City University of Seattle Admissions 2025: Process, Requirements & Deadlines

City University of Seattle is a private nonprofit institution located in Seattle, Washington. You'll find that the university operates with flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults and offers convenient admission cycles throughout the year. It’s one of the best universities to study in USA.

It has approximately 6,427 students from around the world, including 45% from the United States and 35% from Canada. The institution provides over 65 flexible degree and certificate programs across disciplines including education, business administration and human services. 

You'll benefit from practical, career-focused education with online (62%), hybrid (19%), and in-person (20%) learning formats designed to support your professional advancement.

Here's a brief overview of the City University of Seattle Admission essential facts you'll need before applying:

Now, let’s discuss City University of Seattle's key dates and deadlines for each admission intake.

City University of Seattle Admission Dates

City University of Seattle provides four convenient intakes: Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (April), and Summer (July), designed to accommodate working professionals' schedules.

City University of Seattle operates unique sessions within each academic quarter, offering flexibility for career advancement. All admission documents must be received at least 30 days prior to the start of the initial term of enrollment (60 days recommended for international applicants).

Most programs follow open enrollment policies with rolling admissions, though applications require a $50 (INR 4.2K) application fee. Specialized healthcare and education programs may have specific prerequisites and earlier submission requirements.

Let’s explore different intakes and their details at the City University of Seattle.

Summer (July)

The summer quarter at City University of Seattle caters to professionals seeking accelerated program completion during the warmer months. This intake particularly benefits those in education and business fields who want to utilize summer breaks for internships and career development. Mandatory orientation takes place in July itself.

Many programs maintain continuous enrollment, allowing you to begin your studies when it suits your professional timeline. Here’s an overview of the dates:

Note: Rolling Admission enables you to submit applications throughout the year, with admissions decisions processed promptly upon receipt of complete documentation.*

Following the summer quarter, the fall intake represents the traditional academic year beginning for most students.

Fall (September)

The Fall quarter at City University of Seattle serves as the primary intake period, accommodating the largest number of new students across all programs. This timing aligns with traditional academic schedules while maintaining the flexibility working adults require for career transitions and advancement. Mandatory orientation takes place in September itself.

Here are some program details for the fall intake:

While fall intake offers the broadest program availability, City University also provides winter opportunities for mid-year career pivots.

Winter (January)

The Winter quarter at City University of Seattle offers a strategic mid-year entry point, particularly valuable for professionals making career transitions during the new year. Mandatory orientation takes place in January itself.

This intake provides excellent timing for those who've completed year-end evaluations and are ready to invest in professional development during the first quarter of the calendar year.

The following table highlights key programs available for winter entry:

Spring (April)

The Spring quarter represents City University of Seattle's final major intake before the summer period, offering fresh opportunities for professional growth during the second quarter. Mandatory orientation takes place in April.

This timing works exceptionally well for professionals who want to begin studies after completing first-quarter work commitments or those seeking to start before summer scheduling conflicts arise.

Once you've identified your preferred intake and program, the next step is to understand City University of Seattle's admission process.

City University of Seattle Admission Process

City University of Seattle’s admissions process is designed for working professionals, international students, and adult learners. The institution reviews applications using flexible criteria that emphasize professional experience, language proficiency levels, and academic readiness.

City University of Seattle serves over 500 international students annually at its Seattle campus, representing diverse backgrounds from around the world. The university maintains an inclusive approach that welcomes qualified applicants.

Here is a summary of the university admission process:

• Step 1: Application Submission: International students can submit their applications through City University of Seattle's online application portal. Required documents include:
  • Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
  • Personal statement 
  • Resume/CV highlighting professional experience
  • English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Copy of passport identification page
• Step 2: Submit Financial Documentation: International students must provide financial declaration forms and current bank statements demonstrating ability to cover tuition and living expenses. Documentation must show sufficient funds for the entire program duration.
• Step 3: Document Review & Application Assessment: The admissions team evaluates your professional background, academic preparation, and alignment with program requirements. The review process considers your career objectives and readiness for study.
• Step 4: Interview (Program Specific): Certain programs require interviews with administrative faculty, particularly for counseling, education, and specialized graduate programs. These conversations assess your fit with program expectations and career aspirations.
• Step 5: Admission Decision: City University of Seattle provides admission decisions after completing the comprehensive review. The timeline varies based on program and intake:
  • Regular applications: Decisions communicated within 2-4 weeks of complete application submission
  • Program-specific deadlines: Decisions align with quarterly intake schedules
• Step 6: Confirmation & Enrollment: Upon admission, you need to confirm your enrollment by submitting required documentation:
  • Enrollment confirmation: Submit by intake deadline dates
  • I-20 Form request: For F-1 visa status students
  • Medical insurance: Proof of coverage meeting university requirements
• Step 7: Visa Application (For International Students): After confirming enrollment, international students must obtain appropriate visas (F-1 for US programs or student visa for Canadian programs) using documentation provided by the university.

City University of Seattle requires an Application Fee of $50 USD (INR 4.2K approximately), which covers processing costs for your admission application.

The whole application process can feel overwhelming for international students. To help with this process you can schedule a free one-on-one counseling session with upGrad’s expert mentors. It will give you clarity and support through the whole process.

Now, let's explore the admissions process at City University of Seattle for the MBA program.

City University of Seattle MBA Admissions

City University of Seattle's MBA program operates with flexible enrollment options and provides convenience through multiple start dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer. The program stands out by eliminating standardized testing requirements.  

Students can complete the entire program in 39 quarter-credit hours, with the flexibility to finish in as little as 18 months. The university provides both online and on-campus learning formats, designed for working professionals. Notably, City University of Seattle Admission does not require GMAT or any standardized examination for admission, making it accessible to a broader range of candidates.

Now, let’s explore the detailed breakdown of admission standards and financial support for the City University of Seattle MBA program.

MBA Admission Requirements

City University of Seattle's Master of Business Administration program accepts applicants who possess a bachelor's degree from any accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75. The program welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds and does not mandate specific undergraduate degrees. 

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized testing like IELTS and TOEFL. Interestingly, GMAT scores are also not mandatory for admission.

Admission to the MBA at City University of Seattle requires meeting the following criteria:

To optimize your investment in the CityU MBA program, it's important to explore the various financial aid opportunities available to support you.

MBA Financial Aid Opportunities

City University of Seattle provides extensive financial assistance programs to make graduate education affordable for MBA candidates. The university offers various top study abroad scholarships. 

As a Yellow Ribbon School, City University of Seattle Admission proudly supports military personnel and veterans with specialized benefits. The average financial aid package provides significant support, with 50% of students receiving some form of financial assistance averaging $7,383 (INR 6.3L) annually.

Here are the available scholarships:

Next, let's examine the admission requirements for graduate degree programs offered at City University of Seattle.

City University of Seattle MS Admissions

City University of Seattle has several Master's degree programs, and each one has its own set of requirements. The university is known for being flexible and working-adult friendly, making it easier for people who are already working to continue their education. 

Most programs start in the Fall term but other 3 intakes are also available. The school also offers various ways to help students pay for their education. Here's what you need to know about getting into City University of Seattle's Master's programs:

MS Admission Requirements

Getting into a Master's program at City University of Seattle isn't too complicated, but you do need to meet certain basic requirements. You need a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, and if English isn't your first language, you'll need English-language scores as well. Most programs don't require GMAT or GRE scores.

Let's break down what you need for different programs:

Now, let’s discuss some of the program specific admission requirements and guidelines.

Program-Specific Requirements

Different Master's programs have their own special requirements on top of the basic ones. Understanding these requirements help you streamline the entire application process well. Here are some of the popular program requirements:

Now, let’s explore scholarships and financial aid options available for students enrolled in the Masters program.

MS Scholarships

City University of Seattle wants to help students pay for their education. They offer different scholarships like Graduate Capstone Scholarship with a one time award of $1,000 (INR 85K) that can help reduce your tuition costs. Most scholarships are reviewed four times a year, and you'll hear back from them by the first of each quarter.

Here are the main scholarship opportunities for graduate students:

Now, let’s discuss the admission requirements for other PG programs and certifications.

City University of Seattle: Other PG Programs Admission

City University of Seattle offers over 15 postgraduate programs beyond traditional master's degrees, including certificates and professional development courses. They provide specialized certificates in areas like Educational Leadership and Full-Stack Development, designed for working professionals who don’t want to commit to a master's program.

The admissions process for these programs is flexible with four intakes per year, making it easier for working adults to start when it fits their schedule. Applicants can apply online and submit supporting documents digitally, which makes the whole process more convenient.

Let's look at what you need to get into these postgraduate certificate programs.

Other PG Course Admission Requirements

City University of Seattle's graduate certificate programs are designed for people who already have work experience and want to build specific skills. Most programs require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but the GPA requirements are more flexible than traditional master's programs.

For example, the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership is perfect for teachers who want to become school administrators, while the Graduate Certificate in Full-Stack Development helps professionals break into tech careers. The Leadership program is specifically designed for professionals seeking administrator certification.

Here are the basic admission requirements for postgraduate certificate programs at City University of Seattle:

Now, let’s discuss the requirements for Bachelor’s programs at City University of Seattle Admission.

City University of Seattle Bachelor's Admissions

City University of Seattle provides flexible undergraduate degree programs like psychology that are designed specifically for working adults and transfer students. With multiple campus locations including Seattle, Everett, Tacoma, and Vancouver, the university serves students who need education that fits their busy schedules.

The institution operates on a unique quarterly system with rolling admissions, accepting applications throughout the year. CityU offers over 30 undergraduate degree programs through both online and on-site delivery methods, making higher education accessible to diverse student populations.

Now, let’s understand the benefits of choosing CityU for your bachelors degree.

Benefits of Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree at City University of Seattle

Around 51% of students in City University of Seattle are enrolled in bachelor programs, with a significant focus on adult learners and transfer students seeking flexible educational pathways. They combine flexibility, critical thinking, and practical education, making it an ideal choice for students seeking to advance their professional career through higher education.

Here are the key advantages of choosing City University of Seattle for your bachelor's degree:

• Flexible Learning Options: CityU offers both online and on-site classes. Students can choose accelerated programs or traditional programs to accommodate work and family commitments.
• Adult-Focused Education: The university specializes in serving working adults, and they understand the unique challenges adult learners face and design coursework accordingly.
• Transfer-Friendly Policies: CityU accepts significant transfer credits from previous college work and offers Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that convert professional experience into academic credit, reducing the time to complete the degree.
• Performance-Based Programs: Select degree programs use competency-based education models, allowing students to progress at their own pace rather than seat time requirements.
• Career-Relevant Curriculum: Programs are designed to ensure graduates possess skills directly applicable to their career goals. The university maintains strong connections with local employers and professional organizations.
• Small Class Sizes: With personalized attention from faculty and advisors, students receive individualized support throughout their academic journey, enhancing learning outcomes and student satisfaction.

City University of Seattle combines flexibility, practical education, and career focus, making it an ideal choice for students seeking to advance their professional prospects through higher education.

Now, let’s discuss the admission requirements for bachelors at CityU.

Bachelor's Admission Requirements at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle maintains an open admission policy for most undergraduate programs, designed to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of adult learners. You also get to be part of internships and co-op programs which align with your career goals. 

CityU operates on a rolling admission schedule with quarterly start dates, though international students must submit applications 30-60 days before their intended enrollment term to allow adequate processing time.

Essential requirements for undergraduate admission at City University of Seattle are:

Now, let’s discuss the funding and scholarships available for UG program students.

Bachelors Scholarship at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle offers various financial assistance options to help students manage educational expenses. The university provides both merit-based and need-based study abroad scholarships like the Federal Pell Grant, to support students.

Financial aid opportunities are designed to support the university's diverse student population, including working adults, transfer students, and those returning to education after extended breaks. Here are primary scholarship and aid options:

After exploring admission requirements and financial support options, incoming students benefit from understanding the student services available at City University of Seattle. Let’s explore.

City University of Seattle Student Support Services

CityU serves over 4,000 students annually with a focus on flexible learning options. They provide complete student support services designed to help adult learners and working professionals succeed in their education. Key support services include:

• Academic Support: The university provides on-demand help through Brainfuse for math, business, statistics, and writing support. Students can access tutoring services anytime, making it perfect for working adults. 
• Career Development: CityU's Career Services assists with job searches, resume format for students, interview tips and skills, career planning, and career counseling. 
• Counseling Services: The CityU Counseling Center is located at 521 Wall Street, Seattle, WA within the campus, providing mental health and wellness support to students.
• Student Portal Support: The university maintains a centralized Student Portal where students can access day-to-day information, university announcements, and important resources. 
• Academic Advising: CityU's advisors provide guidance through the admissions process and assist with course selection throughout the educational journey. 
• Housing Assistance: The university provides housing support for finding accommodation in the USA. It’s helpful for those relocating for their education or attending on-site programs.
• Flexible Learning Support: Given CityU's focus on working adults, the university offers specialized support for online learners, including technical assistance and guidance on balancing work, family, and education responsibilities.

These support services ensure City University of Seattle students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and professionally.