Strategic Framework 2026–2030
Built for the moment — advancing the future
Pillar 1
Delivering high-quality, debt-free education that unlocks opportunity
The University of Washington develops future leaders, innovators, humanists and civic contributors through a high-quality education rooted in critical inquiry and broad-based learning, strengthened by technology, creativity, curiosity and analytical thinking. We have a powerful opportunity to expand access to pathways that prepare students for different career paths and civic life, ensuring that a UW education opens doors for every learner.
We will expand access while maintaining excellence by working with partners across Washington’s rural, urban and tribal communities, as well as industry, governments and nonprofits. We will do so through greater financial support, flexible degree and training pathways, and experiences that help students achieve their academic, career and life goals. We will evolve our programs, teaching practices and use of AI and other technologies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world and workplace. We will also cultivate learning environments where students think critically, engage diverse perspectives and participate fully in civic life. Through this commitment to access and excellence, the UW will equip every learner to thrive today, shape tomorrow and succeed throughout their educational journey.
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Objective 1.A.
Expanding access to a UW education
The University delivers outstanding educational value and is committed to making a UW education attainable for all students. We will expand work with key partners to pursue bold legislative, philanthropic and industry support to make a University of Washington education debt-free for all Washington undergraduate students by ensuring a student’s demonstrated financial need is met. We will also expand financial support for graduate, professional and other students. In parallel, we will increase access to capacity-constrained majors, grow high-quality online degree offerings and accelerate efforts to ensure every student graduates in a timely fashion.
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Objective 1.B.
Preparing students for a changing workforce
The UW will continue to redefine teaching and learning to prepare, upskill and reskill learners for a rapidly changing world and workforce. In partnership with K-12 schools, community colleges, tribal nations and business and industry leaders, we will reimagine curriculum to expand access. This work will help students to frame complex problems, weigh tradeoffs, and make informed decisions about when, how and whether to use powerful technology-enabled tools. This work will support both in-person and online learners. It will emphasize AI literacy and workforce implications, data and digital fluency, ethics, global competencies, equity and civic impact, helping ensure real-world value for Washington’s communities and economy.
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Objective 1.C.
Evolving curriculum for critical engagement
The UW teaches students how to think, not what to think. Our curriculum will strengthen students’ ability to analyze complex problems, engage diverse perspectives, ask critical questions and communicate across differences. We will strengthen constructive dialogue and experiential learning that build the skills to evaluate sources, navigate disagreement and participate effectively in civic life as informed, engaged community members who contribute to more connected and responsive societies.