University of Washington-Bothell Campus

UW Bothell excels in applied fields like Computer Science, Nursing, and Business—its three most popular majors, which together account for nearly half of all degrees. The CS program is notably competitive, with students often struggling to secure spots. Classes are small (average 20 students), and the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, with strong ties to Seattle’s tech and healthcare industries. The school offers no graduate programs in humanities, focusing instead on professional master’s degrees like MBA and MS in Cybersecurity.

• Top Majors: Computer Science (most competitive), Business Administration, Nursing
• Class Size: 78% of classes have <30 students
• Signature Programs: STEM-heavy, with interdisciplinary options like "Science, Technology & Society"
• Faculty: 70% full-time, with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio

Long a commuter school, UW Bothell is shedding that reputation with new dorms and a dining hall, though 80% of students still live off-campus. The Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) anchors social life, offering gyms, study spaces, and events like trivia nights. Students describe the vibe as "chill but not dead"—expect club fairs, not frat parties. The Instagram feed highlights husky mascot antics and undergrad research symposia. Demographics skew diverse: 40% of students are first-genFirst-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context., and many balance jobs or family responsibilities.

• Housing: New residence halls house ~1,000 students
• Key Spot: ARC (Activities & Recreation Center) with gym, food, and events
• Student Body: 40% first-gen, 60% traditional college age
• Vibe: "Mature but not stuffy" (Reddit)

UW Bothell punches above its weight in ROI: Payscale ranks it #1 in Washington for 20-year return on investment ($609K over high school grads). The 4-year graduation rate is just 50%, but jumps to 68% at 6 years—reflecting its many part-time and transfer students. Alumni typically earn $36,427 their first year out, with CS and Business grads pulling $75K+. The school touts strong regional employer ties, especially with Amazon, Microsoft, and Providence healthcare.

• Graduation Rates: 50% in 4 years, 68% in 6 years
• Median Early Career Salary: $36,427 (Niche)
• Top Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Providence
• ROI: $609K estimated lifetime earnings boost (Payscale)

At $7,577 net price for in-state students (after aid), UW Bothell is a bargain—44% of students receive grants averaging $16,272. Washington residents pay ~$12K in tuition; out-of-staters face $39K. The financial aid office emphasizes need-based packages, with 22% of students qualifying for Pell Grants. The net priceNet priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator (using 2024-25 data) helps families estimate costs, though it excludes some UW-specific scholarships.

• In-State Net Price: $7,577 (after average $16K aid package)
• Tuition: $12K (in-state), $39K (out-of-state)
• Aid: 44% get grants, 22% are Pell-eligible
• Calculator: Net Price Calculator on financial aid site

UW Bothell is the anti-UW Seattle: no cutthroat competition, no lecture halls with 500 students, and no Greek life dominance. Its strengths are pragmatic—affordable degrees in marketable fields, small classes with professors (not TAs), and a campus that’s evolving from commuter anonymity to community. The CS program’s rigor surprises outsiders, while the Nursing and Business tracks leverage Seattle’s job market. Ideal for students who want a UW degree without the Seattle campus’s frenzy—or price tag.