Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the oldest state-supported institutions of higher education on the West Coast and is one of the preeminent research universities in the world. Learn more
At the University of Washington, we are committed to supporting our students' development: intellectually, physically and emotionally. Learn more about Student Life
Exceptional learning opportunities are around every corner. Our students have gone to the moon. Mapped the human genome. Broken the sound barrier. Created vaccines. Negotiated peace. What amazing things will UW grads do next? Read more
The University of Washington recruits the best, most diverse and innovative faculty and staff from around the world, encouraging a vibrant intellectual community for our students. We promote access to excellence and strive to inspire through education. Vision & Values
No matter where you are, Husky Happy Hours are a great way to plug into the University of Washington's strong network of alumni. Connect with UW grads in a casual setting and meet fellow alumni in your area. Details
The UW is rated one of the 15 greenest colleges in the country by the Princeton Review.
Quick Info
Apply to the UW » This page has valuable info for new students, transfer students, graduates and more.
Telephone tips » The campus operator is at 206-543-2100. Also see our list of frequently requested phone numbers and e-mails.
Snail Mail » There is no single address for the university. Here's the skinny on addressing letters to the UW.
People Finder » You can look up faculty, staff and students in the People Directory.
Office Finder » Get phone numbers, e-mail addresses and box numbers here.
On-campus Housing » One-stop shopping: get info on residence halls, single-student apartments, family housing and campus dining.
Factoids Galore » Looking for a student headcount? Enrollment demographics? Get that info and more in our UW Factbook.
Visitor's Center » Still not sure who to call/write? Try our Visitor's Information Center.
Discover the University of Washington
We think differently around here. And just as importantly, we act differently, too. It’s in our DNA, not just at the University of Washington but throughout the Northwest, to reach a little higher. Dig deeper. To keep searching for better ways to learn, live and work. And for better answers to the world’s most pressing challenges.
The spirit of discovery that embraces us from every mountaintop, treetop and desktop inspires us to achieve great things. The place we call home inspires us to discover what's next.
UW at a Glance
The UW is a multi-campus university in Seattle, Tacoma and Bothell, as well as a world-class academic medical center.
We confer more than 12,000 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees annually.
Our amazing students include:
136 Fulbright Scholars
35 Rhodes Scholars
7 Marshall Scholars
4 Gates Cambridge Scholars
— and counting.
Fostering Citizenship: Here and Abroad
The UW ranks among the top schools in the country in providing U.S. Peace Corps volunteers.
More than 2,000 undergraduate students participate in study abroad programs each year.
Celebrating 150 Years
Founded in 1861 by a private gift of 10 acres in what is now the heart of downtown Seattle, the UW is one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. We’re deeply committed to upholding the responsibility that comes with that legacy. And being public has always meant being accessible.
Anyone can enjoy and be enriched by all the UW has to offer, including world-class libraries, art, music, drama, sports and the highest quality medical care in Washington state. Being public also means being engaged with our communities, and through knowledge and discovery we are elevating the quality of lives of others.
A Wishlist for the Planet. And a Plan.
Expanding World Views: UW students gain an understanding of community needs as well as issues around the globe — becoming respectful and educated citizens of the world.
Environmental Leadership: As one of the greenest regions in the country, the University of Washington also leads in environmental solutions. See how the UW is making way for a greener future.
Advancing Our World: By educating the next generation of thinkers and doers and leveraging faculty and researcher expertise, the University of Washington drives new ideas and innovations that make the world a better place.
Creating Healthier Lives: The University of Washington is committed to new discoveries in human health and improving the lives and well-being of people here and around the world.
Opening doors. Expanding opportunities.
As the state’s flagship university, the UW serves more students than any other institution in the Northwest — more than 92,000 annually. In addition to UW Seattle, the university has thriving campuses in Tacoma and Bothell and a robust professional and continuing education program.
UW Tacoma, founded in 1990, has approximately 2,900 students in eight academic programs. The school’s 46-acre downtown campus, crafted from updated and restored historic buildings in the Warehouse District, has won national recognition.
UW Bothell, also founded in 1990, enjoys a 128-acre campus with more than 2,200 students enrolled in 24 undergraduate programs and 10 post-baccalaureate and graduate areas. The campus features a restored floodplain that has been turned into a wetland area. Students use it as a living laboratory for environmental research. This project won high praise from the National Wildlife Federation.
Professional and Continuing Educationmakes opportunities for continuing education convenient and appealing. Designed and scheduled for the working adult, programs range from helping to complete an undergraduate degree to obtaining a professional master’s or certificate. Classes are held on the Seattle campus and throughout the region.
Facts and Figures
The UW has 500+ buildings and more than 20 million gross square footage of space. We also have a presence at more than 50 locations in more than10 countries.
UW Factbook » Looking for more data on student demographics, enrollment, degrees, finances, facilities, etc.?
From choosing a major to finding exciting research opportunities, from taking challenging courses at home to studying abroad, the UW has the resources to help.
UW 150th Anniversary - Over the past 150 years, the University of Washington and the people of Washington state have worked together to create one of the most livable, innovative and vibrant areas of the nation.
Want to have your finger on the pulse of the UW? Come visit us! The UW Visitors Center is located on the ground floor of Odegaard Undergraduate Library.
