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Summary
University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 29,017, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 703 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. University of Washington's ranking in the 2013 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 46. Its in-state tuition and fees are $10,574 (2011-12); out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,058 (2011-12).
Located in the University District neighborhood (known as the U District) just north of downtown Seattle, the University of Washington is a cutting-edge research university with a long-standing history as the first institution in the West. Students can join one of the school’s 500-plus student organizations, including 16 sororities and 27 fraternities, or can start a brand new club with at least four other students. University of Washington is known as a commuter school, and freshmen are not required to live on campus. Housing is not guaranteed for any student. For those that do reside in the residence halls, the university stresses “living green” through energy conservation and recycling. On the sports fields, the school’s varsity athletes are competitive in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. The football team, in particular, is a traditional league stand-out. The teams are represented by two mascots: one, a costumed student known as Harry the Husky Dawg, and the other, Dubs, a live Alaskan husky. The university gym is free for students seeking a workout.
The University of Washington receives a hefty amount of federal funding each year to further its mission as a public research institution. True to its roots in research, the school hosts an Undergraduate Research Symposium every year for students to present their work to the community. The school has a highly ranked School of Medicine, College of Engineering, and Michael G. Foster School of Business. Nearly three fourths of University of Washington graduates remain in the state. Notable alumni include Thomas Foley, former U.S. Speaker of the House; Chris DeWolfe, co-creator of MySpace; and Irv Robbins, co-founder and namesake of the Baskin-Robbins ice cream chain.
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The University of Washington educates a diverse student body to become responsible global citizens and future leaders through a challenging learning environment informed by cutting-edge scholarship. Discovery is at the heart of our university. We discover timely solutions to the world's most complex problems and enrich the lives of people throughout our community, the state of Washington, the nation, and the world. The University of Washington's vision and strategic priorities reflect the core values and culture that make us great and unique. - STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE: We recruit the best, most diverse, and innovative faculty and staff from around the world, encouraging a vibrant intellectual community for our students. We link academic excellence to cutting-edge research through scholarly exploration and intellectual rigor. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, as a beacon for our community and the world. - ACADEMIC COMMUNITY: We are educators and learners. We promote access to excellence and strive to inspire through education that emphasizes the - WORLD LEADERS IN RESEARCH: We have grown into the most successful public research university in the nation in attracting support for our research. Ours is a proud culture of innovation, collaboration, and discovery that has transformational impact. - CELEBRATING PLACE: The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest envelops us. This is an important element of who we are, for this awe-inspiring place not only anchors us, it reaffirms our desire to effect positive change in the world around us. We accept gratefully our role in preserving and enhancing Washington: the place, the people, our home. - SPIRIT OF INNOVATION: As Washingtonians, we are profoundly optimistic about our future. Based on our past and present, we find inspiration for the future. Ours is a culture with a determined persistence that engenders innovation and a belief that our goals can be realized. - WORLD CITIZENS: We are compassionate and committed to the active pursuit of global engagement and connectedness. We assume leadership roles to make the world a better place through education and research. We embrace our role to foster engaged and responsible citizenship as part of the learning experience of our students, faculty, and staff. - BEING PUBLIC: As a public university we are deeply committed to serving all our citizens. We collaborate with partners from around the world to bring knowledge and discovery home to elevate the quality of lives of Washingtonians. This measure of public trust and shared responsibility guides our decision-making as well as our aspirations and vision for the future. |
General Information
| School type | public, coed college |
| Year founded | 1861 |
| Religious affiliation | N/A |
| Academic calendar | quarter |
| Setting | urban |
| 2011 Endowment | $2,248,770,369 |
Applying
When applying to University of Washington, it's important to note the application deadline is December 1. Scores for either the ACT or SAT test are due December 31. The application fee at University of Washington is $60. It is more selective, with an acceptance rate of 58.4 percent.
For more information about the tests, essays, interviews, and admissions process, visit the Applying to College knowledge center.
| Selectivity | more selective |
| Fall 2011 acceptance rate | 58.4% |
| Application deadline | December 1 |
| SAT/ACT scores must be received by | December 31 |
Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at University of Washington is 13:1, and the school has 34.3 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at University of Washington include: Social Sciences; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Visual and Performing Arts; and Engineering. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 93.0 percent.
Student Life
University of Washington has a total undergraduate enrollment of 29,017, with a gender distribution of 47.8 percent male students and 52.2 percent female students. At this school, 11.0 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 89.0 percent of students live off campus. University of Washington is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.
See what students are saying about life at University of Washington.
| Total enrollment | 42,428 |
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| Collegiate athletic association | NCAA I |
Campus Info & Services
University of Washington offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. University of Washington also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at University of Washington, 8 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at University of Washington.
| Students who have cars on campus | 8% |
| Health insurance offered | Yes |
| Students required to own/lease a computer | No |
More About Campus Info & Services
Paying for School
At University of Washington, 35.4 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $12,800.
Paying for college doesn't have to be difficult or devastating. Go to the Paying for College knowledge center to get advice on raising cash and reducing costs.
| In-state tuition and fees | $10,574 (2011-12) |
| Out-of-state tuition and fees | $28,058 (2011-12) |
| Room and board | N/A |
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* Overview details based on 2011 data
