By 1948, when the school's name was changed to Seattle University, student enrollment had neared 3,000. Over the next two decades the university's campus experienced rapid physical growth. A new home for the Fine Arts Department was dedicated in the fall of 1992. In fall 1989 the university established the Eastside Education Center in Bellevue and offered MBA classes for working professionals. Education classes were added the following year, and undergraduate business courses are now available in Bellevue.
Education courses are also available in Auburn.
The university added Everett to its list of off-campus education centers for business classes during winter quarter 1992. In 1990 the Institute for Theological Studies began offering theological and ministerial studies via satellite centers throughout the Puget Sound area. The institute, a joint venture between the university and the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, is the only one of its kind in the country.