University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

88.4%Acceptance

$12,817Tuition

3,989Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$78,466Earnings

#4 in WashingtonPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

This branch of the strong University of Washington system serves 3,989 students in Tacoma's revitalized downtown core. The campus specializes in interdisciplinary programs designed for the South Puget Sound region's workforce needs. With an 88% acceptance rate, UW Tacoma provides broader access to the UW brand than the competitive Seattle flagship. The quarter system keeps students moving through coursework at a brisk pace.

Washington residents pay an average net price of just $10,017 after financial aid, making this one of the state's better educational bargains. Graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years out, nearly eight times their typical student debt of $14,615. Monthly loan payments average only $155, easily manageable given the strong employment rate of 93.4%. Low-income students often pay even less, with families earning under $30,000 facing net costs of just $4,709.

The student body reflects Tacoma's diversity, with 23% Asian students and 16% Hispanic students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly 98% of students are Washington residents who appreciate staying close to home while accessing UW's academic reputation. With only 304 housing spots available, most students live off-campus in Tacoma's affordable neighborhoods.

Academics & Faculty

UW Tacoma builds its academic reputation on interdisciplinary programs that blend multiple fields of study, reflecting its mission as a regional campus serving South Puget Sound's diverse communities. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides more personalized attention than typical large universities. With a 58.5% four-year graduation rate, students benefit from the University of Washington system's resources while studying in smaller cohorts. The campus emphasizes applied learning through programs like urban studies, social work, and business, designed to address real-world regional challenges. Nearly 98% of students are Washington residents, creating strong connections to local industries and community partnerships that enhance academic experiences.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 80.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 58.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.3%
Retention Rate: 77.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $78,466
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$127,652
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Master	$122,038
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.	Master	$99,072
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$95,549
Education, General.	Doctoral	$88,195
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$72,152
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$71,575
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,961
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$67,130
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$63,997

View all 48 programs →

Campus Life

UW Tacoma sits in downtown Tacoma, about 35 miles south of Seattle, where students navigate a compact urban campus spread across several city blocks. With only 304 housing spots for nearly 4,000 students, just 7.6% live on campus, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere. Most students drive or take public transit from homes throughout the South Puget Sound region. The Pacific Northwest climate means you'll need a rain jacket more than sunscreen, with frequent drizzle from October through May and pleasantly dry summers.

The quarter system keeps academics moving at a brisk pace, with 97.75% in-state enrollment creating a tight-knit regional feel. Students often work part-time jobs downtown or intern at local businesses and nonprofits. Weekends typically involve exploring Tacoma's revitalized waterfront, catching shows at the Museum of Glass, or making quick trips to Seattle for bigger city experiences. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio fosters close relationships with professors, especially important given the campus's focus on interdisciplinary programs that blend multiple fields of study.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 304 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	3
Stalking	3	2	0
Burglary	4	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 37°–48°F
July Avg: 57°–76°F
Annual Precipitation: 40.8"
Annual Snowfall: 5.6"

Student Demographics

UW Tacoma draws almost entirely from Washington state, reflecting its mission as a regional campus serving the South Puget Sound area. The student body of nearly 4,000 is remarkably diverse, with white students comprising just over one-third of enrollment while Asian, Hispanic, and Black students make up significant portions of the campus. Two in five students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to providing accessible higher education to working-class families in the Tacoma region. The slight male majority likely reflects strength in business and STEM programs.

Men: 52.2%
Women: 47.8%
White: 34.1%
Black: 11.3%
Hispanic: 15.9%
Asian: 23.5%
In-State Students: 97.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.2%

Location

UW Tacoma sits in Washington's third-largest city, about 30 miles south of Seattle. Tacoma serves as a regional center for the South Puget Sound area, blending urban amenities with Pacific Northwest character. The city offers waterfront views of Commencement Bay and Mount Rainier on clear days. Nearly 98% of the university's 3,989 students come from in-state, reflecting its role as a commuter campus serving local working professionals and transfer students. The downtown location puts students near Tacoma's revitalized arts district and museums. The campus operates on a quarter system typical of the University of Washington system. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare University of Washington-Tacoma Campus with similar schools in the region.

Address: Tacoma, Washington 98402-3100

MK03244 University of Washington Drumheller Fountain

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-Tacoma Campus?

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus accepts 88.35% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. This regional campus serves as part of the UW system's mission to provide education throughout the Puget Sound area. Nearly 98% of the 3,989 students come from in-state.

How much does University of Washington-Tacoma Campus cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,017 after financial aid, with 40.19% receiving Pell Grants for low-income families. In-state tuition runs $12,817 while out-of-state students pay $42,171. The campus keeps costs manageable with students typically graduating with $14,615 in debt.

What academic programs is University of Washington-Tacoma Campus known for?

The campus operates on a quarter system and maintains a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for personalized attention. UW-Tacoma focuses on interdisciplinary programs that serve the South Puget Sound region's workforce needs. The school emphasizes practical education that connects academic learning with real-world applications.

What are the graduation rates at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

The campus achieves a 62.30% six-year graduation rate and 58.50% four-year rate, with a 77.68% retention rate showing most students stay enrolled. Graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years after graduation with a 93.4% employment rate. The relatively strong earnings reflect the campus's focus on career-oriented programs.

Where do students live at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

The campus houses only 304 students in on-campus facilities, with room and board costing $15,948 annually. Most students commute from the greater Tacoma area, giving the campus a distinctly local feel. The urban Tacoma setting provides internship and job opportunities in the mid-sized city environment.

How diverse is University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

The student body is 34.14% White, 23.49% Asian, 15.89% Hispanic, and 11.31% Black, reflecting the diverse Tacoma metropolitan area. Women make up 47.83% of students while men represent 52.17%. This diversity mirrors the campus's mission to serve the multicultural South Puget Sound region.