University of Washington

The University of Washington is a public university founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 39,125 (Fall 2023), and its campus is located in the city on 634 acres of land. The academic calendar is based on quarters. The University of Washington is ranked 46th in National Universities in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges. In-state tuition and fees are $12,973 and out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,209.

Located just north of downtown Seattle, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. It is also a cutting-edge research institution that receives significant federal funding and hosts an annual Undergraduate Research Symposium for students to present their research to the community. The university boasts a highly ranked medical school, a school of engineering, and the Michael Foster School of Business. As a commuter school, the university does not require freshmen to live on campus, but encourages energy conservation and recycling for those who do. Students can join one of more than 950 student organizations on campus, including about 70 sororities and fraternities. Nearly three-quarters of UW graduates stay in the state after graduation.

In addition to the main campus in Seattle, the UW has campuses in Bothell and Tacoma, Washington. The University was founded in Seattle in 1861, and the Bothell and Tacoma campuses were established in 1990. All three UW campuses offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Students seeking an honors program may consider the UW Honors Program, which gives undergraduates the opportunity to participate in small classes, pursue special projects and interact more with UW faculty. Students can choose between the Interdisciplinary Honors Program and the Departmental Honors Program. The former is more holistically focused, while the latter offers the opportunity for in-depth study within a specific major. Particularly ambitious students may apply for both honors. Students may apply to the Interdisciplinary Honors Program when applying to the UW or at the end of their freshman year. Students submit a departmental honors program application after selecting a major.