Savings Simulator
Estimate your total degree savings
*Simulating savings based on Washington Average's current in-state qualification rules.
Total Savings Goal
$59,136
Estimated Benefit Over 4 Years
Washington Universities
| University | In-State | Out-of-State | 4yr Savings | SAT Avg | Accept Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington Seattle • Public | $12,076 | $40,740 | $114,656 | 1400 | 48% |
| Washington State University Pullman • Public | $11,584 | $27,274 | $62,760 | 1170 | 83% |
| Seattle University Seattle • Private | $54,090 | $54,090 | $0 | 1280 | 82% |
Top Education Hubs in Washington
Higher Education in Washington
Washington State offers excellent higher education opportunities through its strong public university system and innovative financial aid programs. The state's six public universities serve over 130,000 students, anchored by the University of Washington, one of the nation's premier research institutions.
The University of Washington (UW) in Seattle is Washington's flagship university and consistently ranks among the top 20 public universities nationally. UW is particularly renowned for computer science (#6 nationally), medicine, nursing, and business (Foster School). Its location in Seattle provides access to major tech employers including Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Washington State University (WSU) is the state's land-grant university with its main campus in Pullman. WSU excels in veterinary medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, and engineering. WSU's Cougar spirit and rural campus provide a traditional college experience different from urban Seattle.
Other public options include Western Washington University (Bellingham, known for education and environmental sciences), Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and The Evergreen State College (unique interdisciplinary curriculum).
Private institutions include Seattle University (Jesuit, strong nursing and law), Seattle Pacific University, Gonzaga University (in Spokane, excellent basketball program and pre-law), and Whitman College (prestigious liberal arts).
For 2025-2026, UW in-state tuition averages approximately $12,100—quite affordable for a university of its caliber. Out-of-state tuition is around $40,700. The $28,600 annual difference underscores the value of Washington residency. Washington's new Washington College Grant covers full tuition for families earning under $100,000.
UW Seattle vs WSU: Choosing Washington's Flagships
Washington's two flagship universities—University of Washington and Washington State—offer dramatically different experiences and strengths. Understanding these differences is essential for Washington students.
University of Washington in Seattle is the state's most selective and prestigious public university. UW is a major research institution with particular strength in tech-related fields (computer science, engineering), medicine, and business. Seattle location provides urban amenities, internship access to major tech companies, and diverse cultural opportunities. UW is competitive for admission, especially for direct admit to competitive majors.
Washington State University in Pullman offers a traditional campus experience in a college-town setting. WSU is less selective and excels in specific fields: veterinary medicine (#5 nationally), pharmacy, agriculture, hospitality, and criminal justice. WSU's campus culture is more unified around Cougar athletics and Greek life.
Tuition is similar (~$12,000 in-state at both). The choice often depends on academic interests, desired environment, and admission competitiveness. Seattle-area students often prefer UW for proximity; students from eastern Washington frequently choose WSU. For competitive majors like computer science, UW is significantly stronger; for veterinary or agricultural studies, WSU excels.
Western Washington University in Bellingham provides an alternative for students seeking smaller-school experience with beautiful Pacific Northwest setting.
| Aspect | UW | WSU |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | 53,500 students | 29,700 students |
| In-State Tuition | ~$12,100/year | ~$11,600/year |
| Top Programs | CS, Medicine, Business | Vet Med, Pharmacy, Agriculture |
| Setting | Urban (Seattle) | College Town (Pullman) |
| Acceptance Rate | ~48% | ~83% |
| Athletics | Pac-12/Big Ten (Huskies) | Pac-12 (Cougars) |
Washington Financial Aid & Scholarships
Washington has dramatically improved college affordability through the Washington College Grant, one of the nation's most generous state aid programs.
The Washington College Grant (WCG) covers full tuition at public universities for students from families earning up to $100,000 annually—higher income threshold than most state programs. Students can also use WCG at private colleges (capped at a fixed amount) or for technical college programs. This landmark program, funded by the state's business taxes, has made Washington one of the most accessible states for higher education.
The Washington State Need Grant (predecessor to WCG) still appears in some documentation but has been superseded by the more generous Washington College Grant.
The College Bound Scholarship is a unique early promise program: 7th and 8th graders from low-income families who sign a pledge earn a scholarship guarantee covering tuition when they eventually enroll in college. Students must maintain pledge requirements through high school.
UW offers the Husky Promise, covering tuition and standard fees for admitted students from families earning below approximately $65,000 annually. Combined with Washington College Grant and federal aid, many low-income students attend UW at minimal cost.
WSU's Cougar Commitment covers tuition and fees for students from families earning under $70,000. Both flagships meet significant portions of demonstrated need for admitted students.
To maximize aid, file FAFSA immediately after October 1, meet Washington College Grant priority deadlines, and research institutional scholarships. Washington's generous state aid makes it one of America's most affordable states for college.
Washington In-State Residency Requirements
Washington residency for tuition purposes requires establishing domicile in Washington for at least one year before the first day of the quarter for which you're applying. Washington uses a primary purpose test: if your primary purpose for being in Washington is educational, you're presumed non-resident.
For dependent students (under 24 and claimed on parents' taxes), residency follows parental domicile. At least one parent must have maintained Washington domicile for one year with documentation: Washington driver's license, voter registration, employment, Washington state tax filing, and physical presence in Washington.
For independent students, demonstrate one year of Washington domicile with intent to make Washington your permanent home. Documentation includes: Washington driver's license, voter registration, bank accounts, employment records, utility bills, and lease agreements. You must show that Washington is your home for purposes other than attending college.
Critical rule: Students who move to Washington primarily to attend college are presumed non-residents and generally cannot establish residency while enrolled. This presumption is difficult to overcome even with extended residence.
Washington's proximity to major tech employers means some students working for Seattle-area companies may be able to establish residency before or during enrollment if education is incidental to their primary purpose (employment).
Given the $28,600+ annual savings from in-state tuition at UW, families planning relocation should establish Washington domicile at least 12-15 months before enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of Washington's in-state tuition for 2025-2026?
UW in-state tuition and fees total approximately $12,076 for 2025-2026. With room and board (~$14,300), books, and expenses, total cost of attendance is approximately $29,000-$32,000 annually. The Washington College Grant can cover full tuition for qualifying families.
What is the Washington College Grant?
The Washington College Grant covers full tuition at public universities for students from families earning up to $100,000 annually—one of America's most generous state aid programs. For private colleges, a fixed amount is provided. Students must file FAFSA and meet residency requirements. No separate application needed.
How competitive is UW admission?
Moderately competitive overall (48% acceptance) but highly competitive for popular majors. Direct admission to Computer Science, Business, Engineering, and Nursing is extremely selective—sometimes below 15% for top majors. Students not directly admitted to competitive majors can sometimes transfer internally, but this is also competitive.
How does UW's computer science program compare?
UW Computer Science is ranked #6 nationally and produces graduates highly sought by Seattle-area tech giants. Access to Amazon HQ, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook offices creates unmatched internship opportunities. However, direct admission is extremely competitive—typically under 20% of applicants are directly admitted to the major.
What is the Husky Promise?
Husky Promise covers tuition and standard fees for UW students from families earning under approximately $65,000 annually. Combined with Washington College Grant and federal aid, many qualifying students pay little to nothing out-of-pocket for tuition. Students must file FAFSA annually and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
What SAT scores do I need for WSU?
WSU's middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1050-1260. WSU accepts about 83% of applicants, making it significantly less selective than UW. For most programs, a 1100+ SAT makes you competitive. Merit scholarships require stronger scores and grades.
Can I establish Washington residency while attending UW?
Very difficult. If you moved to Washington to attend UW, you're presumed non-resident and generally cannot establish residency while enrolled full-time. Working full-time while taking reduced course load, or taking a gap year while working in Washington, might help. Marriage to a Washington resident doesn't automatically confer residency.
What is WSU known for academically?
WSU excels in veterinary medicine (#5 nationally), pharmacy, agriculture, hospitality management, criminal justice, and engineering. WSU also has strong athletic programs and a passionate alumni network. For students interested in these specific fields, WSU offers exceptional education and outcomes.
How do UW's branch campuses compare to Seattle?
UW has branch campuses in Bothell and Tacoma. Both are commuter-focused with smaller enrollments and limited majors compared to Seattle. Tuition is identical, but the college experience differs significantly. Some students start at branches and try to transfer to Seattle for specific programs, though space is limited.
What is Western Washington University like?
WWU in Bellingham is Washington's third-largest public university serving 14,000+ students. Known for education, environmental sciences, and liberal arts. Beautiful coastal setting near Canada. Less competitive than UW with strong regional reputation. Good option for students seeking smaller-school experience with outdoor recreation access.
What are housing costs in Seattle vs Pullman?
Seattle housing is expensive—UW room and board runs ~$14,300, and off-campus Seattle housing is among the most expensive in the country. Pullman (WSU) is much more affordable with room and board around $12,500 and cheap off-campus options. Housing costs significantly affect total cost of attendance.
Is Gonzaga University worth considering?
Gonzaga (Spokane) is a well-regarded Jesuit university known for excellent business, nursing, engineering, and pre-law programs—plus nationally recognized basketball. Smaller than UW (~7,000 students) with strong community feel. Tuition is higher (~$54,000) but Gonzaga provides generous merit and need-based aid.
What is The Evergreen State College?
Evergreen in Olympia offers a uniquely non-traditional education: narrative evaluations instead of grades, interdisciplinary programs, and student-directed learning. Strong in environmental studies, arts, and social sciences. Not for everyone, but excellent for self-motivated students wanting creative, individualized education at public school prices.
How do I transfer from a Washington community college?
Washington has excellent transfer pathways. Complete an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) at a community college, and you're guaranteed admission to a state public university (though not necessarily your first-choice campus or major). For competitive UW majors, maintain 3.5+ GPA and complete prerequisites.
Are there good nursing programs in Washington?
Yes. UW's School of Nursing is top-10 nationally. Seattle University and Seattle Pacific have excellent private nursing programs. WSU's nursing program is strong. Direct admission to nursing is extremely competitive—many programs accept under 20% of applicants. Community college ADN to BSN pathways are alternatives.
Official Data Sources & Authority
All tuition and enrollment data for Washington is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). We provide this data to help students make informed decisions based on official government records.
- University of Washington. "Tuition and Fees."Official Source
- Washington Student Achievement Council. "Washington College Grant."Official Source
- Washington State University. "Tuition and Fees."Official Source
- University of Washington. "Husky Promise."Official Source
- Washington Student Achievement Council. "College Bound Scholarship."Official Source
- U.S. Department of Education. "College Navigator."nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).studentaid.gov
Calculate Your Savings
Use our tuition calculator to estimate your total college costs and potential savings with in-state residency.