About the Seattle campus

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is one of the world’s leading public research universities. Explore our beautiful 700-acre campus and experience what makes us the leader of the pack — from our world-class medical center and vibrant arts community to our Pac-12 athletics and active student life.

At home in Seattle, Washington

The UW has been an integral part of Seattle since before Washington was a state. Today, the Emerald City is a multicultural, international hub of innovation, known for its tech startups, music scene, aerospace engineering and, of course, plenty of coffee. Our students, faculty and staff find a breadth of local opportunities for research, public service, the arts, entrepreneurship and beyond. And when it comes to having fun, whether you’re catching a live show, paddleboarding on Lake Washington or shopping at Pike Place Market, Seattle’s possibilities are endless.

  • A photograph of the iconic Seattle Space Needle.,

    A photograph of the iconic Seattle Space Needle.

  • A photograph of Seattle's new downtown waterfront park,

    A photograph of Seattle's new downtown waterfront park

  • A photograph of the Seattle skyline at night from Elliott Bay,

    A photograph of the Seattle skyline at night from Elliott Bay

  • A photogaph of the iconic Public Market Center sign atop Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.,

    A photogaph of the iconic Public Market Center sign atop Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle.

  • A photograph of the Reading Room in UW's Suzzallo Library.,

    A photograph of the Reading Room in UW's Suzzallo Library.

  • A photograph of three students sitting on a Puget Sound beach on a sunny day.,

    A photograph of three students sitting on a Puget Sound beach on a sunny day.

World leaders in research

The UW has been ranked as the #1 most innovative public university in the world and is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world. The University receives more federal research dollars than any other U.S. public university, and students across all academic disciplines can gain research experience through our Undergraduate Research Program.

  • 8 NOBEL PRIZES

    A portrait of Professor David Baker in his lab

  • 280+ RESEARCH CENTERS

    A photograph taken at night of the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health on UW's Seattle campus.

  • 5,500+ AWARDS

    A photograph taken in the spring of Denny Hall on UW's Seattle campus.

Learning inside & beyond the classroom

The UW in Seattle offers undergraduates over 180 majors to choose from, and we’re recognized as a top 10 “best buy” in public education. Academic advisers and support centers help students discover their strengths and interests, get tutoring and guidance in their studies, and stay on track toward earning a degree. Graduate students in over 300 degree programs have a breadth of opportunities for immersive learning, research, and contributing to global knowledge and achievement.

  • 50,000+ STUDENTS

    A photograph of students walking through the UW's Academic Quad with cherry trees in full bloom.

  • 180+ UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

    A photograph of a UW student working with grade school students in a lab.

  • CAREER & INTERNSHIP GUIDANCE

    A photograph of the back of a student wearing a "W" baseball cap standing in front of of the Suzzallo library on UW's Seattle campus.

Campus life

The UW is more than a campus — it’s a community. With over a thousand student clubs, a multitude of cultural organizations, a wide range of sports at all levels from recreational to varsity, and year-round arts and entertainment opportunities, there are lots of ways to find belonging, make friends with common interests and explore new horizons.

  • DIVERSITY AT THE UW

    A photograph of students sitting at a round table collaborating on a project.

  • STUDENT CLUBS

    A photograph of students dancing in the Academic Quad on UW's Seattle campus.

  • RECREATION

    A photograph of a student attempting to complete an obstacle course during Dawg Daze.

Prospective student resources

Colleges and schools

What are you driven to discover? A lifesaving cure, an entirely new art form, a solution for greener technologies? At the UW, you’ll do more than read about change; you’ll be the catalyst making positive change happen.

Explore academics

Student life and housing

Live in an inclusive and supportive campus community where everyone can comfortably join in or confidently stand out.

Campus living

Undergraduate

Graduate

A photograph of Rainier Vista on UW's Seattle Campus with Drumheller Fountain and Mount Rainier in the background.

Honoring the peoples of this land

The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.

We also acknowledge and honor the Tribal nations across Washington state and the many Indigenous peoples from across the country who live and work in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

Explore campus

Take the next step!

Photograph of Dubs, the UW's live mascot!