SPU Welcomes Record Number of Students, Strong Academics, Diversity Mark Incoming Class

Seattle, WA - Despite the uncertain economy, Seattle Pacific University welcomed the largest incoming class in its 119-year history. A record 4,120 undergraduate and graduate students started classes September 27.

The following is a list of the record-setting enrollment statistics for Autumn 2010. All of these are new records for SPU.

  • Total enrollment: 4,120 (undergraduate and graduate students)
  • Undergraduates only: 3,158 (freshmen, transfers, continuing, non-matriculated, post-baccalaureate)
  • New students (high school and transfer students): 960
  • Graduate students (master, doctoral, non-matriculated): 962
  • Persistence rate (last year’s freshmen returning as sophomores): 88 percent
  • Average SAT score: 1149 (up from last year’s score of 1122)

The Class of 2014 is made up of 23 percent ethnic minority students. This is the second year in a row when the ethnic minority rate has exceeded 20 percent.

“Students and families understand the clear benefits of a teaching university, and we have some of the very best faculty,” says Korb-Nice. “We are also a mission driven community, so connecting great academics and a clear sense of purpose creates quite a dynamic community.”

Korb-Nice adds that the university provided generous financial aid opportunities, and worked closely with families and students wanting to come to SPU.

Founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University is a premier Christian university that equips people to engage the culture and change the world. Its comprehensive academic program serves more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Known for both their competence and character, SPU graduates are bringing about positive change in communities around the globe.

Posted: Monday, September 27, 2010