City University of Seattle (CityU) is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1973 in Seattle, Washington, ranked in the #95-#124 band of US News Best Regional Universities West 2026-2027. The university operates a quarter-based hybrid model with campus, online and on-site delivery across four annual intakes.
CityU offers 60+ degree programmes across Business, Technology, Education and Social Sciences, all taught in English, with over 500 international students on record each year. The institution runs an open admissions policy for Indian applicants with rolling deadlines, plus a dedicated International Student Office. Programme delivery combines classroom, hybrid and online formats, useful for working professionals in India. universities in USA often cost far more, making CityU one of the accessible pathways.
- US News Regional West Rank: #95-#124 (2026-2027)
- Acceptance Rate: 100% (open admissions)
- Intakes: Fall (Oct), Winter (Jan), Spring (Apr), Summer (Jul)
- Graduate Tuition: $925/credit (₹87,720/credit)
- International Students: 500+ on Seattle campus
- Average Graduate Salary: $77,200/year (₹73.2 Lakh/year)
Also Check: MS in USA Complete Guide for Indian Students
The application fee is $50 (₹4,742) and CityU accepts three merit scholarships worth $2,000 to $10,000 for first-time international applicants. Indian students on the F-1 visa qualify for OPT of up to 12 months, extendable to 36 months for STEM tracks like MS Computer Science and MS Cybersecurity. The city ranks among the more expensive US metros, so applicants should budget for cost of living in Seattle alongside tuition.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Closing Soon (Autumn 2026 intake). Applications for the October 2026 quarter close on 1 September 2026 for overseas applicants. The next intake, Winter 2027 (January start), closes 1 November 2026, followed by Spring 2027 (1 February 2027) and Summer 2027 (1 May 2027). Indian applicants should apply at least 60 days before the intake to allow F-1 visa processing.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at City University of Seattle 2026
- City University of Seattle Admission 2026
- City University of Seattle Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
- City University of Seattle Acceptance Rate 2026
- City University of Seattle Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
- City University of Seattle Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- City University of Seattle Scholarships 2026
- City University of Seattle Rankings 2027
- City University of Seattle Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
- City University of Seattle vs Peer Universities
- City University of Seattle FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at City University of Seattle 2026
City University of Seattle charges tuition on a per-credit basis. Undergraduate 100-200 level courses cost $525/credit, 300-400 level courses $605-$635/credit, and graduate courses $925/credit for international F-1 students. Bachelor’s programmes span four years (180 credits) and master’s programmes range from 45 to 90 credits.
Top 10 Postgraduate Courses at City University of Seattle 2026
Graduate programmes are billed at a uniform $925 per credit. Total fees below are estimated using standard credit counts published by the school and the official per-credit rate.
| Program | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration | 18 months | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Computer Science | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Computing/related with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Project Management | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MA Counseling | 3 years | $83,250 (estimated) | 78.9 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% + 2 references (recommended) |
| MEd Educational Leadership | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended) |
| MEd Leadership | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MEd Curriculum and Instruction | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended) |
| MEd Special Education | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) |
| MEd Reading and Literacy | 2 years | $41,625 (estimated) | 39.5 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in Education with 55% (recommended) |
| MEd School Counselling | 2 years | $55,500 (estimated) | 52.6 Lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% + references (recommended) |
Top 5 Undergraduate Courses at City University of Seattle 2026
Bachelor’s programmes require 180 credits over four years. Fees blend the 100-200 rate and the 300-400 rate, so estimated totals below use both bands for a standard sequence.
| Program | Duration | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR Lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS Business Administration | 4 years | $101,700 (estimated) | 96.5 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BS Cybersecurity and Information Assurance | 4 years | $104,400 (estimated) | 99.0 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 Science with 70% (recommended) |
| BA Management | 4 years | $101,700 (estimated) | 96.5 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| BS Criminal Justice | 4 years | $101,700 (estimated) | 96.5 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
| BA Education | 4 years | $101,700 (estimated) | 96.5 Lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 65% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants at CityU cluster in MBA, MS Computer Science and MEd tracks, mostly on hybrid delivery, which allows a quarter of on-site study followed by online coursework.
Read More: City University of Seattle Fees and Cost of Living Guide
City University of Seattle Admission 2026
CityU runs open, rolling admissions across four quarterly intakes each year. Autumn (October start) is the primary intake for Indian applicants, though the quarterly system means a candidate can start within 90 days of applying.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 application deadline | 1 September 2026 | Closing this week; move to Winter if past |
| Winter 2027 application deadline | 1 November 2026 | Most flexible for post-monsoon applicants |
| Spring 2027 application deadline | 1 February 2027 | Selected programmes, verify per course page |
| WES credential verification | Start 8 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required |
| Autumn 2026 programme start | 1 October 2026 | F-1 SEVIS I-20 mailed post-decision |
Planning note: As per the CityU international deadlines page, overseas applicants should apply 60 days before the intake to allow F-1 visa processing.
Read More: City University of Seattle Admissions Guide for Indian Students
City University of Seattle Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2026
CityU applies open admissions but still requires the following minimums for Indian applicants at UG and PG level.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree: Three or four-year bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); WES course-by-course evaluation required
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 59, or Duolingo English Test 110
- Documents: Passport copy, Financial Declaration Form, bank statements, transcripts, statement of purpose
- Waivers: No GRE or GMAT required for MBA, MS Computer Science or MEd tracks
Undergraduate Requirements
- Class 12: CBSE, ICSE or State Board with 65% to 70% (recommended); no SAT/ACT required
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 76, IELTS 6.0, PTE Academic 51, or Duolingo English Test 100
- Letters of recommendation: Mandatory for all bachelor’s applicants
Key insight: As per the CityU International Student Office, TOEFL and IELTS scores can be waived if the applicant’s Class 12 or bachelor’s was taught in English medium, but the waiver must be requested with the application.
City University of Seattle Acceptance Rate 2026
The City University of Seattle acceptance rate is 100% under the university’s open admissions policy, published on the official CityU admissions page. Every eligible international applicant who meets the minimum bachelor’s or Class 12 and English test thresholds receives an offer.
This does not mean documents are optional. As per CityU International Admissions, applications missing WES verification, financial proof or English test scores are held rather than rejected.
Reality check: A 100% rate reflects open access, not effortless entry. F-1 visa officers still assess ties to India and financial capacity separately from the CityU admission letter, and 6% of I-20 holders reportedly face F-1 refusal at Indian consulates.
Read More: City University of Seattle Acceptance Rate
City University of Seattle Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2026
Indian students should budget between $44,000 and $50,000/year (₹41.7 to ₹47.4 Lakh/year) at CityU. Tuition ranges from $22,000 to $28,000/year for a full-time load, and Seattle living costs add roughly $22,000/year.
City University of Seattle Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
Per-credit rates below are quoted directly from the CityU International Tuition page for the 2026-2027 academic year.
| Level | Per Credit (USD) | Per Credit (INR) | Estimated Annual (USD) | Estimated Annual (INR Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate 100/200 | $525 | ₹49,786 | $18,900 to $23,625 | 17.9 to 22.4 Lakh (estimated) |
| Undergraduate 300/400 (SBM) | $605 | ₹57,372 | $21,780 to $27,225 | 20.7 to 25.8 Lakh (estimated) |
| Undergraduate 300/400 (STC) | $635 | ₹60,217 | $22,860 to $28,575 | 21.7 to 27.1 Lakh (estimated) |
| Graduate | $925 | ₹87,720 | $22,200 to $29,600 | 21.1 to 28.1 Lakh (estimated) |
| Doctoral | $960 | ₹91,037 | $23,040 to $30,720 | 21.9 to 29.1 Lakh (estimated) |
[Source: City University of Seattle International Tuition 2026-2027]
Monthly Cost of Living in Seattle for Indian Students
Seattle is among the most expensive US metros for students. The table below uses market-median figures from named third-party student housing sources.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | $900 to $1,500 (estimated) | ₹85,347 to ₹1,42,245 (estimated) |
| Food and groceries | $350 to $650 (estimated) | ₹33,190 to ₹61,639 (estimated) |
| Transportation (ORCA pass) | $99 (estimated) | ₹9,388 (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | $120 (estimated) | ₹11,380 (estimated) |
| Personal and utilities | $250 (estimated) | ₹23,707 (estimated) |
| Total monthly | $1,719 to $2,619 (estimated) | ₹1.63 to ₹2.48 Lakh (estimated) |
| Total annual | $20,628 to $31,428 (estimated) | ₹19.6 to ₹29.8 Lakh (estimated) |
[Source: Amber Student and University Living Seattle 2026 estimates]
Insider note: Seattle rent varies sharply by neighbourhood. Areas near Denny Triangle, where the CityU main campus sits, are pricier than shared housing in Northgate or Rainier Valley, which most Indian students choose to keep rent below $1,000/month.
City University of Seattle Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main City University of Seattle campus sits at 521 Wall Street in Downtown Seattle, a short walk from Amazon HQ and the light-rail Westlake station.
- Location: Downtown Seattle, connected to the Sound Transit Link light rail (Westlake to SeaTac in 40 minutes)
- Housing: No on-campus dormitories, so all Indian students rent nearby; typical shared rent $900 to $1,500/month
- Learning modes: Every graduate programme is offered in classroom, hybrid or online format at the same tuition
- Facilities: Library, career services, writing centre, and 24-hour access to the online Brightspace learning platform
- Indian community: Small but active peer group; the International Student Office runs Diwali and Republic Day events each year
What Indian students say: Hybrid delivery helps working professionals in India retain a job through the first two quarters. However, US News rankings do not carry the weight of Group-of-Six research universities, so students value it more for the F-1 pathway and OPT eligibility.
City University of Seattle Scholarships 2026
CityU offers three officially confirmed merit scholarships for first-time international students, all disbursed across the first four quarters of enrolment. None specifically target Indian nationals, but all are open to them.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Award of Excellence | Merit | $10,000 (₹9.48 Lakh) | Combined grade average 95% or higher | 1 Sep (Fall); 1 Dec (Winter) |
| President’s Merit Award | Merit | $5,000 (₹4.74 Lakh) | Combined grade average 90% or higher | 1 Sep (Fall); 1 Dec (Winter) |
| Academic Achievement Scholarship | Merit | $2,000 (₹1.90 Lakh) | Combined grade average 75% or higher | 1 Sep (Fall); 1 Dec (Winter) |
[Source: CityU International Scholarships]
Planning note: These awards are tuition-only, first-come first-served, and require a Financial Declaration Form. Indian applicants with 90% or higher in Class 12 or bachelor’s should apply within 30 days of receiving admission to secure the President’s tier before the quota fills.
Read More: City University of Seattle Scholarships Guide
City University of Seattle Rankings 2027
CityU is not ranked in the QS, THE or ARWU global tables. Its strongest external recognition is the US News Best Regional Universities West band and its US News Online Bachelor’s ranking, both stable over three editions.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2027: Not ranked | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked |
| Times Higher Education World | 2026: Not ranked | 2025: Not ranked | 2024: Not ranked |
| US News Regional Universities West | 2026-2027: #95-#124 | 2025-2026: #95-#124 | 2024-2025: #103-#134 |
| US News Best Online Bachelor’s | 2026: Top 50 tier | 2025: Top 50 tier | 2024: Top 100 tier |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026-2027]
US News also ranks CityU #104 in Top Performers on Social Mobility 2026, recognising its higher-than-median enrolment of Pell-grant-eligible students.
Key insight: An Indian graduate on F-1 needs the SEVP-certified school list, not a QS number. CityU’s US News regional presence is enough for most US employer background checks, but tier-one investment banks or MBB consultancies rarely recruit here.
Read More: City University of Seattle Rankings Analysis
City University of Seattle Placements and Career Outcomes 2026
CityU publishes an average graduate salary of $77,200/year but does not release a centralised placement rate, reflecting its hybrid, working-professional profile.
- Average graduate salary: $77,200/year (₹73.2 Lakh/year)
- Median MBA outcomes: HR Manager $87,000 (₹82.5 Lakh); Project Manager IT $82,000 (₹77.8 Lakh)
- Common Seattle recruiters (representative): Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Providence Health, Starbucks
- Careers support: One-on-one advising, resume clinics and LinkedIn workshops through the Career Services office
- Post-study work: 12 months OPT for most master’s; 36 months STEM OPT for MS Computer Science and MS Cybersecurity
Insider note: Indian graduates rarely land Big Tech directly from CityU. Most convert their OPT into H-1B roles through mid-sized Seattle-area IT services firms or the local healthcare and defence supply base.
City University of Seattle vs Peer Universities
Peers below share the Pacific Northwest catchment and appeal to Indian applicants trading rank for affordability, delivery flexibility or Seattle location.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD) | Avg Annual PG Fee (INR Lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City University of Seattle | Not ranked | $22,200 to $29,600 | 21.1 to 28.1 Lakh | Rolling intakes, hybrid delivery |
| Seattle University | Not ranked | $41,500 (estimated) | 39.4 Lakh (estimated) | Jesuit, stronger local employer network |
| Northeastern University Seattle | #396 | $29,500 (estimated) | 28.0 Lakh (estimated) | Co-op work integration |
| University of Washington Bothell | Not ranked | $34,800 (estimated) | 33.0 Lakh (estimated) | Part of the R1 UW system |
| Washington State University | #601-#610 | $28,900 (estimated) | 27.4 Lakh (estimated) | Land-grant, wide research base |
[Source: QS World University Rankings 2027; institutional tuition schedules]
CityU stands out for its four annual intakes and per-credit billing that suits part-time Indian professionals. It trades off research prestige for accessibility, so the fit depends on career stage, not entrance score.
An Indian applicant looking at CityU should suit a working professional or non-traditional learner willing to invest ₹40 to ₹75 Lakh for tuition against a median $77,200 (₹73.2 Lakh) graduate salary and Seattle’s tech-dense job market. The clearest India-specific advantage is the 36-month STEM OPT window that MS Computer Science and MS Cybersecurity unlock, guiding a route to the F-1 to H-1B pathway.
CityU is not for applicants targeting FAANG, MBB or top MBA outcomes on brand alone, or those without $22,000/year in liquid funds; a more rank-driven applicant should evaluate Northeastern University Seattle or a public flagship like UW Bothell instead.
City University of Seattle FAQs
Ques. What English tests does City University of Seattle accept?
Ans. CityU accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test. Graduate applicants need TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6.5, PTE 59 or DET 110. Undergraduate applicants need TOEFL iBT 76, IELTS 6.0, PTE 51 or DET 100. Applicants whose Class 12 or bachelor’s was English-medium can apply for a waiver, submitted alongside the application with a school letter.
Ques. How long is STEM OPT at CityU after MS Computer Science?
Ans. OPT gives 12 months of post-completion work authorisation, extendable by 24 months if the degree is on the DHS STEM list. MS Computer Science and MS Cybersecurity at CityU qualify, giving Indian graduates 36 months in the US to sponsor an H-1B lottery. MBA and MEd do not qualify for STEM OPT, so those students only get 12 months.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time during CityU studies?
Ans. F-1 visa holders may work up to 20 hours/week on-campus during quarters and 40 hours/week during breaks. Off-campus employment needs Curricular Practical Training authorisation, granted for course-related internships after one full year of study. On-campus roles at CityU include library, IT help-desk and teaching assistantships, paying around $18 to $22/hour.
Ques. Does CityU waive GRE or GMAT for Indian MBA applicants?
Ans. Yes. CityU does not require GRE or GMAT for its MBA, MS Computer Science, MEd or MA Counseling programmes for international applicants. The admission decision leans on the bachelor’s transcript, WES evaluation, English test score and statement of purpose. This is a notable saver for Indian applicants who otherwise budget INR 24,000 for a GMAT attempt.
Ques. How much financial proof is required for the F-1 visa?
Ans. CityU asks for a Financial Declaration Form covering the first year of tuition plus living expenses, roughly $45,000 to $50,000 (₹42.7 to ₹47.4 Lakh). Bank statements, sponsor letters or education-loan sanction letters count. Indian applicants use HDFC Credila, ICICI, Axis Bank or Prodigy Finance most often; the loan sanction letter alone is accepted by the SEVIS office for I-20 issuance.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund CityU education loans?
Ans. CityU is on the approved list for HDFC Credila, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Prodigy Finance. Public-sector banks typically cap unsecured loans at INR 7.5 Lakh, so most CityU applicants stack a secured loan against property or an NBFC top-up. Loan disbursement usually needs the I-20 plus SEVIS receipt.
Ques. Can dependents accompany an F-1 student to Seattle?
Ans. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can join on an F-2 dependent visa. F-2 spouses cannot work or study full-time but may enrol in part-time or recreational courses. Adding a dependent raises the financial-proof threshold by roughly $6,000 for a spouse and $4,000 per child in the annual budget CityU submits to SEVIS.
Ques. When does City University of Seattle release admission decisions?
Ans. CityU decisions are typically issued within two to four weeks of a completed application on the rolling admissions calendar. Indian applicants who submit transcripts, WES evaluation, English scores and financial proof by early September for Autumn intake should receive an I-20 by end of September, leaving three weeks for the F-1 interview slot at a US consulate in India.
City University of Seattle Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 2 years | Application Deadline For Winter 2027 Intake (1st Nov 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (1st Feb 2027) | USD 17,452 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL iBT: 87 | IELTS: 6.5 | Duolingo: 110 | PTE: 59 | |
M.B.A 18 months | USD 19,722 /Yr | 50 | TOEFL iBT: 87 | IELTS: 6.5 | Duolingo: 110 | PTE: 59 | ||
B.A Education 4 years | USD 15,750 /Yr | 50 | Duolingo-120 |
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City University of Seattle Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| R&D Systems Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| QS Connect Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student$5,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BL Mandhana Scholarships | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based |
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City University of Seattle Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.cityu.edu/admissions-financialaid/admissions/application_process.aspx
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
City University of Seattle Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11192 | 840 | 10352 | - |
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