Discover what's next. It's the Washington Way.
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
The UW is committed to improving the student experience. Plans currently are under way to remodel the Husky Union Building, expand the Ethnic Cultural Center and remodel the Hall Health Primary Care Center. 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
Visit Husky Central in downtown Seattle. It's a one-stop location for "everything Husky." Store info
For more than three decades, the UW has secured more federal research funding than any other public university in the country. In 2008, sponsored research at the UW totaled $1.04 billion, reaffirming our position as a global research leader.
Quick quiz: It's hot out and you've bought a cool drink at a UW campus cafe. Can you compost that clear plastic-like cup? The answer's yes - we're now using compostable cups in all of our campus cafes and restaurants. Coffee cups, too.
The University of Washington educates a diverse student body to become responsible global citizens and future leaders through a challenging learning environment informed by cutting-edge scholarship.
Discovery is at the heart of our university.
We discover timely solutions to the world’s most complex problems and enrich the lives of people throughout our community, the state of Washington, the nation and the world.
The University of Washington’s vision and strategic priorities reflect the core values and culture that make us great and unique.
UW Standard of Excellence
We recruit the best, most diverse and innovative faculty and staff from around the world, encouraging a vibrant intellectual community for our students. We link academic excellence to cutting-edge research through scholarly exploration and intellectual rigor. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, as a beacon for our community and the world.
Academic Community
We are educators and learners. We promote access to excellence and strive to inspire through education that emphasizes the power of discovery and the foundation of critical and analytic thinking. We foster creativity, challenge the boundaries of knowledge and cultivate independence of mind through unique interdisciplinary partnerships.
World Leaders in Research
We have grown into the most successful public research university in the nation in attracting support for our research. Ours is a proud culture of innovation, collaboration and discovery that has transformational impact.
Celebrating Place
The natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest envelops us. This is an important element of who we are, for this awe-inspiring place not only anchors us, it reaffirms our desire to effect positive change in the world around us. We accept gratefully our role in preserving and enhancing Washington: the place, the people, our home.
Spirit of Innovation
As Washingtonians, we are profoundly optimistic about our future. Based on our past and present, we find inspiration for the future. Ours is a culture with a determined persistence that engenders innovation and a belief that our goals can be realized.
World Citizens
We are compassionate and committed to the active pursuit of global engagement and connectedness. We assume leadership roles to make the world a better place through education and research. We embrace our role to foster engaged and responsible citizenship as part of the learning experience of our students, faculty and staff.
Being Public
As a public university we are deeply committed to serving all our citizens. We collaborate with partners from around the world to bring knowledge and discovery home to elevate the quality of lives of Washingtonians. This measure of public trust and shared responsibility guides our decision-making as well as our aspirations and vision for the future.
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.
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.
On Nov. 4, 1861, the Territorial University of Washington began classes in a building located on a site now occupied by the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in downtown Seattle. The university was on the outskirts of the village of Seattle, which had a population of 250.
From digital and fine art, to museums and stage performances, Arts at the UW offers you a world of creative experiences. Come see what's going on.
