The Ultimate Guide to the University of Washington!

The University of Washington (UW) ranked 4th among the top public universities in the United States. It is also one of the best graduate schools in Washington state. University of Washington (UW) offers programs in a variety of fields. It has a beautiful campus, with views of Mount Rainier and Lake Washington. Students here are called Huskies, and indeed show razor-sharp research skills! The University of Washington (UW) is known for its cutting-edge research. Let’s learn in-depth about the University of Washington (UW), the courses it offers, student life at the university, and how you can get into UW!

About the University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) was established in 1861. It is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. The university’s main campus is in Seattle, with additional campuses in Tacoma and Bothell. UW is classified as an R1 research institution and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. It has one of the largest library systems in the country and is affiliated with 21 Nobel Prize winners. The university is also a member of the Association of American Universities and has extensive partnerships with industries and research organizations worldwide.

Why Choose the University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) offers over 180 undergraduate majors. The famous University of Washington degrees include engineering, computer science, medicine, and business. It is home to extensive research facilities and is famous for its innovation and discovery. It offers internship and job opportunities in companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. The university also supports students with numerous study abroad programs, on-campus resources, and a wide range of extracurricular activities. It’s a place where students learn, grow, and prepare for their future making it an ideal university choice. Let’s go into more detail about the top programs that the University of Washington (UW) offers.

Top Programs

The University ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings of 2025 and boasts numerous top programs in a variety of fields. University of Washington online degrees are also popular owing to the number of students who cannot access its offline programs. Here are the top 10 programs and the coursework that the university offers.

1. Computer Science

2. Medicine

3. Nursing

4. Law

5. Business

6. Environmental Sciences

7. Public Health

8. Engineering

9. Education

10. Social Work

Life at UW

The University of Washington admissions exceed 50,000 students yearly, with students from over 100 countries. Its motto is ‘Lux Sit’ (Latin for ‘Let there be light’). Student life at UW is rich with traditions, including W Day, cherry blossoms at The Quad, and spirited athletic events featuring the Huskies, represented by their mascot, Dubs II, and school colors, purple and gold. Husky Stadium hosts thrilling football games with picturesque lake views. The university has a variety of housing options around the area. Live worry-free with amber, and enjoy your university life to the fullest! Here is more information on the cost of living in Seattle, so you can pick your ideal residence. The U-PASS program and public transit make navigating Seattle easy, so you can explore the city to the fullest.

Requirements to get into the University of Washington

The requirements to get into the University of Washington (UW) vary depending on whether you are applying as a freshman, transfer, or international student. The requirements for each university differ according to their acceptance criteria. Listed below are the requirements you need to fulfill to get off the waitlist and get on the admission list!

1. Freshman Admission Requirements

1. A list of activities, leadership roles, community service, or other achievements.

2. G.P.A. higher than 3 out of 4 (might vary from course to course).

3. Completion of College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs).

4. SAT/ACT scores (optional).

2. Transfer Admission Requirements

1. Essay.

2. Minimum credits required for courses from an accredited college or university.

3. G.P.A higher than 3 out of 4 (might vary from course to course).

4. Coalition application.

3. International Student Requirements

1. English language proficiency in TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo. Minimum scores - TOEFL iBT - 76, IELTS - 6.0, Duolingo - 105.

2. Academic records including transcripts from secondary or post-secondary institutions.

3. Proof of financial resources and other documentation to obtain an F-1 student visa.

How to Apply?

ApplyWeb and Common App are the two application sources for the University of Washington. You can apply via any one method. Follow this step-by-step guide to streamline your application!

Apply via ApplyWeb here!

Apply via Common App here!

1. Self-report all your scores and complete CADRs.

If you are accepted and intend to enroll at the UW, you will need to provide official high school transcripts, even if official transcripts are not needed at the time of application.

2. Choose your program

Make sure you choose your first choice major as your first choice on the application so that it will be taken into consideration immediately whether it is a Direct to Major or Direct to College admission option. Direct admission programs do not consider second-choice majors.

3. The writing section

An essential component of your application is the writing portion. Please be aware that every applicant must respond to the UW essay questions in their application. For the Common App, this should be answered as part of the UW questions. The Common App essay is not taken into consideration. Here are some do’s and don’t to draft a compelling essay!

4. Additional information about yourself or circumstances

You can use this information to describe or narrate any unusual circumstances that might have reduced your educational capacity. It might be due to work or family circumstances, or personal reasons.

5. Pay the application fee

Fee for U.S. Freshman students

The application fee is nonrefundable and must be submitted each time you apply for admission. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, campus of the UW, or another student.

Application fee: $80.

Fee waivers are available.

Spring: Freshman applications not accepted

Learn more about the application fee.

Fee for international students

The application fee is non-refundable and must be submitted each time you apply for admission. It cannot be transferred to another quarter, campus of the UW, or another student.

Application fee: $90.

Fee waivers are not available.

Winter/Spring: International freshman applications not accepted.

Learn more about the application fee.

6. Sending SAT/ACT scores and transcripts.

SAT/ACT scores are not required unless asked by the admissions office. Students who have studied outside of the U.S. are required to submit their transcripts to the admissions office.

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Fees and Scholarship

The fees for Undergraduate programs without a scholarship range from $35,701 to $65,937. However, there might be some additional charges while filling out the University of Washington application. The university also offers a variety of scholarships to students of all programs to help them study. There are over 600 scholarships like the Purple and Gold Scholarship, UW Diversity Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, and many more every year that you can apply for. Check out these scholarships to check your eligibility for them!

Live Worry-Free with amber!

Amber offers a variety of student housing near the University of Washington (UW), providing convenient and comfortable living options for students. These properties include fully furnished rooms with amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, study areas, and communal spaces. Located close to the campus and major transit routes, amber's accommodations make commuting easy while ensuring access to Seattle's lively lifestyle. With flexible lease terms, 24/7 support, and various price points, amber caters to diverse student needs, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching living experience. Download the amber app today and make the most of your university life!

Notable Alumni

Actors, politicians, business executives, athletes, and more are among the well-known graduates of the University of Washington. This list of prominent alumni is broadly organized by significance, with the most well-known graduates at the top.

1. Patrick M. Shanahan - United States Secretary of Defense

2. Michael P. Anderson - NASA Astronaut

3. Joe Sutter - Head of Boeing 747 Design Team

4. Bruce Lee - Actor and Martial Artist

5. Kenny G - Jazz musician

We hope this article has given you an idea of life at the University of Washington (UW)! The University has a rich heritage and research-oriented mindset which encourages students to push themselves. The University of Washington courses are diverse to accommodate students having interests in a variety of fields. So, what are you waiting for? Fill out the application form and secure your future today!