University of Washington Tacoma 2026 Admission Statistics

Admissions Snapshot: University of Washington Tacoma

• Acceptance rate: 82.9% (2,622 admitted from 3,161 applicants)
• Undergraduate enrollment: 4,185
• Published tuition: $13,168 in-state · $43,404 out-of-state
• Average net price after aid: $10,163

Admissions figures describe the fall 2023 entering class, the most recent year we hold verified figures for, from the federal IPEDS survey in GoodGoblin's database. They match our University of Washington Tacoma admissions page. Enrollment and cost are from the federal College Scorecard. See how your profile compares with GoodGoblin's college match.

University of Washington Tacoma Admission Guide

Bring curiosity and a readiness to create positive change. Tacoma will hand you the tools.

Why read this?

You’re a high‑school junior planning to submit your UW Tacoma application next fall.
The campus’s 2024‑25 Common Data Set reveals admit rates, GPA ranges, costs, and aid. Instead of digging through spreadsheets, use this narrative cheat‑sheet (no tables, no citations) just plain‑language guidance, to benchmark your odds, calendar every deadline, and craft a standout application.

1. Snapshot: Admission in Plain English

• Around 69 000 freshman applications were filed system‑wide; UW Tacoma received a small but growing share.
• Acceptance rate: 82.9% for the fall 2023 entering class (federal IPEDS survey, fall 2023), making Tacoma accessible yet purposeful.
• The incoming class sizes at roughly 330–350 first‑years with an average 3.44 un‑weighted GPA.
• Only about 5 percent of applicants submitted SAT/ACT scores. Check UW Tacoma’s current testing policy before you apply.
• Most popular majors for freshmen: Business Administration, Computer Science & Systems, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Environmental Science.

2. Why UW Tacoma?

• Big‑Name Resources, Small‑Campus Feel – You earn a University of Washington degree while studying in classes that average under 30 students.
• Urban Engagement – Downtown Tacoma doubles as a learning lab for internships with tech start‑ups, tribal agencies, and the Port of Tacoma.
• Quarter‑System Flexibility – Three primary terms (plus summer) let you add certificates or speed up graduation.
• Affordability for Washington Families – The Husky Promise covers full in‑state tuition for Pell‑eligible students who file FAFSA/WASFA by 15 January.
• Research Access – Undergraduates co‑publish with faculty in environmental science, cybersecurity, urban planning, and racial & ethnic studies.

3. Last Cycle’s Timeline & Deadlines

Dates below are from the 2025‑26 cycle. Confirm this cycle’s dates on the official UW Tacoma admissions site.

• 1  August  2025 – Application opens in both Coalition and UW portals
• 15  November  2025 – Early Action recommended for fastest review and scholarship priority (non‑binding)
• 15  January  2026 – Priority Deadline for all majors, honors, and housing preference
• Rolling Review – Applications accepted until programs fill (usually into spring)
• Mid‑December – First waves of decisions for early files
• 15  March  2026 – Regular decision notifications post in MyUW portal
• 1  May  2026 – Confirmation deposit due (or three weeks after admission, whichever is later)

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4. Academic Expectations

• Middle‑50 percent un‑weighted GPA: 3.0 – 3.7
• Average GPA: ≈ 3.44
• Testing: Check UW Tacoma’s current testing policy before you apply. If scores are optional, submit them only if they clear roughly 1330 SAT / 29 ACT and enhance your profile.
• Recommended senior‑year courses:
  • English IV (writing‑heavy)
  • Pre‑Calculus or Calculus for STEM majors
  • Third lab science (Physics or advanced Chem/Bio)
  • Fourth year of world language or AP Social Science
  • AP/IB electives aligned with intended major

Minimum High‑School Coursework (Washington CADRs)

• 4 credits English
• 3 credits Mathematics (Algebra II minimum)
• 3 credits Science (at least 2 labs)
• 3 credits Social Studies
• 2 credits Same World Language
• 0.5 credit Visual/Performing Arts
• 0.5 credit Academic Elective

5. Cost of Attendance for 2025‑26 (three quarters)

• Washington resident tuition & fees: about $13,000
• Non‑resident tuition & fees: about $43,400
• Housing & meals (on‑campus): roughly $16,400
• Books, supplies, personal & transport: about $4,000
• Estimated total: • $33‑35 k in‑state • $63‑65 k out‑of‑state

Financial‑Aid Highlights

• Husky Promise – full tuition/fee coverage for eligible WA families (file FAFSA/WASFA by 15 Jan).
• Automatic Merit Scholarships – $1000–$6000 per year; early applicants get first consideration.
• Average first‑year aid package: about $20 k, covering roughly 75 percent of demonstrated need.
• Campus jobs & work‑study: 1000+ positions open each quarter.

6. What UW Tacoma Values (and How to Prove It)

1. Impactful Engagement
   • Depth beats breadth: two or three sustained activities with measurable results.
2. Curiosity Tied to Place
   • Show how Tacoma’s urban waterfront will fuel your goals in sustainability, business, tech, or public service.
3. Growth Mindset

• Essays that reflect learning from challenge (not a perfect résumé) stand out.

4. Community Contribution
   • Highlight volunteerism, work, or family responsibilities that improved others’ lives.
5. Academic Readiness

• Rigorous coursework, upward GPA trends, and (if submitted) strong test scores.

7. Crafting Your Application

• Personal Statement (650 words): Tell a story that marries your passion with Tacoma’s opportunities.
• Short Response (300 words): Explain how you’ll contribute to UW Tacoma’s community.
• Activities List: Limit entries to 8–10 lines; include role, hours, measurable outcomes.
• Recommendation Letters: One teacher/counselor required, choose someone who can speak to both academics and character.
• Optional Materials: Art or computer‑science portfolios via SlideRoom; only submit if they add depth.

8. Campus Life Highlights

• Housing – Two residence halls; most students commute or rent apartments downtown.
• Student Organizations – 100+ clubs: Black Student Union, Cybersecurity Club, Pacific Islander Association, intramural esports.
• Research & Career – Undergraduate Research Symposium, Internship program with Amazon, Port of Tacoma, MultiCare Health.
• Traditions – Sound Transit Light Rail ride to Seattle, Sunset paddleboarding on Commencement Bay, Husky Game Watch at Cheney Stadium.

9. Last Cycle’s Action Plan (Class of 2030)

1. June  2025 – Brainstorm essay anecdotes; secure a recommender.
2. Aug  2025 – Open application; draft essays and activities list.
3. Sep  2025 – Finalize essays; request transcript & any test scores.
4. 15  Nov  2025 – Submit for Early Action to maximize scholarships.
5. 15  Jan  2026 – File FAFSA/WASFA for Husky Promise eligibility.
6. Mar  2026 – Check MyUW portal; celebrate or opt into the wait‑list.
7. May  2026 – Pay deposit, apply for housing, and register for Dawg Daze orientation.

Final Word

UW Tacoma offers a University of Washington degree in an intimate, urban setting where impact counts more than prestige points. Lean into rigorous courses, quantify your community contributions, and write essays that connect your ambitions to Tacoma’s waterfront labs and downtown innovation hubs. Nail those elements, respect the timeline, and you could soon be strolling Pacific Avenue in purple and gold.

Need structured guidance? GoodGoblin benchmarks your transcript and essays against recent UW T admit data and builds weekly action steps. Start a free trial today and turn ambition into an admit letter.