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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,446 |
| Tuition and Fees | $43,209 |
| Room and Board | $18,405 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$18,355 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,091 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $6,384 |
| $30–48k | $7,039 |
| $48–75k | $8,110 |
| $75–110k | $14,328 |
| $110k+ | $30,019 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Washington graduates carry median debt of $14,615, significantly below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking in the 86.0th percentile nationally for low debt levels. Debt ranges from $6,037 at the 25th percentile to $21,566 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable debt burdens.
The $5,385 debt advantage over peer institutions represents substantial savings in borrowing costs and post-graduation financial obligations. With median earnings of $78,466, graduates achieve a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, well below problematic levels and indicating strong debt sustainability.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $23,304 with monthly payments of $307, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing. The combination of below-peer debt levels and strong earnings outcomes creates favorable conditions for post-graduation debt management.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Washington delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of controlled debt levels and exceptional earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $10,214 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking in the 86.0th percentile for value-added performance nationally.
Median earnings of $78,466 exceed the peer median by $17,923, creating substantial economic advantages over similar institutional choices. The favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, combined with debt levels $5,385 below peer institutions, positions graduates for strong financial stability.
The institution's ranking in the top 5% nationally for low-income earnings and top 25% for overall earnings demonstrates consistent outcome strength across student populations. These metrics indicate that University of Washington provides exceptional value by combining selective academic standards, controlled educational costs, and strong post-graduation earning potential.
University of Washington enrolls 15.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating moderate representation of students from the lowest-income families eligible for federal need-based aid. This Pell share positions the institution as serving fewer low-income students than typical public universities, consistent with its Selective Achievers designation where strong outcomes accompany more limited access for lower-income populations.
The substantial financial aid savings of $16,797 from sticker price to net price demonstrates significant institutional investment in affordability. Net price advantages of $2,105 compared to peer institutions indicate competitive aid policies within the public research university sector.
The progressive net price structure by income reflects targeted aid strategies that concentrate resources toward students with greatest financial need. The combination of moderate Pell enrollment and substantial aid savings suggests aid policies that provide meaningful support while maintaining student body composition aligned with institutional selectivity standards.
