The Evergreen State College: 74.4% Acceptance Rate

74.4%Acceptance

$8,999Tuition

2,042Students

44%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,320Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About The Evergreen State College

Evergreen operates on a completely different model than most colleges. Students design their own academic programs instead of picking a major, and professors write detailed evaluations instead of giving letter grades. This approach to education has produced creative graduates like Matt Groening, who created The Simpsons, and cartoonist Lynda Barry. With just 2,042 students on a suburban campus in Olympia, Washington, Evergreen attracts students who want to think outside traditional academic boxes.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. After financial aid, students pay an average of $22,585 per year, which is reasonable for out-of-state families but steep for Washington residents who could attend other state schools for less. Graduates earn a median of $45,320 ten years after college, which puts them behind peers from more traditional programs. Students typically graduate with $20,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217. The 44% graduation rate suggests many students either transfer or take longer than six years to finish.

Evergreen's unconventional approach works well for self-motivated students but struggles with retention. Only 68% of students return for their second year, indicating the open-ended academic structure isn't right for everyone. The student body is 62% female and 74% from Washington state.

Academics & Faculty

Evergreen operates on a completely different academic model than traditional colleges. Students design their own interdisciplinary programs instead of choosing majors, and professors write detailed narrative evaluations rather than assign letter grades. This experimental approach attracts creative, self-motivated students who want to explore connections between subjects like environmental science, social justice, and the arts. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio allows for close mentoring relationships that are essential when you're creating your own curriculum. However, the 43.60% six-year graduation rate reflects that this unstructured environment isn't for everyone. Students who thrive here are independent learners comfortable with ambiguity and passionate about designing their own educational path.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 70.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 42.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 43.6%
Retention Rate: 68.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,320
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$55,770
Public Administration.	Master	$53,984
Natural Resources Conservation and Research.	Master	$42,682
Biological and Physical Sciences.	Bachelor	$24,730
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$23,558

View all 5 programs →

Campus Life

Evergreen's 1,000-acre campus sits in Olympia, about an hour south of Seattle, surrounded by thick Pacific Northwest forests. You'll need a good rain jacket more than sunscreen, as the area gets about 50 inches of rain per year and stays overcast much of the time. Only 25% of the 2,042 students live in campus housing, so most find apartments or houses in Olympia, which keeps campus life pretty quiet on weekends.

The school attracts students who want to escape traditional college structure. Instead of taking separate courses, you'll join "programs" that blend multiple subjects around themes like "Consciousness Studies" or "Food, Health and Sustainability." Students call professors by their first names and receive written evaluations instead of letter grades. Weekend activities often center around Olympia's music scene, outdoor adventures like hiking in nearby state parks, or student-organized events in the dorms. The campus culture leans heavily liberal and artsy, with many students sporting vintage clothes, band patches, and strong opinions about social issues. Don't expect big parties or Greek life here.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 520 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	2	2
Fondling	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0
Negligent Manslaughter	1	1
Burglary	1	0
Stalking	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–46°F
July Avg: 50°–77°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.6"
Annual Snowfall: 3.9"

Student Demographics

Evergreen draws creative, independent thinkers who want to escape traditional academic structure. With 74% of students from Washington, the college has built a strong local reputation among families who value alternative education approaches. The student body is 62% women, reflecting the school's appeal to students interested in social sciences, environmental studies, and arts programs where women often gravitate. About 41% receive Pell Grants, showing Evergreen attracts students from working-class backgrounds who see value in its unique self-designed curriculum and narrative evaluation system over conventional grades.

Men: 38.1%
Women: 61.9%
White: 57.3%
Black: 6.2%
Hispanic: 15.2%
Asian: 2.0%
In-State Students: 74.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.1%

Location

Evergreen State College sits in Olympia, Washington's capital city, about 60 miles southwest of Seattle. The 1,000-acre campus overlooks Puget Sound and sits near the edge of the Pacific Northwest's dense forests. Olympia feels like a small government town mixed with a college community, home to about 55,000 people who appreciate the area's liberal politics and outdoor culture. The campus itself borders 3,300 acres of forest preserve, giving students direct access to hiking trails and waterfront. Rain falls frequently from October through May, creating the lush green environment that defines the region. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Evergreen State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Olympia, Washington 98505-0001

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,320
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,113
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at The Evergreen State College?

The Evergreen State College accepts 74.37% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school is known for attracting students who want to design their own academic programs rather than follow traditional majors.

How much does The Evergreen State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,585 after aid, with 41.08% receiving financial assistance. The progressive college keeps costs relatively affordable for a distinctive education that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning.

Does The Evergreen State College use traditional grades?

The college uses narrative evaluations instead of letter grades, allowing professors to provide detailed written feedback. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, this personalized approach reflects Evergreen's commitment to alternative education methods.

What are the employment outcomes for The Evergreen State College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $45,320 ten years after graduation, with an 88.9% employment rate. The college's emphasis on creative and interdisciplinary studies has produced notable alumni like Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons.

Where is The Evergreen State College located and what is campus life like?

The 2,042-student college sits in Olympia, Washington, with housing for 520 students on campus. The forested campus in the Pacific Northwest attracts environmentally conscious students who appreciate the region's outdoor recreation opportunities.

How does The Evergreen State College's graduation rate compare to other schools?

Only 43.60% of students graduate within six years, below the national average. The college's experimental approach and self-directed learning style works well for motivated students but requires strong self-discipline to complete.