Overview
Seattle Pacific University Is Committed to Changing the World Through Community Service
One of the primary distinctions of Seattle Pacific University is its commitment to service. Seattle Pacific students, faculty, and alumni engage in activities that bring knowledge, skill, faith, and hope to communities across the globe. Such activities include serving disadvantaged youth in South Africa, developing computer languages for the Internet, practicing law in the inner city, and creating nutrition programs for senior citizens. These are added to the regular activities of working in churches, raising families, and participating in public life. Seattle Pacific prides itself on the fact that its students are "engaging the culture" and "changing the world."
Engaging Classes Taught by Dedicated Professors Contribute to Seattle Pacific's High Reputation
Seattle Pacific has been designated one of "America's Best Colleges" by "U.S. News & World Report" and selected one of the country's "Character Building Colleges" by the Templeton Foundation. One reason for this is the school's commitment to its students. Because SPU is a teaching university, students learn from experienced professors, not teaching assistants. Small classes allow students to interact with faculty members, gaining the confidence to express their ideas and pursue their academic goals.
Improvements and Expansions in Facilities Enhance Education in Science and Medical Fields
Seattle Pacific has a record that contributes to its reputation and prestige. In 2008, 94 percent of SPU's pre-medical students were accepted to medical schools. In addition, the school continues to make expansions and improvements in order to increase the ease with which its graduates achieve success. For example, SPU's $28-million high-tech science facility is enhancing students' preparation for careers in science, teacher education, and health-related professions. The $5.4 million renovation of Otto Miller Hall enhanced student learning in physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.
A Commitment to Christian Values Translates to a Community of Responsible, Ethical Citizens
Seattle Pacific's clear Christian commitment brings depth to the classroom and links the growth of academic competence with the formation of personal character. Ultimately, the university aims to help students graduate with a deep, thoughtful faith and the desire for Christian leadership and service. Seattle Pacific students spend thousands of hours assisting people in need throughout the city and around the world. In this way, SPU combines quality education with dedicated service in order to make a responsible contribution to society and to the world.
Diversity Is a Primary Value at Seattle Pacific, With Centers and Initiatives to Promote Intercultural Awareness
Seattle Pacific is home to the John Perkins Center for Reconciliation, Leadership Training, and Community Development. Founded in partnership with renowned evangelical leader John Perkins, this first-of-its-kind center seeks to attract more ethnically diverse students, faculty, and staff to SPU, and to ensure their success. Seattle Pacific also provides renewable scholarships for ethnic minority students through the Ames Minority Leadership Scholarships. Additionally, the Seattle Pacific student government's diversity initiatives include an intercultural director, which is a paid student-staff position; the Intercultural Initiatives Committee; and an elected position of intercultural senator. An intercultural activities coordinator lives in every residence hall on campus.
Opportunities for Internships and Jobs at Multinational Companies Make Seattle an Exciting Place to Study
Seattle Pacific University uses the city of Seattle as a multifaceted classroom. Hundreds of valuable internships each year provide priceless real-world experience. SPU students work in such diverse places as Microsoft, Boeing, KING-TV, the Seattle Opera, and the Seattle Mariners. From art museums to airplane production plants, students can find learning experiences in every neighborhood. And because of its natural assets, the Pacific Northwest region offers unparalleled recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, boating, and scuba diving.
Seattle Pacific Strives to Keep Tuition Affordable and Financial Aid Available for All Students
SPU has taken strong measures to ensure reasonable tuition costs. The tuition students pay at SPU is a prime investment in their future. It goes directly into the quality of their educational experience, supporting the academic program, the faculty, and the latest in learning technology. In addition, SPU will provide nearly $65 million in scholarships and financial aid to help qualified students attend the University in the 2009-10 school year.
Communicating With Prospective Students Helps SPU Personalize the University Experience
Seattle Pacific strives to make its missions and strengths known to the community at large. To this end, the school has recently introduced a new magazine called "etc," designed to promote the school's goals of engaging culture and changing the world. The magazine serves as a bridge between the SPU community and high school and college students. Additionally, SPU begins personalizing the college experience even before students have enrolled, offering visit events during the year and scheduling individual visits for prospective students. Visits include a campus tour, housing, meals, and transportation to and from commercial carriers.
