University of Washington vs Washington State University

University of Washington and Washington State University

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

University of Washington and Washington State University are among the leading public universities of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington has a much higher international academic reputation with a consistent ranking among the world's top public universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, University of Washington is ranked approximately 81st, and Washington State University is around 423rd. As per Times Higher Education, University of Washington ranks 25th while Washington State University is ranked roughly around 401st, indicating University of Washington's better global research reputation.

In subject rankings, University of Washington stands out in Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Data Science, with many programs ranked in the worldwide top 25. Washington State University stands out in Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Communications, and Business, with its Edward R. Murrow College of Communication standing out. University of Washington's urban location and proximity to tech titans Amazon and Microsoft boost its applied research, while Washington State University's land-grant mission provides a foundation for practical education and service to the community.

General Information

University of Washington is in Seattle, a lively city center, and covers a 700-acre campus. It was established in 1861 and has a student enrollment of approximately 55,620, of which about 39,515 are undergraduates. Washington State University, established in 1890, is in Pullman, a classic college town, and covers a 1,742-acre campus. It has approximately 26,490 students, of which 21,923 are undergraduates.

University of Washington provides an active campus life with proximity to cultural institutions, tech clusters, and international industries. Washington State University offers a more intimate residential lifestyle, with robust traditions, student organizations, and a community-focused environment.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

University of Washington is selectively moderate, with an overall acceptance rate of about 43%, while Washington State University is less selective and accepts about 85% of applicants. University of Washington's competitive majors—particularly engineering, computer science, and business—need superior academic qualifications, with SAT scores between 1200–1453 and ACT scores from 27–33. Washington State University's average admitted students score between 1020–1210 on the SAT and 20–26 on the ACT.

University of Washington prioritizes research-oriented undergraduate and graduate studies, whereas Washington State University prioritises applied learning and affordability.

Research Impact & Facilities

University of Washington is a research giant, with more than 50 highly cited researchers, and facilities such as the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science, University of Washington Medical Center, and the Applied Physics Lab. Being based in Seattle makes it easier for it to collaborate with major tech, biotech, and healthcare firms.

Washington State University is a Tier 1 research institution with prominent centers like Washington State University Research Foundation, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and Agricultural Research Center. It excels in applied sciences, agriculture, and communications, with regional impact and innovation as a focus.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both are public institutions, but with different costs. University of Washington's in-state tuition is about $12,973 per year, while out-of-state tuition is about $43,209. Washington State University's in-state tuition is roughly $13,391, and out-of-state tuition is $29,950. Living expenses are also higher in Seattle, making University of Washington costlier overall.

University of Washington provides generous financial aid, particularly for residents of Washington, and has a lower average net cost because of generous grants. Washington State University also offers aid, especially for residents, and has lower living costs in Pullman, making it more manageable for most.

Graduate Studies & Research

Both institutions possess robust graduate and alumni networks. University of Washington has well-connected alumni who work with 1,000+ employers, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, and many of whom go on to graduate studies at the best schools. Washington State University's alumni base is bigger at 185,000+, and it's especially robust in agriculture, media, and public service.

University of Washington alumni have a median salary of approximately INR 54,60,000 (? $65,800) ten years post-graduation, with Washington State University alumni having a salary of approximately INR 45,00,000 (? $54,400). The urban setting of University of Washington provides greater career options, with Washington State University alumni having the advantage of a close-knit community and state-level influence.