By Kelly Boyer Sagert

(Last Updated – 06/2025)

The University of Washington (UW) in Seattle is a leading public research university founded in 1861. Located in the heart of Seattle, it offers a vibrant campus with stunning views of Mount Rainier and nearby Lake Washington. UW is renowned for its innovation, academic excellence, and strong tie to tech industries, attracting students and faculty from around the world.

Total Cost of Attendance

The University of Washington (UW) tuition in 2024-25 for state residents was $12,973. This is slightly higher than the national average of $11,260 for in-state tuition at public universities. For residents of other states, UW tuition was $43,209, which is well above the national average for out-of-state tuition of $29,150.

Tuition, however, is only part of the total cost of attending college. Here’s a look at other expenses students can expect when attending the University of Washington.

Costs for 2024-25

Financial Aid

A little over half of undergraduates (55%) receive some form of financial aid to help cover the UW tuition and other costs. This may be scholarships, grants, or student loans, or a combination of these.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state and federal and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

Private Student Loans

Many undergraduates tap student loans to help pay the University of Washington tuition and other costs: 19% take out federal loans and 1% get private student loans (with an average amount of $18,848).

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The University of Washington cost of attendance for four years — including tuition and fees, room and board, books, and other expenses — is $141,220 for in-state students (based on 2024-25 numbers). By comparison, the national average at public universities for in-state students is $115,36 for four years.

For out-of-state residents, the four-year cost for attending UW is $262,164. This is above the national average of $186,920 for out-of-state cost of attendance.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-2025

University of Washington undergraduate tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic years were $12,973 for in-state students, a 2.6% increase over 2023-34. The tuition and fees for out-of-state students were $43,209, a 2.9% over 2023-34.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2024-25

•   Average graduate tuition (in-state): $17,688

•   Average graduate tuition (out-of-state): $31,707

•   Fees (in-state/out-of-state): $1,104

Tuition and fees for graduate students at UW for 2024-25 averaged $18,792 for in-state students and $32,811 for out-of-state students. The average cost of graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S. is $22,430 per year.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

If you take 15 credits per semester, the cost per credit hour at UW comes out to $432 for Washington residents and $1,440 for nonresidents.

Campus Housing Expenses

While UW in Seattle doesn’t require freshmen to live on campus, four out of five first-year students choose to do so. Housing options include traditional residence halls and fully furnished apartments located on or near campus.

Costs for 2024-25

•   Housing and food expenses (on/off campus): $18,405

•   Other living expenses (on/off campus): $3,027

Total living expenses for 2024-25 were estimated at $21,432, both for students who lived on campus as well as those who lived off campus.

University of Washington Acceptance Rate

Fall 2023

The University of Washington acceptance rate is 43%, which makes the school moderately selective.

Admission Requirements

If you’re interested in applying to UW as a freshman, here are the steps involved:

Required:

•   Fill out the application (using ApplyWeb or the Common App).

•   Self-report your courses (a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas must be met for admission).

•   Complete UW essay questions (the Common App personal essay is not reviewed).

•   Provide additional information about yourself or your circumstances (optional).

•   Choose your major.

•   Send SAT or ACT scores (optional)

•   Pay a nonrefundable application fee of $80

Applications for the Fall semester are due November 15; the notification period is March 1-15. The UW does not participate in early decision or early action admission.

SAT and ACT Scores

The UW admission process is primarily test-blind. This means that when reading your application, the reviewers will not see your test scores, if provided. However, high test scores (1400 or above on the SAT and 31 or above on the ACT) may be considered for a handful of students who may not otherwise be admitted.

Popular Majors at the University of Washington

UW in Seattle offers more than 180 undergraduate majors. Here are 10 of the most popular areas of study.

1. Computer Science

Students can get a degree in Computer Science through the College of Arts and Sciences or a degree in Computer Engineering through the College of Engineering. The Computer Science major can be a better choice for students who want to focus on the design of software systems and applications, or are looking to double major with another College of Arts and Sciences program.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 480

2. Psychology

Psychology majors at UW focus on the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior, with a curriculum that emphasizes current research and theory. Many students go on to graduate school and/or work in a variety of fields, including business, human resources, marketing, management, research, teaching, social services, sales, and public service.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 437

3. Communications

Communications majors learn to critically analyze how media shapes public opinion, understand communication in various contexts, and develop skills in media production, critical thinking, and collaboration. They study theory, engage in research, and can choose to specialize in Journalism and Public Interest Communication.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 308

4. Informatics

The Informatics program at UW prepares students to design, build, manage, and secure information systems that impact society, organizations, and individuals. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, focusing on problem-solving, group work, research, and technology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 295

5. Biochemistry

Biochemistry majors delve into the study of living organisms at the molecular level, examining the chemical processes and compounds that are essential to life. This degree prepares students for careers in chemistry or biochemistry. It also serves as a good foundation for those interested in graduate programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and other health-related fields.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 280

6. Finance

The Finance program, which falls under the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree, covers corporate finance, investments, financial markets, and international finance. Students learn business economic theory and financial management tools to apply to real-world financial problems.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 272

7. Economics

UW offers a B.A and a B.S. in Economics. Both degrees provide a strong foundation in economic theory and analysis, but the B.S. degree emphasizes quantitative skills and may be better suited for those aiming for graduate studies in economics or a related field like finance.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 266

8. Public Health-Global Health

The Public Health-Global Health major prepares students to promote the health and well-being of communities, locally, nationally, and globally. Graduates often go on to work at federal, state, and nonprofit agencies in the areas of health education, project management, policy, or communication.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 256

9. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering majors learn to design, build, and analyze a wide range of electronic devices and systems, encompassing both hardware and software. They develop expertise in areas like circuits, electromagnetics, electronics, computing, and various applications such as energy systems, control systems, and robotics.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 227

10. Political Science

Poly sci majors at UW study the theory and practice of government and politics at various levels, from local to international. Students have the option to specialize in International Security or Political Economy. They also participate in internships, either in local agencies, the state legislature, or Washington, D.C.

Undergraduate degrees in 2023-24: 215

Graduation Rate

The vast majority of UW students complete their degree in four years. But some students take longer. Here are the graduation rates for students who began at the school in 2017.

•  4 years: 71%

•  6 years: 84%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

On average, UW graduates earn an annual salary of $89,000. This is higher than the average projected starting salary for the class of 2025 at the bachelor’s degree level, which is $68,680.