It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
Can't make it to campus?
Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
Book a video chat
What customers are saying
Get to know University of Washington
The University of Washington is a top-ranked public research university known for academic excellence in sciences, technology, business, and the arts, with a strong emphasis on innovation, public service, and global impact.
Overview
The University of Washington, founded in 1861, is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across 18 colleges and schools.
Size
The University of Washington has a total enrollment of approximately 52,000 students, including around 36,000 undergraduates and 16,000 graduate and professional students across its three campuses.
Acceptance rate
The University of Washington has an acceptance rate of around 49%. Among admitted students who submitted test scores, half have an SAT score between 1220–1470 or an ACT score between 27–33.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, undergraduate tuition at the University of Washington is approximately $12,900 for in-state students and $42,500 for out-of-state students, with graduate tuition varying by program. About 60% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship or grant award totaling around $12,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News, the University of Washington is ranked #40 out of 436 National Universities, based on its performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.
Academics
The University of Washington offers over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across its 18 colleges and schools. It maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1, supporting a dynamic and research-driven academic environment.
Traditions
The University of Washington’s most celebrated traditions include the annual Homecoming Week, the Dawg Daze welcome events for new students, the Husky Marching Band performances, Purple Friday spirit days, and commencement celebrations at Husky Stadium—all highlighting the pride and spirit of the UW community.
Campus landmarks
The University of Washington’s most iconic landmarks include Suzzallo Library with its grand Collegiate Gothic architecture, Drumheller Fountain on Rainier Vista, Red Square at the heart of campus, the modern Paul G. Allen Center for Computer Science, and Husky Stadium overlooking Lake Washington—all showcasing the university’s scenic beauty and academic heritage.
Student body
Over 60% of University of Washington students are from in-state, though the university also draws a large number of out-of-state and international students, with strong representation from California, Oregon, Texas, New York, and countries across Asia, contributing to a diverse and global campus community.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour University of Washington questions, answered
What grades do I need to get into UW?
While there's no strict GPA cutoff, admitted students usually have very strong high school grades, often with unweighted GPAs above 3.7 or 3.8. Taking challenging courses like AP or IB also significantly helps your application.
What's student life like at UW Seattle?
Student life at UW is vibrant and diverse, blending a strong academic focus with a wide range of social activities. Students enjoy numerous clubs, a lively Greek scene, and enthusiastic support for their "Husky" sports teams, all within an urban setting.
How can I take an admissions tour of UW's campus?
You can visit the University of Washington by signing up for an official campus tour. These typically include an information session and a guided walk led by a current student. Find details and register on their admissions website.
What are the most popular subjects to study at UW?
Some of the most popular subjects at the University of Washington include Computer Science, various Engineering disciplines, Business, Psychology, and Nursing. Its close ties to Seattle's tech industry also make many related fields highly sought after.
What are the dorms like at UW?
UW offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls and modern apartment-style living. Living in the dorms, especially for first-year students, helps build community and provides convenient access to campus facilities.
How do students get around Seattle from UW?
Students at UW can easily get around campus by walking or biking. For traveling throughout Seattle, they often use the city's public transportation system, including buses and the light rail, which has a station directly on campus.
What kind of jobs do UW graduates get?
University of Washington graduates have excellent career prospects, especially in the tech industry, healthcare, and business, often finding jobs in Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest. The university's strong industry connections and career services help with job placement.
Is UW's campus pretty?
Yes, the University of Washington's campus is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S., especially in spring when its iconic cherry blossoms bloom in the Quad. It features stunning Gothic architecture, expansive green spaces, and views of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound.
Does UW offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
Search schools