4 Year Colleges in Seattle? (Tacoma, Bellevue: fit in, loans, dorms)

[FXNT]

I'm having problems finding four-year colleges in Seattle that aren't religion-based. So far I've found one, U of W - Seattle.

I'd appreciate any help in the search. Thanks!

[orangeblossom]

That's it. Seattle U is Catholic,but Ive known many non Catholics ( even Atheists) that have gone there and say its not that big of a problem. That and they enjoy the smaller classes. So the UW,Antioch, & Bastyr would be your other options. If you want to do the hr commute try Evergreen.

[tudorjason]

You're either going to have State-run universities, private universities which are religion-based, or for-profit universities.

If you broadened your search for all of Washington, or even just Western Washington, you could have WSU (Wazu), UW at Tacoma, or Western, or Central, or Eastern Washington University.

And if you broadened to private universities, there are some great universities within Seattle city limits if you could afford it, such as Seattle and Seattle Pacific.

If you can help it, try to avoid for-profit institutions.

[Jake840]

35 minutes south of Seattle you have University of Puget Sound in Tacoma which is private liberal arts school.

And a bit further south you have PLU which is a Lutheran univesity but I have known many people that have gone there that aren't really religious.

From what I have heard those are the 2 most expensive schools in the state. But they do have financial aid.

[LongDawson]

My opinion: Private universities in Seattle are a pure ripoff and only for the filthy rich or utter fools who borrow money without thinking of what it will be like to pay them off.

UW has high standards of entrance however.

[Topaz]

I didn't attend Seattle U. but I conducted a research study there once and I was completely impressed with the faculty and the school. My husband attended grad school at Seattle U. and he says it was one of the best experiences of his life. If you can afford it or get financial aid, the school is excellent.

The only effect that Seattle U.'s religious roots had on my husband's grad school education was that there was one required course on values and leadership. He thought the class was extremely well-done.

[Deep_Vee]

Originally Posted by FXNT

I'm having problems finding four-year colleges in Seattle that aren't religion-based. So far I've found one, U of W - Seattle.

I'd appreciate any help in the search. Thanks!

While I’m partial to the UW, there are also branch campus programs tied to state universities at many of the local Community Colleges, Central Washington University at Edmonds, UW Bothell at Cascadia, EWU at Bellevue, etc. These programs earn you a full degree through the University, and aren’t actually tied to the Community colleges other than sharing the campus and, of course, defined tracks to transfer from the CC after 2 years to the 4 year program. Good luck.

[FXNT]

Do any of the community colleges have dorms?

Thanks for all the information. It's been very helpful.

[JupiterFire]

Originally Posted by Topaz

I didn't attend Seattle U. but I conducted a research study there once and I was completely impressed with the faculty and the school. My husband attended grad school at Seattle U. and he says it was one of the best experiences of his life. If you can afford it or get financial aid, the school is excellent.

The only effect that Seattle U.'s religious roots had on my husband's grad school education was that there was one required course on values and leadership. He thought the class was extremely well-done.

Yes, Seattle U is a great school! I graduated in 2003 and am still paying my loans off, but I would not trade my education for anything. I was able to get a grant which helped, so you'll definitely want to look into financial aid should you pursue SU. So, what made SU so great? Let's see...small classes, a beautiful campus, fantastic teachers, and interesting programs.
I took one "religious" class if you wanna call it that, and it was called Symbol, Ritual, Myth. I had the opportunity to study eastern religion, visit Buddhist temples, etc. I never felt that the Jesuit environment was constricting at all on this level. In fact, my 8 years in Catholic grade school was the real religious pressure cooker!

Anyhow, check it out and good luck

[FXNT]

Jupiter, it's good to hear that you had a great experience there. I've spent my entire life in Catholic schools which is why I was turned off by it, but you had a (similar) experience and still liked it. I'll look into it.