About University of Washington-Seattle Campus
The University of Washington commands respect as one of the nation's top public research institutions, with 31,588 students filling its Seattle campus. The school built its reputation on groundbreaking research in medicine and computer science, producing innovators like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and comedian Joel McHale. Students join a massive academic community where modern research meets the energy of a large city campus.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. In-state students pay an average net price of $13,485 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years out. Students typically leave with just $14,615 in debt and monthly loan payments of $155. The numbers work especially well for lower-income families, who pay an average of $6,398 annually. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $41,997 in tuition, though the strong earning potential helps justify the investment.
The student body reflects Seattle's diversity, with 27.25% Asian students and representation from across the economic spectrum. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but 94.90% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Big Ten athletics add school spirit, while the quarter system keeps academic pace brisk and intense.
The financial picture looks solid for most families. In-state students pay an average net price of $13,485 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years out. Students typically leave with just $14,615 in debt and monthly loan payments of $155. The numbers work especially well for lower-income families, who pay an average of $6,398 annually. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $41,997 in tuition, though the strong earning potential helps justify the investment.
The student body reflects Seattle's diversity, with 27.25% Asian students and representation from across the economic spectrum. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means large lecture halls are common, but 94.90% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Big Ten athletics add school spirit, while the quarter system keeps academic pace brisk and intense.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Washington stands among the nation's top public research universities, particularly well-known for its medical school, computer science program, and engineering departments. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students navigate larger class sizes typical of major research institutions but benefit from access to modern facilities and strong faculty conducting groundbreaking research. The 84% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support despite the university's massive scale of over 31,000 students. UW's research focus means undergraduates can participate in everything from biomedical studies to tech innovation projects. The quarter system keeps academic momentum fast-paced, while the university's Seattle location provides internship opportunities with major companies like Microsoft and Amazon.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 84.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.7%
- Retention Rate
- 94.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,466
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $218,927 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,652 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $124,420 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $122,038 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $121,294 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $120,252 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,349 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,572 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $113,228 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $106,421 |
Campus Life
The University of Washington sits in the heart of Seattle, where 31,588 students navigate a sprawling urban campus between Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Only 32% of students live in the 10,230 on-campus housing spots, so most rent apartments in neighborhoods like the U-District or Fremont. Seattle's drizzly reputation is real - you'll need a rain jacket from October through May, though summers are surprisingly dry and beautiful.
The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio meaning larger lecture halls are common. Weekends revolve around Husky football in the renovated stadium, exploring Pike Place Market downtown, or hiking the nearby Cascades when the clouds part. The campus buzzes with research energy - this is where Microsoft's roots run deep and medical breakthroughs happen regularly. Coffee culture dominates daily life, fitting for a city that birthed Starbucks. With 93.4% employment rates after graduation and median earnings hitting $78,466 within 10 years, students here balance serious academics with Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures.
The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio meaning larger lecture halls are common. Weekends revolve around Husky football in the renovated stadium, exploring Pike Place Market downtown, or hiking the nearby Cascades when the clouds part. The campus buzzes with research energy - this is where Microsoft's roots run deep and medical breakthroughs happen regularly. Coffee culture dominates daily life, fitting for a city that birthed Starbucks. With 93.4% employment rates after graduation and median earnings hitting $78,466 within 10 years, students here balance serious academics with Pacific Northwest outdoor adventures.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 10,230 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
483 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 163 | 0 | 29 | 0 |
| Burglary | 80 | 7 | 32 | 0 |
| Stalking | 52 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 3 | 16 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 9 | 1 | 15 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 6 | 4 | 9 | 0 |
| Robbery | 4 | 2 | 7 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 1 | 5 | 1 |
| Rape | 8 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Arson | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–47°F
- July Avg
- 56°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
The University of Washington draws primarily from its home state, with about two-thirds of students coming from Washington. The student body reflects Seattle's tech-focused diversity, with Asian students making up more than a quarter of enrollment alongside a substantial white majority. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, likely driven by the university's strong programs in medicine, public health, and social sciences. The relatively low percentage of Pell Grant recipients suggests UW attracts middle-class families who value the combination of academic prestige and in-state affordability that this flagship research university provides.
- Men
- 43.2%
- Women
- 56.8%
- White
- 33.9%
- Black
- 3.9%
- Hispanic
- 9.7%
- Asian
- 27.3%
- In-State Students
- 63.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.5%
Location
The University of Washington sits in the heart of Seattle, a major Pacific Northwest city of over 750,000 people. The campus sprawls across 703 acres in the University District, just four miles northeast of downtown Seattle. Students live surrounded by the Cascade Mountains to the east and Puget Sound to the west. The quarter system aligns with Seattle's tech-driven culture, where companies like Amazon and Microsoft recruit heavily from campus. Coffee shops and bookstores line "The Ave," the main strip near campus. The city's rainy climate means students spend significant time indoors, but summers offer hiking, sailing, and festivals. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare University of Washington with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Seattle, Washington 98195-4550
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $78,466
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $78,604
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $50,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 79.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $155/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,615
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
The University of Washington accepts 47.52% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a top public research university. The school draws heavily from Washington state residents, who make up 63.53% of the student body.
How much does University of Washington-Seattle Campus cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,485, though costs vary dramatically by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,398 on average, while those from higher-income families pay up to $28,383.
What is University of Washington-Seattle Campus known for academically?
UW is well-known for its medicine and computer science programs, with a student-faculty ratio of 20:1. The university operates on a quarter system and maintains a strong 94.90% retention rate, reflecting student satisfaction with their academic experience.
What are the career outcomes for University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $78,466 ten years after graduation, with a 93.4% employment rate. The university's location in Seattle's tech center and strong alumni network, including Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, opens doors to high-paying careers.
Where do students live at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
The campus houses 10,230 students in residence halls, serving about one-third of the 31,588 total enrollment. The large urban campus in Seattle provides both on-campus community and access to internships and cultural opportunities in the Pacific Northwest's largest city.
How diverse is University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
The student body is 56.77% female and diverse, with Asian students comprising 27.25% of enrollment and Hispanic students making up 9.74%. White students represent 33.89% of the population, reflecting the university's position as a gateway institution for the diverse Pacific Northwest region.
Similar Schools
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina
University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, Wisconsin
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois