Seattle University (SU)

Students attribute Seattle University with having "really expanded my thinking," thanks in part to its 12 core courses, taught in the Jesuit tradition, that are designed to teach "the whole person" and help them think critically and act ethically. But it's not only this-what some consider the school's greatest strength-that students admire and value. They also note that there are over 65 majors to choose from (including many other minors and specializations), and that active learning is a boon: "There are lots of hands-on activities and practice problems in class; I have never sat through an entire class of just lecturing." It's here that being a city school is most beneficial, as it leads to many praise-worthy opportunities for real-world experiences, such as the computer science capstone program in which local industries sponsor software engineering projects. Students also clarify that while the school has a traditional look to its campus, professors are willing and able to discuss the progressive political views held by many students: "They don't shy away from rough topics, which is important." Students speak about their professors affectionately, and the caliber of the instructors is frequently listed as one of the university's best assets. As one student notes, "I haven't had one professor that I didn't enjoy," and another adds that these teachers provide "absolutely amazing support for students academically."

The university reflects the spirit and culture of Seattle, leading one satisfied student with an interest in social justice to observe, "I think there are a lot more liberal students than the average college campus." This serves to unite the many students who are "passionate about social justice" and politically active for progressive causes, including environmental issues such as sustainability. Moreover, more than half of the students are minorities and over sixty percent are female, a circumstance that students are apt to praise. "Inclusion and diversity is a big part of what makes Seattle U a great university." There is a relatively large Asian population on campus consisting of approximately one-third of all undergraduates, and approximately half of all undergraduates are from out-of-state. In keeping with the university's Jesuit roots and its encouragement of spiritual life, there is also a comparatively large Catholic population (roughly 20 percent): "Our values of being a Jesuit University are shining through each student as they move forward with their academics, careers, and personal lives." One student simply sums up Seattle University undergraduates as "all from different backgrounds, but fun to be around, and we get along."

It's impossible to experience Seattle University without factoring in the city itself-the two are interwoven, and students note that its central location leads them to "take advantage of all the city has to offer" while another notes that the city's ubiquitous drink of choice makes "Off-campus coffee shops...the study spots." That said, the majority of first-year students live on campus, which provides another common location for activities. Students describe informal movie nights, cooking parties, or simply "hanging out" with their classmates as experiences that lead to camaraderie and a pleasant atmosphere. "It's a very friendly environment where students work together instead of competing against each other." That camaraderie carries over to the numerous and diverse on-campus activities as a major benefit of the school. From a club centered on Japanese food to an aerospace group to a club that explores the ethics of artificial intelligence, students appreciate the wide range of choices and feel that in general, the school "encourages...students to excel at what they like."