About Washington State University
Washington State University built its reputation as a powerhouse in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and engineering. This public research university enrolled 21,583 students in the small town of Pullman, creating a tight-knit college atmosphere in rural eastern Washington. Notable graduates include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow, reflecting the school's blend of technical innovation and communication excellence.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $14,401 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $68,905 ten years after graduation. That creates a strong return on investment, especially with median debt loads of just $19,500. Low-income students get the best deal, paying only $7,147 on average after financial assistance.
The Cougars compete in the Pac-12 Conference with 13 varsity sports and 470 student-athletes. Campus housing accommodates 7,029 students, fostering the residential college experience that defines WSU. With 81% of students coming from in-state and a 79.6% retention rate, this feels like Washington's school rather than just another university. The 83% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 62% graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused once they arrive.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $14,401 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $68,905 ten years after graduation. That creates a strong return on investment, especially with median debt loads of just $19,500. Low-income students get the best deal, paying only $7,147 on average after financial assistance.
The Cougars compete in the Pac-12 Conference with 13 varsity sports and 470 student-athletes. Campus housing accommodates 7,029 students, fostering the residential college experience that defines WSU. With 81% of students coming from in-state and a 79.6% retention rate, this feels like Washington's school rather than just another university. The 83% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 62% graduation rate suggests students need to stay focused once they arrive.
Academics & Faculty
Washington State University operates as a major research university with particular strength in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and engineering. The school's veterinary program ranks among the nation's most competitive, while its agricultural programs benefit from the surrounding Palouse region's farming heritage. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large enrollment of 21,583. The 62% graduation rate reflects the challenges many face at this rural campus, where academic rigor meets the social distractions of a classic college town. Engineering students particularly benefit from strong industry connections throughout the Pacific Northwest, while the research focus means undergraduates can participate in faculty projects across multiple disciplines.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 84.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 62.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 61.6%
- Retention Rate
- 79.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,905
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $135,393 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $123,178 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $112,073 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $105,813 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $100,915 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $79,822 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $74,017 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,881 |
Campus Life
Pullman sits in the rolling hills of eastern Washington, 90 minutes from Spokane and hours from Seattle. The 21,583 students create the entire energy of this college town. With housing capacity for 7,029 students, about one-third live on campus while others fill nearby apartments and houses. The Palouse region brings snowy winters and warm summers, so pack both a heavy coat and shorts.
Football Saturdays transform Pullman into Cougar central, with the entire town rallying around the Pac-12 team. Students tailgate at Martin Stadium before cheering on 470 varsity athletes across 13 sports. Greek life anchors much of the social scene, though the town's isolation creates tight campus bonds regardless. The Crimson and Gray traditions run deep here. Weekend options center on campus events, house parties, and outdoor activities in the surrounding wheat fields and hills. With 81.27% of students from Washington state, many know each other before arriving, creating an instant community feel that helps explain the 79.57% retention rate.
Football Saturdays transform Pullman into Cougar central, with the entire town rallying around the Pac-12 team. Students tailgate at Martin Stadium before cheering on 470 varsity athletes across 13 sports. Greek life anchors much of the social scene, though the town's isolation creates tight campus bonds regardless. The Crimson and Gray traditions run deep here. Weekend options center on campus events, house parties, and outdoor activities in the surrounding wheat fields and hills. With 81.27% of students from Washington state, many know each other before arriving, creating an instant community feel that helps explain the 79.57% retention rate.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 7,029 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1959
Campus Safety (2023)
153 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 19 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Rape | 10 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 11 | 10 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 5 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–37°F
- July Avg
- 50°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 17.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 32.7"
Student Demographics
Washington State draws heavily from its home region, with 81% of students coming from in-state. The Palouse campus attracts students seeking strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering, which explains why the gender split is nearly even at 53% women and 47% men. One in four students receives Pell Grants, reflecting the university's accessibility to working-class families across Washington. The student body is 59% white with growing Hispanic representation at 17%. Most students come from small towns and suburban communities throughout the Pacific Northwest, creating a tight-knit campus culture in remote Pullman.
- Men
- 47.0%
- Women
- 53.0%
- White
- 58.9%
- Black
- 2.9%
- Hispanic
- 17.5%
- Asian
- 6.9%
- In-State Students
- 81.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.6%
Location
Pullman sits in the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, 90 miles south of Spokane. The town revolves around Washington State University, with 81% of students coming from in-state. This classic college town of about 35,000 people swells when students return each fall. The Palouse region stretches across wheat fields and farmland, fitting for a university built on agricultural research. Students experience all four seasons in this rural setting, with the nearest major metropolitan area being Seattle, roughly 300 miles northwest. The campus housing capacity of 7,029 serves about one-third of the 21,583 enrolled students. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Washington State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Pullman, Washington 99164-5910
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $68,905
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,192
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $44,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Washington State University?
Washington State University accepts 83.10% of applicants, making it fairly accessible for students. The university attracts students primarily from Washington state, with 81.27% of the student body coming from in-state.
How much does Washington State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Washington State University is $14,401 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,147 after aid, while the university keeps median debt relatively manageable at $19,500.
What is Washington State University known for academically?
Washington State University is a research university particularly well-known for veterinary medicine, agriculture, and engineering programs. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 21,583 students, the university balances research opportunities with personal attention.
What are the graduation rates at Washington State University?
Washington State University has a 61.96% four-year graduation rate and a 79.57% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $68,905 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95.0% employment rate.
Where is Washington State University located and what is campus life like?
Washington State University sits in Pullman, a college town in eastern Washington's Palouse region. The campus houses 7,029 students and fields 13 varsity sports as a Pac-12 Conference member, creating a spirited college atmosphere centered around Cougar athletics.
Does Washington State University have notable alumni?
Washington State University boasts impressive alumni including broadcast journalism legend Edward R. Murrow and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The university also produced cartoonist Gary Larson of The Far Side fame and NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
