UW Acceptance Rate

The University of Washington (UW), located in Seattle, is a highly selective public research university with a competitive admissions process. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UW reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 47.5%, reflecting a moderately selective process. This rate is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 52,000 applications received in recent years, as well as increasing interest from both in-state and out-of-state students. The university maintains transparency in its admissions data, often publishing detailed statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, accessible at www.washington.edu.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 47.5% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 52,000 applicants and around 24,800 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the specific cycle; historically, UW does not offer Early Decision but prioritizes in-state applicants, which may slightly elevate early round acceptance rates. Estimated at 50.0% based on trends.
• International Student Rate: Approximately 40.0%, reflecting a slightly more competitive process for international applicants, with around 8,000 international applications in recent cycles.

Over the past decade, the University of Washington’s acceptance rate has remained relatively stable, hovering between 45% and 50%, though competitiveness has increased due to rising application numbers, particularly from out-of-state and international students. Unlike some peer institutions with binding Early Decision options, UW’s lack of such a program results in a more balanced admissions timeline. Compared to other top public universities like UC Berkeley or UCLA, which often have acceptance rates below 20%, UW remains more accessible while still maintaining rigorous academic standards. The university’s focus on in-state enrollment, mandated by state policies, also shapes its selectivity profile, often benefiting Washington residents with higher acceptance rates.