country Type
1 University of Washington United States Public
2 Seattle University United States Private
3 Seattle Pacific University United States Private
4 City University of Seattle United States Private
5 Seattle Central College United States Public
6 Cornish College of the Arts United States Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Seattle?

Applying to the universities in Seattle involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Seattle to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Seattle?

Tuition fees at Seattle’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 14,600 USD to 50,400 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 8,925 USD to 39,700 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Seattle!

As we cover the best universities in Seattle for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Seattle for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#15 in United States
#16 in North America
#21 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 60,133

Adding to the colorful history of the West Coast is the University of Washington. One of the oldest and most prominent universities in the area, the University of Washington caters to students across its three campuses: Seattle (main campus), Bothell, and Tacoma. On top of its reputation for innovative research, it also boasts a strong connection with the tech industry, frequently collaborating with brands and housing tech startups.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#228 in United States
#257 in North America
#799 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 7,268

Located in a city of innovation and global values, Seattle University is an institution for lifelong learning and competency. It offers over 60 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs and several professional certificates in the fields of business, education, medicine, and science and technology. Seattle University graduates are highly sought after by companies and recruitment firms, landing jobs immediately after graduation.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#539 in United States
#607 in North America
#1831 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,601

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university. It offers many degree programs in different fields, such as business, economics, and science, among others. Among its remarkable training facilities, the university also has science buildings and a four-story library where students can learn and interact with one another.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#943 in United States
#1045 in North America
#3058 in World
Percentage of International Students
8%
Total Number of students - 6,367
International Number of students - 495

The City University of Seattle is a private, non-profit university that is recognized as one of the top adult educators in the country. The university offers various degree programs and certificates encompassing health, business, and other fields. Aside from offering degrees in both undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is also in partnership with Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1015 in United States
#1117 in North America
#3264 in World
Percentage of International Students
10%
Total Number of students - 14,722
International Number of students - 1,434

Seattle Central College is one of the three colleges that is part of Seattle Colleges. Located in Washington, this public institution primarily focuses on providing associate degrees, training programs, transitional studies, high school programs, and bachelor’s degree programs. Most of its programs are career-oriented, and it equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the quality of teaching is among the best in Seattle. Professors and educators of the college are highly competent and nationally recognized for their talents and abilities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#1284 in United States
#1397 in North America
#4160 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 635

Cornish College of the Arts is a private art college in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1914 as the Cornish School of Music. The university serves as a hub for artists to further their fine arts education and develop their creative thinking skills. Among the programs available are Acting, Animation, Film, Game Art, and Interior Architecture.

We know that choosing your dream school in Seattle not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Seattle, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Seattle! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!