Washington State University
Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 86.6%, an average net price of $13,462, and an overall rank of #336 (Grade B+). About 62.8% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $75,826 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, WA. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Computer Science.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 78.3% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 122.6%, roughly 72.7 points higher than typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Washington State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Washington State University graduates 62.8% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 66.0% and keeps 78.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Washington State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $14,452 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $13,888 |
| Books and Supplies | $762 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,428 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,382 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,914 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 34.9% of Washington State University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $6,750 to $24,537 depending on family income. Use Washington State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $15,212/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,537/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $75,826
- 10-Year Median Earnings $72,280
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $18,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~24.4%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 72.1%
- Employment Rate 92.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Washington State University graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Washington State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Washington State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Washington State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 21,099
- Full-Time Students 89.8%
- Part-Time Students 10.2%
- Retention Rate 78.3%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 62.8%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 66.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Washington State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Washington State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.6%, Washington State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.6% acceptance rate, Washington State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Washington State University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Social Sciences, General, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 6.9%
- Social Sciences, General 6.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.7%
- Mechanical Engineering 4.9%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 3.6%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.5%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer Engineering $110,492
- 2. Computer Science $108,566
- 3. Construction Management $107,912
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,264
- 5. Biomedical/Medical Engineering $95,879
- 6. Mechanical Engineering $92,146
- 7. Economics $90,097
- 8. Civil Engineering $89,281
- 9. Chemical Engineering $88,132
- 10. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,931
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $163,998
- 2. Engineering-Related Fields (Master's Degree) $156,036
- 3. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $144,700
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $142,779
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $141,180
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $138,196
- 7. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $117,722
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $115,096
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $97,698
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $91,062
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $110,492—30% more than Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing ($84,931). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $163,998 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Washington State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 351 graduates)
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 221 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 218 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 200 graduates)
- Computer Science (Bachelor's Degree, 193 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (65 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Computer Science
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Animal Sciences
- Journalism
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Applied Mathematics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Plant Sciences
- Food Science and Technology
- Music
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Design and Applied Arts
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- International Business
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Materials Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Philosophy
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Human Biology
- Physical Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Public Policy Analysis
- Mathematics
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Forestry
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Agriculture, General
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Area Studies
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Online Master's Degrees (63 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Science
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Plant Sciences
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Economics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Political Science and Government
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Statistics
- Food Science and Technology
- Chemistry
- History
- Criminology
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Materials Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Apparel and Textiles
- Agricultural Engineering
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Soil Sciences
- Sociology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemical Engineering
- Biology, General
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Anthropology
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teaching Assistants/Aides
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Philosophy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Genetics
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Education, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Biotechnology
- Area Studies
- Animal Sciences
- Accounting and Related Services
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Materials Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Economics
- Civil Engineering
- Psychology, General
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Physics
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Computer Science
- Anthropology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Soil Sciences
- Sociology
- Political Science and Government
- Plant Sciences
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Food Science and Technology
- Criminology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Engineering Science
- Area Studies
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biology, General
- Animal Sciences
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Statistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Nutrition Sciences
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Materials Sciences
- Marketing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Genetics
- Education, General
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (37 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- International Business
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Homeland Security
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Special Education and Teaching
- Physics
- Nuclear Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Services, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Economics
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Computer Science
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (24 programs)▼
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations
- Design and Applied Arts
- Marketing
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Sustainability Studies
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer Science
- Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biotechnology
- Area Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)▼
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Medicine
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 21,099
- Full-Time Students 89.8%
- Part-Time Students 10.2%
- Male Students 46.7%
- Female Students 53.3%
- Caucasian 57.5%
- Asian 6.8%
- Hispanic 18.9%
- Black 3.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 34.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Washington State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Washington State University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Washington State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Washington State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Washington State University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Washington State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Washington State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #336 overall with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,462 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $75,826 median earnings. The 62.8% graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 78.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Washington State University's Strengths
Ranked #336 with a B+ grade, Washington State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Washington State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,462 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Washington State University's 78.3% retention and 62.8% graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($75,826 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Washington State University and $13,462 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 62.8% graduation rate sits 0.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 78.3% first-year retention is 1.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- Median earnings of $75,826 run about 23% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $13,462 is roughly $6,446 lower than the national median of $19,908.
- 92.6% employment rate within three years is 24.4 points above the national 68.2%.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 78.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.6% employment rate within three years sits 24.4 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 34.9% trails the national share by 3.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Washington State University, a public university in Pullman, WA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It appears at #336 in EDsmart's rankings Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 78.3% retention, 62.8% graduation within 150% of normal time, and 66.0% earning an award within eight years. Review the cost and aid tables for a full picture of value.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,462 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,914.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $14,452 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 34.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Five years after graduation, alumni earn roughly $75,826 at the median. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 92.6% of alumni working within three years.
Use the ROI table above to estimate how long it may take to recoup your degree costs.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Washington State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Washington State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/washington-state-university/
MLA (9th): “Washington State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/washington-state-university/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Washington State University: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/washington-state-university/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Washington State University's acceptance rate?
Washington State University's acceptance rate is 86.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Washington State University cost?
At Washington State University, listed tuition and fees are $13,888 per year, and the average net price after aid is $13,462. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Washington State University's ranking?
Washington State University ranks #336 overall in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Washington State University's graduation rate?
At Washington State University, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 62.8% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 66.0%, and first-year retention is 78.3%.
What are Washington State University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Washington State University report median earnings of $75,826 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Washington State University's student population?
Washington State University enrolls about 21,099 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address French Administration Building, Pullman, WA 99164-5910
- Website wsu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$1.27B