Seattle Pacific University Top Questions

The worst thing about my school is that it is so expensive! I understand that private Universities are more expensive, I just wish that it didn't cost so much. I am paying for college solely from need based grants and scholarships!

The worst thing about SPU is the "bubble" that many students live in, whether intentionally or not. SPU could be entirely self-contained because all the necessary (and extra) social outlets are available without ever leaving campus. SPU is not Seattle. While students get off campus for restaurants or shopping, most do not invest in relationships with Seattlites. By isolating themselves on campus, students are uninformed about the needs of the greater community of Seattle. Suicide, homelessness, and non-religious involvement are a few grave problems in Seattle, yet students at SPU remain untouched and uninvolved with these issues.

The only thing that comes to mind is the housing situation. SPU has great dorms, but they have enrolled more students than they have room for. This led to a new mandate put into effect at the beginning of this year: dorms are no longer available to juniors or seniors (there are exceptions). Upperclassmen must find off campus lodging. I don't think it is right for the university to change the rules on students who enrolled with the understanding that they would have on-campus lodging for four years. A new dorm is scheduled but it will take time.

This is my second year at Seattle Pacific University and I am having trouble thinking of any complaints. They have been wonderful in keeping open and clear communication, supplying programs, offering specific help and advising when needed, and providing an excellent education. The only minor downfall I can think of is the poor ratio of men to women. No, this university is not perfect, but I am impressed at their organization and how enriching my experience has been.

SPU has lifestyle expectations that are good to an extent, but limit certain things. There is no drinking whatsoever, but it's almost worked as a catalyst in triggering students to drink just to spite the form we all signed. I understand that it's there for donors to look at and want to contribute money, but it needs to be altered in such a way that makes it fair to students, or doesn't promote actions of naive people wishing to go against what the school says just to make a point.

Lack of on campus acitivites, there is nothing to do besides school here.

Lack of diversity; most students are white upper class teenagers. My school is a Christian school so there is minimal diversity. Furthermore, ther is a certain degree of censorship of ideas and opinions.

The smaller size of the school sometimes limits funding or resources that could better our programs.

I am not sure

students can be closed-minded, snobbish. not many choices for classes because of size. required classes don't transfer at other universities.