University Of Washington-Seattle Campus

University of Washington admits approximately 42.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 2 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Selective admissions tier, significantly more competitive than typical four-year universities.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights the substantial difference between University of Washington's selectivity and average institutional standards. This 35.6 percentage point difference indicates that the university maintains considerably higher admission standards than most public research universities.

The selectivity level means that qualified students face meaningful competition in the admission process, though acceptance rates remain more accessible than highly elite institutions. Students applying should recognize that while University of Washington is selective, roughly 4 in 10 applicants do gain admission, making it approachable for academically competitive students.

This level of selectivity typically requires strong academic preparation, though exact requirements may vary by program and applicant pool strength. For prospective students, this admission rate suggests building a balanced college list that includes institutions with higher acceptance rates alongside University of Washington.

The sections below explore the academic profile of admitted students and provide alternative institutions for students seeking similar outcomes with different admission profiles.

University of Washington's published cost of attendance is $30,282 per year, including $12,643 in-state tuition, $17,982 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face $41,997 tuition, bringing their total cost of attendance higher.

However, the average student pays just $13,485 after financial aid, representing savings of $16,797 from the sticker price. This net price positions University of Washington $2,105 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar public research universities.

The substantial gap between published costs and actual net price demonstrates the institution's commitment to financial aid, particularly for students from lower and middle-income families. Net prices vary dramatically by family income, ranging from $6,398 for the lowest-income students to $28,383 for the highest-income families.

This progressive pricing structure ensures that educational access aligns with family financial capacity. The $2,105 advantage over peer institutions provides meaningful cost savings while delivering superior earnings outcomes, creating favorable return on investment conditions for students and families making college financing decisions.

University of Washington graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth throughout their careers. Median earnings rise from $62,979 six years after enrollment to $70,968 at eight years and $78,466 at ten years, representing 24.6% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 9,041 graduates at six years, 9,028 at eight years, and 8,699 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $10,214 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing the institution at the 86.0th percentile for value-added performance.

Low-income graduates earn $74,900, ranking among the top 5% of institutions nationally and demonstrating the university's effectiveness in serving students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $50,171 at the 25th percentile to $115,782 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation based on program choice and career trajectory.

Approximately 26.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting strong preparation for both advanced education and direct workforce entry. The steady earnings progression and strong cohort sizes indicate consistent institutional performance across multiple graduation years.

University of Washington offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Computer Science ranks #15 nationally and #1 in Washington, producing 378 graduates with median earnings of $144,297 and a value score of 92.3.

Artificial Intelligence ranks #17 nationally and #2 in Washington, graduating 499 students with median earnings of $102,611. Communication and Media Studies ranks #16 nationally and #1 in Washington, with 463 graduates earning $58,097.

Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #17 nationally and #1 in Washington, graduating 299 students with median earnings of $94,385. Applied Economics ranks #57 nationally and #1 in Washington, producing 312 graduates with median earnings of $74,130.

Several programs demonstrate flagship status at the institution, including Behavioral Neuroscience (#32 nationally, #2 in state) and American Government and Politics (#80 nationally, #1 in state), reflecting the university's breadth across disciplines and strong in-state positioning across multiple fields of study.