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University of Washington

Apply for first-year
University of Washington campus

Be Boundless

The UW is one of the world’s preeminent public universities. Our impact on individuals, our region and the world is profound — whether we are launching young people into a boundless future or confronting the grand challenges of our time through undaunted research and scholarship. Ranked No. 3 among Public Universities that Payoff the Most according to CNBC’s 2020 rankings, the UW educates more than 54,000 students annually. We turn ideas into impact and transform lives and our world.

Accepts first-year applicationsWestPublicUrbanLarge (15,000+)Co-Ed
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Academic programs

  • Design
  • Engineering
  • Research
  • Science
  • Technology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Nursing
  • Communication
  • Music
  • Art & Design
  • Economics
  • Finance/Accounting
  • Government/Political Science
  • Health Science
  • Performing Arts
  • Social Science
  • Visual Arts

Student experience

  • Athletics
  • Co-op/Internship Opportunities
  • Disability Services
  • Greek Life
  • Intramural/Club Sports
  • LGBTQIA Services
  • Military/Veteran Services
  • On-Campus Housing
  • ROTC Program
  • Study Abroad
  • Undergraduate Research

Application information

First-year

Deadline information
  • September 1 – Application opens
  • November 15 – Application deadline
The UW does not participate in Early Decision/Early Action. There is one application deadline. 

Required application materials
  • The Common App + UW Questions
  • $80 application fee or fee waiver (90 USD for international applicants)
  • International applicants only - scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (no preference), sent directly from the testing agency. Learn more about the requirements for English proficiency.
  • Scores from the SAT or ACT are no longer required. However, you may submit them if you’d like.
  • Please do not send letters of recommendation or other supplemental items.

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Additional information

We believe students from all economic backgrounds should have the opportunity to attend the University of Washington. Finances should not be a barrier to getting a world-class education.

Husky Promise is our guarantee to Washington state students that we will not let financial challenges stand in the way of discovering their potential or achieving a UW degree. The Husky Promise guarantees full tuition and standard fees will be covered by grant or scholarship support for eligible Washington state students. The Husky Promise ensures that the UW remains affordable and accessible to Washington residents who are Pell Grant eligible.

The UW offers a variety of scholarship programs for undergraduates. U.S. students (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees and undocumented residents) who are not residents of Washington state may explore the Purple & Gold Scholarship. We encourage you to learn more about University of Washington financial aid.

Visit us

Gorgeous architecture. Ten thousand trees. Views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. The UW is a scenic oasis in an urban setting, where you can study under cherry blossoms, paddle a kayak after class, watch a waterfront football game or read all afternoon in a spectacular library that may remind you of Hogwarts.

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