City University of Seattle

I would not recommend City U to anyone — ever! I registered for classes there in 2013 because they were offering a discount through my employer. They did not apply the discount correctly, as advertised, and it took forever to sort it all out. By the time it was worked out, and they only honored a portion of the advertised discount, it was too late for me to receive a full refund. This created a very stressful situation and the «apology» was very insincere. I finally made the decision to drop the class because I had waited to start the course until the tuition problem was worked out. Since they wouldn’t give a full refund I had to either continue on in the course or drop it and lose money — they would not bend or work with me in any way. I ultimately dropped the class because I was behind and unable to catch up after starting the work late. I also had paid for books that were not returnable. In the end I paid over $ 1200 for a class and books that I never actually took. It gets worse though. During that time my employer had decided to offer a training that was held at City U in Belltown. Because it was at City U there was a charge for the course. I registered and paid through my employer. City U applied the payment for that course to my personal tuition and did not notify me of anything. Over a year later — A YEAR! — they called me and said I had an outstanding balance. I provided my receipts and thought nothing of the error on their part. To my knowledge I had paid in full. Paid in full for a course I did not actually take mind you. to wrap it all up in short — I ultimately had to pay the additional cost to avoid City U reporting me as delinquent. I don’t think it was reasonable in any way. I’m more than willing to pay for what I owe but in this case it was a complete debacle on the part of City U and no concession on their part for being a disorganized mess of an institution. I will NEVER recommend City U to anyone… EVER! I would advise staying away from this place — they provide horrible service and do nothing to accommodate when they make a mistake, which seems to be common place from my experience.

Here for a training. Very nice facility with helpful staff. Affordable day parking within a few blocks.

This school is a joke, if you have any complains about the instructors the Dean wont do anything about it. Their instructors have not up to par, they generally late, take their shoes off in the classroom. CityU’s approach to the real world is lacking of about 20 years, save your money and stay away.

Note: This review is for the new City University headquarters and campus in Belltown. It is not a review of any City University programs, classes, instructors, etc.


FINALLY. Finally City University has a campus and corporate presence that lives up to, and even enhances, the University’s world-​wide reputation. Finally, there is a place in an urban location — on bus lines and near restaurants and stores — that will draw in students, creating a genuine academic atmosphere and community. Finally, as a City University advertisement that ran in the Seattle Times circa 1982 stated (
), «Your City is in our University.»
Before even entering the new City University campus you are taken aback by the majesty of the building. Sitting on the corner of 6^th and Wall, the building seems to announce itself to you. The turret which once held the iconic Seattle PI globe (
) proudly proclaims its new occupant and even a new lease on life (
). As you enter, you are greeted by the pristine art deco ornamentation that one assumes is original to the building (
). Continuing through to the building’s foyer, you can’t help but pause to take everything in. The room is grand, open, light and elegant. I understand that the foyer is available for private receptions and I can certainly understand why. It’s beautiful (
).
Walking forward to the library, one is struck by the thoughtfulness and creativity that has gone into understanding how a library can serve students of the digital age. The book assortment is focused and applicable to the curriculum (
), but more importantly, the library serves as a study hall, meeting space and research center. I also believe it serves as the heart of the new student center. You want to spend time there (
)!
As one tours the rest of the facility, the investment and thoughtfulness that went into the new campus is apparent everywhere. Meeting rooms, classrooms and conference rooms are well lit, decorated with northwest imagery, and supplied with the tools today’s students expect such as plenty of outlets for laptops and in some cases, LED displays (
). The second floor administrative office space is laid out in an organized manner, is well lit and yet still allows for City University team members to customize their space and let their personalities shine (
).
I have been to the new City University campus three times over the past month. Each time I find new things to admire (
), new details to appreciate (
). The campus is genuinely exciting and I firmly believe that this will lead to new and expansive opportunities for its students.
In March 2011 I authored a paper for an MBA level class at City University in which I made the case for City University to re-​embrace its «of Seattle» roots. As I wrote in that paper, «If City University of Seattle is truly going to be „of Seattle“ it must live up to this mission, providing continuing education locally, in a setting that inspires educational excellence. By taking bold steps, the university will be well poised to continue that mission.» (Note: I am certainly not implying that the City University management somehow saw my paper, thought it was brilliant and immediate began implementing it.)
Nevertheless, congratulations to City University, its administration, professional staff and everyone else who recognized the need to take bold steps and who contributed to this fabulous new campus. It is truly something to be very proud of.