Admit rate has ranged 43%–56% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Washington-Seattle is a powerhouse public research university with a fiercely competitive admissions process, particularly for out-of-state applicants. Known for its top-tier computer science and STEM programs, UW offers a sprawling, intellectually vibrant campus where student life can feel both exhilarating and isolating—depending on how aggressively you seek community. With an 85% graduation rate and strong post-grad earnings, it delivers serious ROI, especially for Washington residents who benefit from lower tuition.
Admission requirements
Test-blind — scores not considered
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions$121,294
Computer Engineering$120,252
Computer Science$101,221
Human Computer Interaction$92,632
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations$73,321
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
28
Per 1,000 students
0.88
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
125
Summer high
74°F
Winter low
37°F
Annual rain
44.5"
Annual snow
14.4"
Natural-hazard risk
Very High
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus's acceptance rate is approximately 39% (Seattle, WA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
How much does University of Washington-Seattle Campus cost?
At University of Washington-Seattle Campus, the average net price (after aid) is about $14,091 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Washington-Seattle Campus?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus enrolls approximately 31,942 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Washington-Seattle Campus located?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is located in Seattle, WA.
Admissions
Getting into UW-Seattle is a numbers game with stark differences by residency. The overall Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovers around 39%, but Washington residents enjoy a significant advantage (47% admit rate) over out-of-state applicants (39%). Test scores are no longer considered—UW permanently dropped SAT/ACT requirements in 2020—making GPA and coursework rigor paramount. Enrolled freshmen typically boast unweighted GPAs around 3.78, with the middle 50% of previously submitted ACT scores ranging from 28-33. The admissions process emphasizes academic preparation, particularly in STEM fields where UW's reputation attracts fierce competition.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$72,650
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$72,152
Architectural Sciences and Technology$72,134
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
UW's academic identity is bifurcated: world-class graduate research programs (especially in computer science, medicine, and engineering) cast a long shadow over sometimes-overcrowded undergraduate courses. The most popular majors reflect this duality—computer science leads the pack, followed by social sciences and biological/biomedical fields. With over 180 undergraduate majors and minors, options abound, but students report needing grit to access top departments. Reddit threads reveal a common critique: 'The undergrad classes aren't as exceptional as the high academic rating...would make it seem.' That said, UW's research opportunities and industry connections (Amazon, Microsoft, etc.) provide unparalleled experiential learning for those who seek them out.
UW's campus life mirrors Seattle itself—energetic but sometimes chilly, both literally and socially. With 800+ student organizations and Division I athletics, there's no shortage of activities, but the sheer size (45,000+ students) means community doesn't come automatically. Reddit users describe experiences as 'extremely stratified': 'People have very polar experiences, completely dependent on how willing you are to put in the effort.' The Instagram-friendly quad full of cherry blossoms contrasts with the competitive undercurrent in STEM departments. Those who thrive tend to be self-starters who join clubs (from Quidditch to quantum computing), exploit UW's stellar career center, and embrace the Pacific Northwest's outdoor culture.
UW delivers exceptional ROI, particularly for in-state students. The 85% graduation rate towers above national averages for public universities, and median earnings six years post-graduation hit $82,515—nearly $22k above the benchmark. Over half of graduates secure positive outcomes (employment or grad school) within six months, with tech and healthcare dominating placement. These numbers reflect both UW's academic rigor and its prime location in a booming job market, where alumni networks at local giants like Microsoft and Providence Health System provide tangible advantages.
The sticker shock is real for non-residents: annual costs approach $60k, while Washingtonians pay roughly half that. However, UW distributes $400 million in undergraduate aid yearly, with 52% of students receiving some form of assistance. The Husky Promise guarantees full tuition coverage for Pell-eligible residents, making UW accessible to low-income Washingtonians. Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators suggest many middle-income families still face significant gaps—this is a bargain for top-tier in-state students, but out-of-state applicants should weigh costs against comparable private options.
UW-Seattle occupies a rare sweet spot: the academic firepower of a private research university (especially in CS and medicine) with the spirited culture and affordability of a flagship public. Its Seattle location—nestled between Lake Washington and downtown, with tech giants as neighbors—creates unparalleled internship and research opportunities. The catch? You'll need to be proactive to access the best of UW, whether it's landing a coveted CS spot or finding your niche among 45,000 peers. For self-directed students, particularly Washington residents, it's one of America's highest-value educations.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus logo · sourceThis Week Then: How Seattle's UW Campus Took Shape - Seattle magazine · sourceCampus of the University of Washington - Wikipedia · sourceUW & Seattle | UW Summer Sessions · source
