When considering studying abroad or attending college in Seattle, most people will likely first think of the University of Washington (UW). After all, it is a well-known large public university. However, if you walk through the heart of Capitol Hill, the trendiest neighborhood right next to downtown Seattle, you will come across a very neat and compact campus, which is Seattle University (SU).

Founded in 1891, this historic Jesuit Catholic private university is somewhat less recognized among Koreans compared to UW. Additionally, being a private university, the tuition is not insignificant. So, is this expensive private university worth the cost, whether it's my money or my parents' money? Let's take a cold, hard look at the reality of tuition and the outcomes after graduation.

As of now, SU's annual tuition is approximately between $57,000 and $59,000. When you factor in the high cost of living in Seattle, the room and board expenses are about $16,000, and when you add in the cost of books and personal expenses, the total cost of attendance is roughly between $75,000 and $80,000 (over 100 million won).

Just looking at the numbers, you might think, "This is crazy; I might as well go to a public university." However, there is a unique twist with private universities. Over 90% of SU students receive some form of scholarship or financial aid. If you can secure merit-based scholarships or fellowships, the actual amount you pay (net price) can drop to around $35,000 to $40,000 per year. At this point, the tuition is not much different from what out-of-state students or international students pay at large public universities like UW. In other words, don't be intimidated by the 'sticker price' and actively negotiate for scholarships at this school.

Those who choose SU despite the high tuition are drawn by three distinct advantages that the school offers.

Seattle's Top-Tier Employment Cheat Code, Albers School of Business

What comes to mind when you think of Seattle? Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Costco—these global giants are headquartered here. SU's business school, the Albers School of Business and Economics, has strong ties with these companies. Because the school is smaller (with about 7,000 students), students often do not face the same level of competition as they would at large public universities, where thousands of students compete for internships or project opportunities. Professors frequently match students directly with internship or project opportunities at major companies. There is a solid reputation among local businesses that "SU graduates are smart and diligent," so they receive treatment in the Seattle job market that rivals that of UW graduates.

Law School Dominating Washington's Legal Field

Another key point is the Seattle University School of Law. It is one of the main hubs for producing lawyers in Washington state, with an extensive alumni network embedded in law firms, courts, and government agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest (PNW). If you want to establish yourself as a lawyer in Seattle, there is no better background than this.

Low Dropout Rate with Close-Knit Education

At large public universities like UW, classes can have 300 to 400 students, and it is common for professors to not even know your name or face by the time you graduate. In contrast, SU operates with a strict small class size (student-to-faculty ratio of about 11:1). All classes are taught by actual professors, not teaching assistants, which leads to fewer academic dropouts and deeper relationships when it comes to recommendation letters. Due to this holistic educational system and close-knit environment, student satisfaction is quite high.

This university is suitable for students who aim to communicate closely with professors and build local connections to secure employment in the city of opportunities that is Seattle.

While UW may have a stronger brand power, if you want to enjoy an educational environment that focuses on you instead of the suffocating competition of a large university, and you want to enter Seattle's mainstream society (IT, finance, law, nursing, etc.) in a meaningful way, Seattle University will be a choice you won't regret.