Logo of University of Washington

University of Washington

Seattle, United States Founded 1861 World Rank #19

Overview

Acronyms: UW
Founded: 1861
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #19
Rank in United States: #5
Motto: Lux sit
Colours: Purple and gold
Mascot: Harry the Husky
Logo of University of Washington

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Seattle (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Washington.

This institution also has a branch campus in Bothell and Tacoma. Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, University of Washington (UW) is a very large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.

University of Washington (UW) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 163-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

The acceptance rate range is 50-59% making this US higher education organization an averagely selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. UW also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

University of Washington's contact information and physical address — the basics you'll want before applying or visiting. Bookmark this page as a single reference point during the application cycle.

Address: 1400 NE Campus Parkway
Postal Code: 98195-4550
Phone: +1 (206) 543 2100
Fax: +1 (206) 543 9285
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind University of Washington: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.

Student Enrollment: 45
Academic Staff Range: 4,000-4,499
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Vermont State Colleges (VSC) Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Association of American Universities (AAU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) Global U8 Consortium (GU8) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

University of Washington's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.

Unit 18 items
  • College of Architecture and Urban Planning
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Forest Resources
  • College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences
  • Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs
  • Graduate School
  • Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
  • Information School
  • Michael G. Foster School of Business
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Law
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Public Health and Community Medicine
  • School of Social Work

How to apply to University of Washington

A short guide to applying to University of Washington — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Begin by checking which programmes are available at University of Washington. Match the level to your prior education, then confirm the subject area you want to study.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Each programme at University of Washington has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Apply directly via University of Washington's online portal at www.washington.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (206) 543 2100. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about University of Washington

Quick answers to the most common questions about University of Washington — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.

When was University of Washington founded?

University of Washington was established in 1861 (approximately 165 years ago).

What city is University of Washington in?

University of Washington operates from Seattle, United States.

Is University of Washington a public or private institution?

University of Washington operates as a public institution.

How big is University of Washington's student body?

University of Washington serves approximately 45,000-49,999 students.

What is University of Washington's ranking?

It ranks #19 globally and #5 in United States.

How many faculties does University of Washington have?

University of Washington has 18 academic units.

Is University of Washington accredited?

University of Washington is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Where can I learn more about University of Washington?

The institution's website is www.washington.edu.

Members of Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)

Universities sharing Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) affiliation with University of Washington offer comparable mobility and recognition benefits. Affiliated institutions often coordinate on academic standards and credit-transfer pathways.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Industry placements and co-op programmes around University of Washington draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.

Universities Often Compared with University of Washington

Cross-institutional admissions sharing exists in some networks — peers of University of Washington sometimes accept shared application materials or recognise admissions decisions. Worth checking when batching applications.

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