Top Public · Seattle, WA
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Moderately selective. 39.1% acceptance rate.
Calculate your UW oddsHow hard is it to get into UW?
UW is moderately selective, with a 39.1% acceptance rate. The application is read holistically, so essays, recommendations, activities, and demographic context all factor into the decision alongside test scores and GPA.
Quick Facts
| Acceptance rate | 39.1% |
| Cost of attendance | $32,446 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 31,942 |
| Type | Public · Top Public |
| Setting | Campus setting |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Last verified May 2026.
Getting In
UW's 39.1% acceptance rate puts it in the moderately selective tier. Scores in that range don't guarantee admission. Scores outside it don't rule it out. The application is read holistically.
That number doesn't tell you your odds. A 1550 SAT and a 4.0 GPA put you in the academic conversation. They don't put you in the admit pile. Your actual probability depends on your full profile: coursework rigor, activities, recommendations, demographic context, and what your essays accomplish. The pool average is a starting point, not a forecast.
Personalized estimate
What are your actual odds at UW?
Enter your SAT/ACT, GPA, activities, and target schools. Get a probability calibrated to real admit data, not a headline acceptance rate.
Run the calculatorBeyond the Numbers
UW is best known for the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science, strong direct ties to Seattle tech, and the Foster School of Business. Admissions readers are looking for applicants whose specific interests and ways of working would actually thrive in that environment. Not generic “passion.” Concrete curiosity that already shows up in what you do.
UW essay tools
Score, brainstorm, or revise UW essays with tools tuned to UW's prompts.
UW vs. Peer Schools
Side-by-side comparison with similar Top Public schools applicants typically consider.
| School | Accept | SAT mid-50 | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW This page | 39.1% | — | — |
| UC Berkeley | 11.0% | — | $13,481 |
| UCLA | 9.0% | — | $12,548 |
| UC San Diego | 26.7% | — | $12,470 |
| Michigan | 15.6% | 1360–1530 | $13,138 |
| UNC | 15.3% | 1390–1530 | $11,655 |
FAQ
How hard is it to get into UW?
UW is moderately selective. The most recently published acceptance rate is 39.1%. Test scores are necessary but not sufficient. Holistic review weighs essays, activities, recommendations, and demographic context.
Sources
All numerical data on this page is sourced from official, primary sources. Admissions stats reflect the most recent publicly published cycle. Verify current figures with UW's admissions office before applying.
- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard — federally maintained dataset on admissions, cost, demographics, and post-graduation outcomes (IPEDS-derived).
- IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) — the underlying federal data collection that all U.S. accredited institutions report into annually.
- UW Common Data Set — the standardized annual data document published by the school.
Last verified May 2026. Stats reflect UW's most recent publicly published admit cycle.