For those who believe that possibilities are never out of reach, the University of Washington is the place to learn, discover and create.
Ranked the 13th best university in the world*, the UW is home to a renowned medical center and top-ranked programs in medicine, engineering, nursing, law, business and social work.
The UW is the country's top public research institution and one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. Our main campus, situated in an urban neighborhood just minutes from downtown Seattle, draws over 31,000 UW undergraduates pursuing more than 180 majors. Every year, nearly 8,400 students augment their learning with hands-on research.
UW students are not required to live on campus, but two out of three freshmen do, creating a strong and supportive community. Residence halls and other campus facilities are heralded for their environmental sustainability, earning the University a place on the Princeton Review's Green Honor Roll seven years in a row. Hundreds of student organizations and dozens of intramural and club sports enrich the Husky experience.
Our students and faculty turn possibility into reality each and every day. By pursuing both ideas and ideals — by taking action and inspiring action — the UW community makes a real-world impact.
Do you dare to Be Boundless? At the University of Washington, you can.
*2017 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Shanghai Ranking Consultancy
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
UW Admissions
Address
Office of Admissions
Box 355852
Seattle, WA 98195-5852
Box 355852
Seattle, WA 98195-5852
Phone
206-543-9686
Email
visituw@uw.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Henry Art Gallery
Burke Museum
Meany Hall for Performing Arts
Football games at Husky Stadium
Waterfront Activities Center (WAC)
Suzzallo Library
Burke Museum
Meany Hall for Performing Arts
Football games at Husky Stadium
Waterfront Activities Center (WAC)
Suzzallo Library
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Pike Place Market and Waterfront
Seattle Center (EMP, Space Needle, Pac Sci Ctr)
Seattle Art Museum/Asian Art Museum
International District
Olympic Sculpture Park
Seattle Center (EMP, Space Needle, Pac Sci Ctr)
Seattle Art Museum/Asian Art Museum
International District
Olympic Sculpture Park
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday - Friday
8am - 5pm
206-543-9686
8am - 5pm
206-543-9686
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
No
Information Sessions
Available
Times
http://admit.washington.edu/Visit
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Athletic Department
Advance Notice
Other
Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.gohuskies.com/ViewArticle.dbm
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Varies
Arrangements
Drop in classes
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
By air. Seattle is served by Sea-Tac International Airport, about 20 minutes away.
By bus. More than 60 bus routes serve the U-District, including many that drive onto the campus itself. You may also take the train or light rail to downtown Seattle, then transfer to a bus for a quick ride to the University.
Driving Instructions to Campus
From Interstate 5 (I-5), northbound or southbound
Do not use the express lanes.
Take Exit #169 (UW — NE 45th St. Exit).
Go east (right turn from I-5 north, left turn from I-5 south) on NE 45th for about .5 mile.
Turn right on 15th Ave. NE and continue for several blocks to NE 41st St. Schmitz Hall is on the right (west) side of 15th Ave.
To park in the underground Central Plaza Parking Garage, turn left at NE 41st. Parking is $15 upon entrance (cash or Visa/Mastercard accepted). You may receive a partial refund depending on how long you stay.
From the east side of Lake Washington via SR 520 (the floating bridge)
Take SR 520 (the floating bridge) westbound toward Seattle.
Take the Montlake Blvd. NE exit.
Turn right (north) onto Montlake Blvd. and cross the Montlake Bridge.
Just past the bridge, turn left on Pacific Ave. and continue west for several blocks past the UW Medical Center and Health Sciences complex on your left.
Turn right at 15th Ave. NE and continue north about three blocks to NE 41st St.
Schmitz Hall is on the left (west) side of 15th Ave.
To park in the underground Central Plaza Parking Garage, turn right on NE 41st. Parking is $15 upon entrance (cash or Visa/Mastercard accepted). You may receive a partial refund depending on how long you stay.
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Through its admissions process, the UW seeks students who can benefit from its wealth of academic and cultural opportunities and contribute to its amazing energy and rich diversity of experience. Choosing students from a very able group of applicants requires a selection process that looks beyond grades and standardized tests.
The University uses an individualized application review more typically found at smaller private universities and colleges. In addition to grade-point average and test scores, we take into account many aspects of an applicant's achievements and personal history.
While the UW looks at many factors in reviewing applications for admission, academic preparation and performance are still primary. In addition to academic preparation and performance, personal achievements and characteristics such as a demonstrated commitment to community service can also indicate promise to benefit from and contribute to the University of Washington.
Overview
Applicants: 45,907
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Average HS GPA: 3.80
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
600 - 700
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
600 - 700
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
27 - 32
Testing Policies
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Regular — November 15
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Application Essay
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
As an educational powerhouse and the largest university in the Pacific Northwest, the UW offers a broad range of academic programs to support more than 34,000 undergraduates across all three campuses. Here are few examples:
First Year Programs empowers entering students to become engaged and confident learners by facilitating supportive communities and creating educational experiences. Activities include quarterly advising and orientation sessions, Dawg Daze, First Year Programs and Husky Adventures.
Freshman Collegium Seminars introduce first year students to the excitement of ideas and the richness of academic discovery. Students learn "shoulder-to-shoulder" with our best faculty, exploring big ideas, engaging in deep inquiry, and developing a sense of community with a small group of students. These seminars are an excellent introduction to the intellectual world of the university, and a welcoming environment for students still new to the campus. Grading is credit/no credit.
University Honors Program integrates challenging courses and diverse learning experiences for academically motivated students in a close community of faculty, staff, and peers. The core curriculum offers a broad liberal education, while departmental honors programs provide a deep disciplinary education.
Undergraduate Research Program facilitates research experiences for undergraduates with UW faculty members across departments and disciplines. Since 1997, it has produced the Undergraduate Research Symposium, during which hundreds of undergraduates present their research to the campus and community. It is among the largest symposia for undergraduates in the nation.
UW Leon Center supports academic programs that benefit from its unique location in the medieval center of León, Spain. By providing a space for study abroad programs, academic research, conferences, exhibits and cultural events, its goal is to foster understanding and compassion between cultures.
UW Rome Center is a renovated palazzo in Rome that hosts academic programs ranging from art history to landscape architecture. The facility provides studios, classrooms, a library and computer lab, student lounge, conference room, an administrative office and faculty accommodations.
UW Study Abroad extends the UW's global reach, offering more than 70 student exchanges with universities in locations that range from Argentina to Australia, Turkey to Taiwan. Students who enroll in short-term programs (often scheduled for 3 to 4 weeks in between academic quarters) might find themselves producing theatre in Spain or meeting businesswomen in India.
Majors and Degrees Offered
The UW offers bachelor's degrees in 180 fields of study, including highly ranked programs in business, communication, engineering, informatics, medicine, nursing, public health and social work. Graduate and doctoral students choose from 300-plus graduate degree programs offered in 16 schools and colleges.
Flexible study options include an online bachelor's degree completion program.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
19:1
Total Faculty
2,675
with Terminal Degree
1,704
1,412
Men
1,263
Women
559
Minority
518
International
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
20 - 29
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
67%
Graduate in 5 years
81%
Graduate in 6 years
84%
Majors
-
AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Food Science and Technology, Other.
Food Science.
Plant Sciences, General.
Soil Sciences, Other.
-
ARCHITECTURE AND RELATED SERVICES.
Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.
Architectural History and Criticism, General.
Architecture and Related Services, Other.
Architecture.
City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning.
Environmental Design/Architecture.
Interior Architecture.
Landscape Architecture.
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African Studies.
African-American/Black Studies.
American Indian/Native American Studies.
Area Studies, Other.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Baltic Studies.
Canadian Studies.
Chinese Studies.
Disability Studies.
East Asian Studies.
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies, Other.
European Studies/Civilization.
French Studies.
Gay/Lesbian Studies.
German Studies.
Italian Studies.
Japanese Studies.
Korean Studies.
Latin American Studies.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies.
Russian Studies.
Russian, Central European, East European and Eurasian Studies.
Scandinavian Studies.
South Asian Studies.
Southeast Asian Studies.
Spanish and Iberian Studies.
Women's Studies.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Animal Physiology.
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other.
Biochemistry.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biomedical Sciences, General.
Biometry/Biometrics.
Biostatistics.
Biotechnology.
Botany/Plant Biology.
Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
Conservation Biology.
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology, Other.
Environmental Biology.
Epidemiology.
Evolutionary Biology.
Genetics, General.
Genetics, Other.
Human/Medical Genetics.
Immunology.
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other.
Microbiology, General.
Molecular Biology.
Neurobiology and Anatomy.
Neuroscience.
Pathology/Experimental Pathology.
Pharmacology.
Physiology, General.
Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other.
Structural Biology.
Zoology/Animal Biology.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Auditing.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other.
Business Statistics.
Construction Management.
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations, Other.
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies.
Finance, General.
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Labor Studies.
Management Information Systems, General.
Management Science.
Marketing.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management.
Transportation/Mobility Management.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Journalism.
Political Communication.
Radio and Television.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Artificial Intelligence.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Science.
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other.
Informatics.
Information Science/Studies.
Information Technology.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Bilingual and Multilingual Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Business Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Curriculum and Instruction.
Drama and Dance Teacher Education.
Education, General.
Education, Other.
Educational Administration and Supervision, Other.
Educational Leadership and Administration, General.
Educational Statistics and Research Methods.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Family and Consumer Sciences/Home Economics Teacher Education.
Foreign Language Teacher Education.
French Language Teacher Education.
Geography Teacher Education.
German Language Teacher Education.
Health Teacher Education.
Higher Education/Higher Education Administration.
History Teacher Education.
Latin Teacher Education.
Learning Sciences.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Physics Teacher Education.
Psychology Teacher Education.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education.
Social Science Teacher Education.
Social Studies Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
Special Education and Teaching, Other.
Speech Teacher Education.
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other.
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor.
Technology Teacher Education/Industrial Arts Teacher Education.
-
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS.
Nanotechnology.
-
ENGINEERING.
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
Biological/Biosystems Engineering.
Ceramic Sciences and Engineering.
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Chemical Engineering.
Civil Engineering, General.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Engineering, General.
Engineering, Other.
Forest Engineering.
Industrial Engineering.
Manufacturing Engineering.
Materials Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering.
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.
Metallurgical Engineering.
Mining and Mineral Engineering.
Nuclear Engineering.
Operations Research.
Transportation and Highway Engineering.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
American Literature (United States).
Creative Writing.
English Language and Literature, General.
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing.
Writing, General.
-
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES/HUMAN SCIENCES.
Apparel and Textile Manufacture.
Apparel and Textiles, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
American Sign Language (ASL).
Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Ancient/Classical Greek Language and Literature.
Baltic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Chinese Language and Literature.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Comparative Literature.
Danish Language and Literature.
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Hindi Language and Literature.
Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Italian Language and Literature.
Japanese Language and Literature.
Korean Language and Literature.
Latin Language and Literature.
Linguistics.
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other.
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Norwegian Language and Literature.
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Russian Language and Literature.
Sanskrit and Classical Indian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Scandinavian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Slavic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General.
South Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
Spanish Language and Literature.
Swedish Language and Literature.
Tamil Language and Literature.
Tibetan Language and Literature.
Uralic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
Advanced General Dentistry.
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences, Other.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other.
Audiology/Audiologist.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist.
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science and Allied Professions, Other.
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General.
Community Health and Preventive Medicine.
Comparative and Laboratory Animal Medicine.
Dental Clinical Sciences, General.
Dental Hygiene/Hygienist.
Dentistry.
Dietetics/Dietitian.
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).
Endodontics/Endodontology.
Environmental Health.
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator.
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.
Health Services Administration.
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
International Public Health/International Health.
Maternal and Child Health.
Maternal/Child Health and Neonatal Nurse/Nursing.
Medical Informatics.
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.
Medical Scientist.
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
Medicine.
Nursing Administration.
Nursing Practice.
Nursing Science.
Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene.
Occupational Therapy/Therapist.
Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Orthodontics/Orthodontology.
Orthotist/Prosthetist.
Palliative Care Nursing.
Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics.
Periodontics/Periodontology.
Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Pharmaceutics and Drug Design.
Pharmacy Administration and Pharmacy Policy and Regulatory Affairs.
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Other.
Pharmacy.
Physical Therapy/Therapist.
Physician Assistant.
Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology.
Public Health, General.
Public Health, Other.
Public Health/Community Nurse/Nursing.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, Other.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, Other.
Rehabilitation Science.
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
-
HISTORY.
History and Philosophy of Science and Technology.
History, General.
History, Other.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Corrections and Criminal Justice, Other.
-
LEGAL PROFESSIONS AND STUDIES.
Advanced Legal Research/Studies, General.
American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence.
Comparative Law.
Health Law.
International Business, Trade, and Tax Law.
International Law and Legal Studies.
Law.
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies, Other.
Legal Studies, General.
Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate).
Tax Law/Taxation.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, Other.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
LIBRARY SCIENCE.
Library and Information Science.
Library Science, Other.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Applied Mathematics, General.
Applied Mathematics, Other.
Computational Mathematics.
Mathematical Statistics and Probability.
Mathematics, General.
Mathematics, Other.
Statistics, General.
-
MILITARY SCIENCE, LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONAL ART.
Air Force JROTC/ROTC.
Army JROTC/ROTC.
Navy/Marine Corps JROTC/ROTC.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Behavioral Sciences.
Human Computer Interaction.
Mathematics and Computer Science.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
Museology/Museum Studies.
Natural Sciences.
Nutrition Sciences.
Science, Technology and Society.
-
NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Science.
Environmental Studies.
Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management.
Forest Management/Forest Resources Management.
Forest Resources Production and Management.
Forest Sciences and Biology.
Forestry, General.
Forestry, Other.
Natural Resources and Conservation, Other.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.
Natural Resources Management and Policy.
Urban Forestry.
Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management.
Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.
Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, Other.
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management, General.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Ethics.
Islamic Studies.
Jewish/Judaic Studies.
Philosophy, Other.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
Astronomy.
Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology.
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
Chemistry, General.
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
Geophysics and Seismology.
Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.
Physics, General.
Physics, Other.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Clinical Psychology.
Educational Psychology.
Physiological Psychology/Psychobiology.
Psychology, General.
Psychology, Other.
School Psychology.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Community Organization and Advocacy.
Human Services, General.
Public Administration.
Public Policy Analysis, General.
Social Work, Other.
Social Work.
Youth Services/Administration.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
American Government and Politics (United States).
Anthropology.
Demography and Population Studies.
Development Economics and International Development.
Economics, General.
Geography.
International Economics.
International Relations and Affairs.
Physical and Biological Anthropology.
Political Science and Government, General.
Political Science and Government, Other.
Social Sciences, General.
Social Sciences, Other.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Acting.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Ceramic Arts and Ceramics.
Conducting.
Dance, General.
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
Design and Visual Communications, General.
Directing and Theatrical Production.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Dramatic/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft, Other.
Fiber, Textile and Weaving Arts.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine Arts and Art Studies, Other.
Graphic Design.
Industrial and Product Design.
Interior Design.
Jazz/Jazz Studies.
Keyboard Instruments.
Metal and Jewelry Arts.
Music History, Literature, and Theory.
Music Pedagogy.
Music Performance, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Music, Other.
Musicology and Ethnomusicology.
Painting.
Percussion Instruments.
Photography.
Printmaking.
Sculpture.
Stringed Instruments.
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Theatre Literature, History and Criticism.
Visual and Performing Arts, Other.
Voice and Opera.
Students Say
Students find “a great combination of high-powered academics, an excellent social life, and a wide variety of courses, all in the midst of the exciting Seattle life” at the University of Washington, the state’s flagship institution of higher learning. UW offers “a lot of really stellar programs and the best bang for the buck, especially for in-state students or those in the sciences.” Indeed, science programs “are incredible. The research going on here is cutting-edge and the leaders of biomedical sciences, stem cell research, etc. are accessible to students.” Undergrads warn, however, that science programs are extremely competitive, “high pressure,” and “challenging,” with “core classes taught in lectures that seat more than 500 people,” creating the sense that “professors don’t seem to care too much whether you succeed.” Pre-professional programs in business, law, nursing, medicine, and engineering all earn high marks, although again with the caveat that the workload is tough and the hand-holding nominal. As one student puts it, “The University of Washington provides every resource and opportunity for its students to succeed. You just have to take advantage of them. No one will do it for you.” For those fortunate enough to get in, the Honors Program “creates a smaller community of highly motivated students…It puts this school on top.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Doctoral
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Doctoral
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Bill Gates Sr.
Successful attorney, community and philanthropy leader, former UW Regent
Anna Faris
Actress
Sally Jewell
51st U.S. Secretary of the Interior, former CEO of REI, former UW Regent
Bonnie Dunbar
Accomplished NASA Astronaut, former CEO of The Museum of Flight
Bruce Nordstrom
Business and retail leader
Ryan Lewis
Musician
Mayilynne Roberton
Pulitzer Prize winning fiction writer and essayist
Academic Rating
81/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
67%
Graduate in 5 years
81%
Graduate in 6 years
84%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Opportunities at School
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Information from PayScale:
Starting Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$59,900
Mid-Career Median Salary (Up to Bachelor's degree completed, only)
$111,800
Starting Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$61,100
Mid-Career Median Salary (At least Bachelor's degree)
$116,000
Percent High Job Meaning
52%
Percent STEM
34%
Students Say
Internship, leadership, and service learning experiences are all on the menu at the University of Washington, where offices like The Career Center and the Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity are dedicated to connecting students with opportunity. For example, students and faculty work side-by-side on projects through the Undergraduate Research Program, or undergrads may join in the Community for Social Progress, which links academics with service learning in the community. HuskyJobs consolidates job postings, internships, and volunteer opportunities, as well as information about employers who are interviewing on campus, all in one handy place. Even better, career workshops aren't just for enrolled students—the two-day Dependable Strengths Seminars are geared toward alumni or community members “in any stage of career transition.”
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
The UW is proud to be a globally ranked university with a budget-minded price tag. For Washington residents, estimated tuition for 2014-15 is $10,753. Additional expenses, such as room and board, books and supplies, bring the annual total cost of attendance to approximately $25,948.
For nonresidents, estimated tuition for 2014-15 is $34,791 and additional expenses, including room and board, bring the annual total to approximately $49,986.
The UW does not participate, at the undergraduate level, in any programs for out-of-state students to pay in-state tuition.
Find more information about the total costs of attendance at the UW.
Find more information about scholarships for incoming freshman.
Financial Aid
We believe students from all economic backgrounds should have the opportunity to attend the UW. Each year about 60 percent of undergraduates receive some $400 million in financial aid. We offer a wide array of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs to help students at all economic levels pay for their education. For Washington state residents, the UW offers the Husky Promise, our guarantee to Washington state students that we will not let financial challenges stand in the way of discovering their potential or achieving a UW degree. If students are admitted to the UW and qualify for the Husky Promise, we promise to pay their tuition.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Apr 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$15,553
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$16,043
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,146
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
35%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$16,677
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$17,500
Financial aid provided to international students
No
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$10,370
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$37,071
Required Fees
$1,095
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$900
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$678
On-Campus Room and Board
$13,296
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
College/university loans from institutional funds
Federal Nursing Loans
Federal Nursing Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
83/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
From the Anime Discovery Project to the Zimbabwean Music Club, UW students can choose from more than 900 student organizations, including a robust Greek system of roughly 50 sororities and fraternities.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
32,099
Foreign Countries Represented
76
Demographics
25.22%
Asian
2.96%
Black
8.31%
Hispanic
38.56%
Caucasian
1.07%
Unknown
15.59%
International
53% female
47% male
19% are out of state
92% are full time
8% are part time
Students Say
“At such a large university, there is no ‘typical’ student,” undergrads tell us, observing “one can find just about any demographic here and there is a huge variety in personalities.” There “are quite a lot of yuppies, but then again, it’s Seattle,” and by and large “the campus is ultraliberal. Most students care about the environment, are not religious, and are generally accepting of other diverse individuals.” Otherwise, “you’ve got your stereotypes: the Greeks, the street fashion pioneers, the various ethnic communities, the Oxford-looking grad students, etc.” In terms of demographics, “the typical student at UW is white, middle-class, and is from the Seattle area,” but “there are a lot of African American students and a very large number of Asian students.” All groups “seem to socialize with each other.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
The UW is a multi-campus university with locations in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, Washington. The primary campus is situated on more than 600 acres in the University District, an urban neighborhood north of downtown Seattle. The campus is like a small city, with classic brick and new "green" buildings set among graceful paths and landscaped grounds that take advantage of beautiful water and mountain views.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
As the nation's top public research institution, the UW is home to cutting-edge laboratories led by the top researchers in their fields. Each year, thousands of undergraduates participate in hands-on research investigating everything from brain function to biodiversity.
The UW Quad, famous for its annual profusion of cherry blossoms, was recently named one of the country's 14 most beautiful and iconic quads. Nearby, Red Square is the central gathering place on campus, lined by gothic buildings and home to our largest lecture halls and performance spaces.
More than a dozen libraries enrich the academic life of campus, including the iconic Suzzallo Library, envisioned as the "soul of the university" when it was built in 1926. An example of the Collegiate Gothic style, the library is an architectural and historical treasure that features soaring arches, stained glass windows and a venerated reading room.
West of Red Square and Suzzallo Library, the UW's Husky football team has drawn generations of fans to its mammoth Husky Stadium, first constructed in 1920. Perched on the shore of Lake Washington, this beloved landmark offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline, the surrounding lakes and two mountain ranges. Most recently renovated in 2013, Husky Stadium hosts more than 70,000 cheering spectators at each game.
Off-Campus Opportunities
The fastest-growing city in the country, Seattle is a thriving technology and business hub known for its energetic startup culture. A vibrant arts and cultural scene enriches the Emerald City, while an abundance of nearby lakes, trails and mountains invite adventures into its backyard.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
29%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
89/99
First-Year Students living on campus
76%
Campus Environment
Large Urban
95/99
Housing Options
Apartment Married
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Apartment Single
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
UW students typically “have a good balance in their lives of education and fun.” They “generally study hard and work in the libraries, but once the nighttime hits, they look forward to enjoying the night with their friends.” Between the large university community and the surrounding city of Seattle, undergrads have a nearlimitless selection of extracurricular choices. As one student explains, “There are tons of options for fun in Seattle. Going down to Pike’s Market on a Saturday and eating your way through is always popular. There are tons of places to eat on ’The Ave,’” the shopping district that abuts campus, “and the UVillage shopping mall is a five minute walk from campus with chain-store comfort available. Intramural sports are big for activities, and going to undergraduate theater productions is never a disappointing experience. During autumn or spring renting a canoe and paddling around lake Washington down by the stadium is fun.” Husky football games “are amazing,” and the Greek community “is very big” without dominating campus social life. In short, “the UW has anything you could want to do in your free time.”
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
Disability Resources for Students
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Bree Callahan
College Entrance Tests Required
Yes
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Calculator allowed in exams
Yes
Dictionary allowed in exams
Yes
Computer allowed in exams
Yes
Spellchecker allowed in exams
Yes
Extended test time
Yes
Scribes
Yes
Proctors
Yes
Oral exams
Yes
Notetakers
Yes
Distraction-free environment
Yes
Accommodation for students with ADHD
Yes
Reading machine
Yes
Other assistive technology
Yes
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
800
Number of Honor Societies
13
Number of Social Sororities
16
Number of Religious Organizations
54
Sports
Athletic Division
Division I
2% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Huskies)
9 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Women's Sports (Huskies)
10 Sports
Basketball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Gymnastics
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Crew Rowing
Cross Country
Golf
Gymnastics
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Day Care
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Navy ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered on-campus
Sustainability
As you would expect of a university surrounded by one of the nation’s greatest forests, the University of Washington (UW) takes sustainability seriously and promotes ecologically sound practices. Its sustainability goals involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, measuring and reporting activities, and increasing interdisciplinary collaboration to foster sustainability in research and curriculum. The number of LEED-certified buildings on campus has more than doubled since 2010, with thirteen more in the works. The most recent, the Husky Union Building (HUB), features water use reduction, chemical and pollutant control, optimized energy performance, and reducing heat island effects. Recycling and composting is a way of life at the UW. Its comprehensive waste reduction program provides education, infrastructure and services to minimize waste and maximize reuse. Through these efforts, the UW currently diverts 61 percent of its total waste away from landfills toward organizations that give materials a second life. To reduce utility costs and increase energy efficiency, UW has installed solar panels, retrofit fixtures and replaced 1,800 inefficient toilets. Savings include an estimated 50 million gallons of water annually, avoided costs of nearly $50 million over ten years from all energy conservation efforts. Fifty-three percent of food served on campus is organic, local or fair trade. The university also has a fleet of more than 400 alternative-fuel vehicles. The four-part Climate of Change video series (https://green.uw.edu/climate-of-change) explores the University of Washington's sustainability efforts in the areas of research, teaching, co-curricular programs, and campus operations. Students are the heart of sustainability on campus. The UW encourages student engagement in sustainability through its Climate Action Plan, outreach efforts, curriculum, research grants, internships and more. Students participate in sustainability-related projects, events, clubs, and even initiated a student fee, called the Campus Sustainability Fund, that goes toward student-led campus projects with environmental impact. In 2013, the UW established the Green Seed Fund, which provides grants for faculty, students and staff research projects that contribute to campus sustainability goals. The UW maintains a culture of sustainability so that students learn by example and actively contribute to global change, in college and beyond.
98/99
AASHE STARS® rating
GOLD
School Has Formal Sustainability Committee
Yes
Sustainability-focused degree available
Yes
School employs a sustainability officer
Yes
Public GHG inventory plan
Yes
% food budget spent on local/organic food
32%
Available Transportation Alternatives
Bike Share
Yes
Car Sharing Program
Yes
Carpool/Vanpool Matching Program
Yes
Condensed Work Week Option For Employees
Yes
Free Or Reduced Price Transit Passes And/Or Free Campus Shuttle
Yes
Incentives Or Programs To Encourage Employees To Live Close To Campus
Yes
Indoor And Secure Bike Storage, Shower Facilities, And Lockers For Bicycle Commuters
Yes
Reduced Parking Fees For Car And Van Poolers
Yes
School Adopted A Policy Prohibiting Idling
Yes
School Developed Bicycle Plan
Yes
School Offers A Telecommute Program For Employees
Yes
Data provided by Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), STARS®, as of March, 2023.
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
Yes
Partnerships with Technology Companies
Yes
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Microsoft
Dell
Apple
