Founded in 1973 to teach working adults, City University of Seattle still runs on that idea. It is a private non-profit university with its main teaching site in downtown Seattle, and many of its students combine study with jobs. International students mostly take master's degrees in computer science, project management and business. Classes are small and often scheduled in the evening.
Seattle, Washington, United States
Official website: cityu.edu
1973
Private non-profit university
Downtown Seattle
NWCCU
$18,000 – $26,000
International students, master's programmes
$22,000 – $28,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cityu.edu before you apply.
MS Computer Science
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MS Project Management
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
MA Counseling
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 80
BA Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan, Apr, Jul
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
Evening and hybrid classes built around working students.
Several start dates across the year.
A downtown Seattle location close to tech employers.
Computer science graduates aim for developer and cloud roles at Seattle-area firms.
Project management graduates work in IT, construction and healthcare projects.
STEM-designated master's graduates may qualify for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Seattle's Link light rail runs from the airport straight through downtown, a short walk from CityU. Amazon's South Lake Union offices and Pike Place Market are close by.
Rent is high, so many students share apartments on Capitol Hill, in the University District or further out along the light rail line. Winters are grey and wet rather than cold.
Form I-20 issued by City University of Seattle
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
CityU admits students on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply at least three to four months before the chosen start to allow time for the I-20 and visa interview.
CityU runs a term-based calendar with several start dates across the year, including fall, winter and spring. Check the current calendar for your programme.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, City University of Seattle issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The MS in Computer Science, MS in Project Management and the MBA are the main choices for international students. You need a recognised bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80.
CityU offers some tuition awards and scholarships for new international students. Amounts vary by programme and intake, so ask the admissions team what is available.
