University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
The Vibe Check
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus feels like an urban professional hub where ambition meets community. The campus has a focused, commuter-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of purpose, driven by its location in the heart of Tacoma's downtown innovation district. It's a place where students are deeply connected to the local economy and often balance their studies with real-world work experience.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
UW-Tacoma is renowned for its career-oriented programs, with particular strengths in Computer Science, Business, and Health Professions that leverage strong ties to the South Sound's tech and healthcare industries. The teaching is hands-on and applied, with faculty who are often industry professionals. Research opportunities are more undergraduate-focused and community-engaged compared to a large research university, emphasizing practical problem-solving.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Tacoma
Student life in Tacoma is vibrant and arts-focused, with easy access to world-class museums like the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum. The city offers a burgeoning food scene, beautiful waterfront parks for hiking and kayaking, and is a short train ride from Seattle for bigger concerts and events. On campus, student life is more intimate, with clubs and activities centered around professional development and community engagement.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($78,466):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in downtown Tacoma and is generally considered safe, with a dedicated campus security presence and well-lit pathways. As with any urban environment, students are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially at night, but the area is a busy, active part of the city.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong in-state tuition value and high return on investment for Washington residents.
- ✓ Excellent career connections in Tacoma's thriving tech, healthcare, and port-logistics industries.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a reputable University of Washington degree.
- ✓ Focused, less intimidating urban campus environment ideal for commuter and non-traditional students.
Cons
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is very high, making it a less compelling financial choice for non-residents.
- ✗ Campus social life is quieter and less traditional compared to a large residential university.
- ✗ Graduation rate of 58.5% is below the national average, which can be a concern for some students.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UW-Tacoma is known for its applied, career-focused education with strong ties to the South Sound's economy. It excels in fields like Computer Science, Business, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences, offering a practical, hands-on learning environment. The campus is also recognized for its diverse student body and its role as an educational anchor in downtown Tacoma.
No, the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 82.95%, it is an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. While meeting the university's academic benchmarks is important, the high acceptance rate suggests that a well-prepared application has a strong chance of admission.
Campus life at UW-Tacoma is more commuter-oriented and focused than a traditional residential college. The student body is often older and more professionally driven, with many students balancing work and school. Student engagement revolves around career-focused clubs, multicultural centers, and events that connect students with the local Tacoma community and industries.
For in-state students, UW-Tacoma is an outstanding financial investment. The combination of relatively low in-state tuition and strong 10-year median earnings of $78,466 provides an excellent return on investment. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is more complex and depends heavily on the chosen major and career path, but the lower cost of living in Tacoma can help offset the higher tuition.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1990
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 4,829
- In-State Tuition $12,817
- Out-of-State $42,171
- Zip Code 98402
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, UW-Tacoma offers an exceptional financial value, with a low average net price and a strong 10-year median earnings figure that outpaces the total cost of attendance. Out-of-state students face a much higher tuition bill, but the strong earnings potential and lower cost of living in Tacoma compared to Seattle can make the investment worthwhile, especially in high-demand fields like tech and business. The high Pell Grant rate indicates a commitment to serving students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, with robust financial aid available.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.