University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (UWTC, UWT, UW-T, UW-Tacoma) Academics and Admissions

Academics

Founded in 1990, UW Tacoma is one of the University of Washington’s three campuses. The university serves thousands of students in seven academic divisions, studying in 27 undergraduate and six graduate degree programs. First year students at UW Tacoma enroll in an innovative core program. Students can choose majors that include Education, Information Technology, Computer Science, Social Work, Business, Urban Studies, Nursing, Criminal Justice, Environmental Science, and Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. UW Tacoma is also constantly academic programs as the number of students grows. This campus boasts numerous interdisciplinary programs and small classes, flexible class schedules, as well as diverse research and service projects. Classes are offered days and nights to accommodate the schedules of its full- and part-time students.

All students have access to the UW multi-campus library system. The university also offers certificate programs in areas such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Nonprofit Management. There are also numerous minors including Health and Society, Hispanic Studies, Human Rights, Law and Policy, Mathematics, and Museum Studies.

Students who are interested in learning about Environmental Studies can benefit from access to Friday Harbor Laboratories on San Juan Island; state-of-the-art oceanographic research vessels and equipment; Pack Experimental Forest; and Big Beef Creek Field Station on Hood Canal. The Center for Urban Waters is a community of environmental scientists, engineers, analysts, and policy makers that strive to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to restore and protect the Puget Sound.

There are also diverse study abroad opportunities to exotic countries such as Brazil, Kenya, Argentina, China, Costa Rica, and Germany. Students enrolled at the Tacoma campus can also participate in study abroad programs through the university’s other campuses.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 14th in Washington and 523rd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	86.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$26,978
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	23 / 1190
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	81% / 76%
Enrollment Total (all students)	5,354

Admissions

Students who wish to apply to University of Washington – Tacoma Campus must complete the (online or paper) application form and submit a personal statement. Applicants must also submit an official high school transcript or a GED score report, an official SAT or ACT score report, an AP transcript (if applicable) and letters of recommendation from an academic instructors or faculty member. The deadline for submitting an application is rolling, with a priority deadline in early March. Students who wish to receive priority consideration for scholarships should check the website; an earlier deadline applies. A nonrefundable application fee is also required.

Graduate students, adult students, transfer students, home-schooled students, and international students may need to use different procedures, so they should refer to the university’s website or contact the Office of Admission for more information about the admissions process and application requirements.

Financial Aid

University of Washington – Tacoma Campus offers a wide variety of financial aid programs. More than half of the college’s students receive some form of state, federal, private or institutional financial assistance. The university’s mission is to allow students from all economic backgrounds to attend. The Husky Promise guarantees full tuition and standard fees will be covered by grant or scholarship support for eligible Washington state students. Forms of aid that are available for students at University of Washington – Tacoma Campus include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. The University of Washington – Tacoma offers a variety of scholarships for students. Some are based on merit; others require applicants to demonstrate evidence of financial need. All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1st each year. The priority filing deadline date is February 28. If selected for verification, students will also need to complete a Federal Verification Worksheet and/or additional documents. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office for more information and assistance with completing the financial aid application process. Students wishing to pay in-state tuition rates may also have to furnish documentation establishing their residency.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5447th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Washington.

Students

The student body at University of Washington – Tacoma is diverse and includes a broad range of ethnicities, family backgrounds, ages, interests and experience. Many students have transferred from one of the area’s many community colleges. The University of Washington – Tacoma Campus offers on-campus housing in one of its ten residence halls or six apartments. Layouts and amenities vary by building. There are buildings reserved for first year students, as well as residences for students with disabilities and students with families. Located in the Department of Student Services, New Student Programs offers orientations for new students, the Parent & Family Affairs program, and the Peer Adviser program. These programs are designed to help students, parents, and their families make the transition to the campus. The university also offers student health insurance and a student health center.

UW Tacoma has a small campus that is integrated with the local community, restaurants, coffee shops, and other stores. It overlooks the Port of Tacoma and Mount Rainier. Within walking distance from the school are numerous restaurants, attractions, shops, parks, museums and historic buildings. The Link, a light rail streetcar, stops directly in front of the UW Tacoma campus and offers free rides from the center of downtown all the way to the Tacoma Dome. Buses also stop right in front of campus. There is also an express bus that runs from UW Tacoma to the UW Seattle campus.

There is plenty for students to do on the campus itself. Students can enjoy access to a well stocked bookstore, and the complimentary wireless Internet access that is available in most of the buildings on campus. University of Washington – Tacoma Campus offers students countless opportunities to get involved. There are more than 30 clubs, organizations, and activities that include academic, professional, political, social, talent, athletic, student government, media, religious, service, multicultural, special interest, and honor groups. The student government represents and promotes the student body’s interests, needs, and welfare.

The Longshoremen’s Hall at UW Tahoma is a rstate of the art recreation center that has a massive event and recreation area, outdoor recreation courts, a gaming center, and an on-line gaming room. The Campus Fitness Center has different types of cardio equipment, weights, and other exercise equipment.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Bibliography

Snider, Mark. Colleges in the West. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2009.

Snider, Mark. How to Get Money for College 2011: Financing Your Future Beyond Federal Aid. Lawrenceville: Peterson’s, 2010.

University of Washington – Tacoma Campus. University of Washington – Tacoma Campus. 2011. Web. 15 May 2011.

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus