University of Washington – Seattle Tuition and Fees
University of Washington – Seattle Tuition and Fees
(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
|
Student Type |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
|
Tuition & Fees |
$12,973 |
$43,209 |
|
Books & Supplies |
$1,480 |
$1,480 |
|
Room & Board (on campus) |
$18,405 |
$18,405 |
|
Other Expenses |
$3,027 |
$3,027 |
|
Total Cost of Attendance |
$35,305 |
$65,541 |
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
|
Number of Applications |
Number Accepted |
Percentage Accepted |
|
62,428 |
26,844 |
43% |
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.
Bottom Line
The University of Washington in Seattle consistently ranks highly among national universities, both public and private. For in-state students, UW is also generally considered a good value. Out-of-state tuition can be significantly higher, though, potentially making it less cost-effective compared to other institutions. Fortunately, students who need help covering the University of Washington tuition and other costs may qualify for financial assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
SoFi Private Student Loans
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Cost of Living in Illinois
Cost of Living in Illinois
(Last Updated – 02/2025)
From the bright lights and big cities to the endless waving seas of agricultural fields, Illinois truly has something for everybody — which is probably why more than 12.7 million people live there. That makes it the sixth most populous state in the nation, though Chicago alone is home to almost 2.7 million residents.
What’s the Average Cost of Living in Illinois?
Average Cost of Living in Illinois: $58,333 per year
So we know it’s beautiful, diverse, and full of friendly faces and delicious food. But is Illinois affordable to live in? Good news, Midwesterners: According to most accounts, the answer is yes. Illinois enjoyed the 21st lowest cost of living in the United States for 2024, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC).
The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates personal expenditures by state, and on average, an Illinois resident spends $58,333 per year, as per the bureau’s 2023 data.Here’s how that figure breaks down into different basic expense categories:
|
Category |
Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in Illinois |
|
Housing and Utilities |
$9,287 |
|
Health Care |
$9,238 |
|
Food and Beverages (nonrestaurant) |
$4,119 |
|
Gasoline and Energy Goods |
$1,284 |
|
All Other Personal Expenditures |
$34,405 |
Let’s take a closer look into each of these categories, as well as a few others.
Housing Costs in Illinois
Average Housing Costs in Illinois: $1,086 to $1,650 per month
For many Americans, housing is the single largest cost they face. Mortgage or rent payments represent a significant chunk of the monthly budget.
But housing is one of those costs that really depends on where you’re living: not only which state but also which city.
According to June 2024 data from Zillow, the typical home value in Illinois is $264,399. Redfin puts the median sale price at $283,800. Those figures are significantly lower than the average U.S. existing-home sale price of $355,328 for January 2025, according to Zillow.
Furthermore, the state’s averages are boosted by the cost of housing in major cities like Chicago. Until recently, many Illinois population centers boasted typical home prices that were five digits rather than six digits long. (As of late 2024, only two cities do). But even Chicago homes are fairly affordable, especially for a large U.S. city.
Here are the typical home values in a variety of Illinois cities, according to December 2024 data from Zillow.
|
Illinois City |
Typical Home Price |
|
Chicago (Chicago Housing Market Trends) |
$320,977 |
|
Peoria |
$147,008 |
|
Davenport (IA) |
$171,388 |
|
Rockford |
$192,541 |
|
Champaign |
$206,351 |
|
Springfield |
$175,385 |
|
Bloomington |
$233,401 |
|
Carbondale |
$132,160 |
|
Kankakee |
$203,438 |
|
Decatur |
$110,855 |
|
Danville |
$84,023 |
|
Quincy |
$164,715 |
|
Charleston |
$128,081 |
|
Sterling |
$124,663 |
|
Rochelle |
$203,791 |
|
Galesburg |
$99,312 |
|
Freeport |
$141,707 |
|
Jacksonville |
$115,752 |
|
Mount Vernon |
$113,650 |
|
Centralia |
$102,914 |
So how does that break down on a by-month basis? Here are the median mortgage and rent prices in Illinois, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
• Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,902
• Median studio rent: $1,158
• Median one-bedroom rent: $1,086
• Median two-bedroom rent: $1,254
• Median three-bedroom rent: $1,424
• Median four-bedroom rent: $1,650
• Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,386
• Median gross rent: $1,238
Utility Costs in Illinois
Average Utility Costs in Illinois: $346 per month
Roof over your head? Check. Now for the electricity, water, gas, and internet connection that make it livable.
While individual utility costs vary — people use different amounts of each service, depending on their lifestyles — here are some averages to help you estimate how much you might stand to spend monthly on utilities in Illinois.
|
Utility |
Average Illinois Bill |
|
Electricity |
$105 |
|
Natural Gas |
$97 |
|
Cable & Internet |
$116 |
|
Water |
$28 |
Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill? June 2024
Groceries & Food
Average Grocery & Food Costs in Illinois: $343 per person, per month
There’s so much more to Illinois cuisine than corn — or even Chicago-style hot dogs and pizza. But how much does it cost to feed yourself and your family in the Prairie State?
Per the Bureau of Economic Analysis figures above, the average Illinois resident spends $4,119 per year on nonrestaurant food and beverages, which works out to about $343 per person, per month. That would mean about $686 per month for a married couple, or $1,372 per month for a family of four — but do keep in mind that this average doesn’t take into account the fact that children eat less than adults, or even that some adults eat less than others!
Location also matters, though. The Council for Community and Economic Research regularly updates its cost-of-living index for major American metro areas, and includes data on grocery costs specifically. Here’s how some major Illinois cities stack up when it comes to how much you might expect to pay at the grocery store, per its 2024 data.
|
Illinois City |
Grocery Items Index |
|
Rockford |
98.1 |
|
Champaign-Urbana |
97.6 |
|
Decatur |
95.8 |
|
Danville |
99.3 |
|
Kankakee |
96.0 |
|
Springfield |
97.7 |
|
Peoria |
96.6 |
|
Bloomington-Normal |
97.8 |
|
Chicago |
103.8 |
Transportation
Average Transportation Costs in Illinois: $9,346 to $17,391 per year
Chicago is well known (and loved) for its fast and friendly public transportation options — but even in the big city, a lot of residents depend on private vehicles to travel, and no matter how you get around, you’ll pay for it somehow.
While a family’s specific travel costs can range widely depending on their lifestyles, MIT’s Living Wage Calculator offers some great insights into how much you might expect to pay on transportation costs each year, based on its February 2025 data.
|
Family Makeup |
Average Annual Transportation Cost |
|
One adult, no children |
$9,346 |
|
Two working adults, no children |
$10,816 |
|
Two working adults, three children |
$17,391 |
Health Care
Average Health Care Costs in Illinois: $9,238 per person, per year
Drawing on the same Bureau of Economic Analysis data used in the initial expenditure breakdown above, the average Illinois resident spends $9,238 per year on health care, or about $769.83 per month, per person.
Of course, if you’ve got kids running and jumping around the playground or consider yourself a sports aficionado, you may stand to spend more than that. Conversely, if you eat well, exercise, and aren’t very accident-prone, you may spend less — all depending on your health care coverage.
Child Care
Average Child Care Costs in Illinois: $917 to $1,113 or more per child, per month
Taking care of the kiddos: It’s some of the best work there is, but it sure is work, and when you’ve got another job to do, you usually have to pay someone else to do it.
Child care isn’t cheap anywhere, though costs do vary depending on where you are. Costofchildcare.org offers some great averages for how much you might expect to pay in Illinois (and elsewhere) depending on how many children you have and what kind of care scenario you’re after.
|
Type of Child Care |
Average Cost Per Month, Per Child |
|
Infant Classroom |
$1,182 |
|
Toddler Classroom |
$1,016 |
|
Preschooler Classroom |
$917 |
|
Home-Based Child Care |
$1,113 |
Sound expensive? The Illinois Department of Human Services offers resources for lower-income families to help match them with affordable child care throughout the state.
Taxes
State Income Tax Rate in Illinois: 4.95%
Illinois, unlike many other U.S. states, levies its income tax at a single rate — so all eligible earners living in Illinois pay the same rate, regardless of income level.
The good news is, per the Tax Foundation’s Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2025, that tax rate is a relatively low 4.95%. While it’s not the lowest in the country (which hovers in the 2-3% range, aside from the seven states that levy no state income tax at all), it’s much lower than neighboring Wisconsin’s 7.65%.
Miscellaneous Costs
Once all the basics are taken care of, it’s time to have some fun. If Illinois residents spend an average of $34,405 on nonessential personal expenditures, where might some of that money be going? (Prices accurate as of February 2025.)
• Tickets to see a Chicago Cubs home game at Wrigley Field: Starting under $20, according to SeatGeek, but could cost hundreds from third-party vendors close to game time.
• Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum founded by a group of artists all the way back in 1879: Start at $21 for adults who are Illinois residents ($14 for Chicagoans), but non-Illinois visitors will pay $26. (Kids aged 13 and younger are always free.)
• A regular beef from Al’s #1 Italian Beef, is $9.25 (cash only) from the legendary source of the city’s iconic Italian beef sandwich – serving the goods from its location on Taylor Street since 1938. (Dipped, regular, or dry, but with no extras.)
The good news is, there’s plenty of free stuff to do in Illinois. For starters, every single one of its many glorious state parks is free to enter, though there may be fees to camp. Additionally, tours of the Lincoln Home in Springfield are free (first come, first served). And of course, Chicago is known for its many public parks, events, and art exhibits, including Cloud Gate, popularly known as “The Bean,” which is free to walk up to and admire in Millennium Park.
Recommended: What are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?
How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Illinois?
Obviously, definitions of “comfortable” vary. What might feel cushy to one person could feel like belt-tightening to another.
That said, all things considered, Illinois is one of the cheapest states to live in based on a variety of different figures. As mentioned, MERIC puts it in the 21st position on its cost-of-living ranking, and while U.S. News and World Report, sets the state at 34th on its Affordability Ranking.
Again, where exactly you decide to hang your hat in Illinois could make a big difference.
What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Illinois?
Even as a relatively affordable state overall, you can stack the odds in your favor by opting for one of the lowest-cost cities in Illinois. The Council for Community and Economic Research, which we cited above when parsing grocery costs, also ranks metro areas by overall cost of living.
Here are the three least expensive Illinois cities on its list as of 2024.
Decatur
With a cost-of-living index of 79.1 (Chicago’s is 115.1, for comparison), Decatur is the largest city in Macon County, with a population of almost 70,000.
Only about 45 minutes east of Springfield, Decatur offers all of its own attractions — such as the Scovill Zoo and Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum — within easy reach of the nearby capital city, and at a fraction of the price.
Danville
Tucked just over the border from Indiana, Danville has a cost-of-living index score of 94.4, and it also enjoys the lowest housing index costs in the state.
With a population of just over 28,800, per census estimates, it’s certainly not a big city, but it packs a punch in charm: Lake Vermilion offers a lovely local waterfront, part of which is populated by a country club, and the Vermilion County Museum offers reconstructions of a 1900s school room and the interior of a coal mine.
Champaign-Urbana
Coming in with a cost-of-living index score of 93.9, Champaign-Urbana is another inland Illinois city worth taking a closer look at if you’re looking for affordable living. Per December 2024 Zillow data, the typical home value here is an affordable $206,351, and its status as home to the University of Illinois means there’s always something to do here.
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The Illinois cost of living is on the moderate side, yet the Prairie State holds allure for corporate and outdoorsy types, foodies, sports fans, and architecture buffs.
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