As a leading national research university, Washington State University provides an exceptional education to more than 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. They work side-by-side with professors whose scholarship and research are at the frontiers of knowledge. Among the faculty are members of the National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards. Across WSU's eleven colleges, many academic programs rank among the nation's finest. Especially well known are the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, named for the University’s most distinguished alumnus, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Honors College is one of the oldest and most respected university-wide programs for high-achieving students. As Washington’s public land-grant university, WSU emphasizes engaged learning and service to the state’s people and communities. WSU’s historic main campus is in Pullman. Regional campuses serve the Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver areas, while online degree programs serve students worldwide.
The Cougars Community
With students from 49 states and 89 countries, Washington State University’s main campus has a lively, diverse community offering a wealth of learning opportunities. Freshman Focus and other living-learning communities bring academic experiences into the residence halls. Students enter national competitions as varied as mock trial, interior design, business plans, and robotics; work with professors on research; and contribute more than 30,000 hours of community service annually. They are active in more than 200 academic and social clubs and one of the nation’s largest intramural sports programs. The University emphasizes international experiences for students including study abroad. Students enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment events, and cheer on the Cougars in Pac-10 athletics. A contemporary Student Union Building and an award-winning Student Recreation Center provide venues for staying fit, honing leadership skills and making friends. The University has a spirited sense of community that infuses the main campus and the Pullman area, fostering a loyal student and alumni body.
Carnegie Classification of Institutional Characteristics
Basic Type
Research Universities (very high research activity)
Size and Setting
Large four-year, primarily residential
Enrollment Profile
High undergraduate
Undergraduate Profile
Full-time four-year, selective, higher transfer-in
Undergraduate Instructional Program
Balanced arts & sciences/professions, high graduate coexistence
Graduate Instructional Program
Comprehensive doctoral with medical/veterinary
NOTE: Institutional classifications based on the Carnegie 2005 edition.
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Undergraduate Profile
| Total Undergraduate Students | 21,149 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||
| Women | 10,997 | 52% |
| Men | 10,152 | 48% |
| Race/Ethnicity | ||
| International | 632 | 3% |
| Race/Ethnicity Not Reported | 1,629 | 8% |
| African American / Black | 514 | 2% |
| American Indian / Alaskan Native | 298 | 1% |
| Asian / Pacific Islander | 1,270 | 6% |
| Hispanic | 1,106 | 5% |
| White | 15,700 | 74% |
| Geographic Distribution (Degree-Seeking) | |
|---|---|
| Washington | 89% |
| Other US States & Territories | 8% |
| Other Countries | 3% |
| Age (Degree-Seeking) | |
| Average Age | 21 |
| Percent of Undergraduates Age 25 or Older | 8% |
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Undergraduate Success and Progress Rate
A 91% four-year success and progress rate means that 91% of students starting in Fall 2002 either graduated or are still enrolled at a higher education institution four years later.
Counts for the Fall 2002 entering class shown in the graph above.
- 2,771 First-Time, Full-Time Students
- 1,753 Full-Time Transfer Students
Retention of Fall 2007 First-Time, Full-time Students
First-time students in Fall 2007 that returned for their second year: 82%
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Costs of Attendance and Financial Aid
Typical Undergraduate Costs per Year without Financial Aid (Full-Time, In-State Students)
Total Typical Cost of Attendance: $19,483
The cost to attend Washington State University varies based on the individual circumstances of students and may be reduced through grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid Awarded to Undergraduates
Annual Need-Based Scholarships & Grants
• 33% of 2007-08 Actual full-time undergraduates received need-based grants or scholarships; the average award for the year was $6,872
Annual Need-Based Loans
• 42% of 2007-08 Actual full-time undergraduates received need-based work-study and/or loans (not including parent loans); the average loan for the year was $4,844
Percent of 2007-08 First-Time Students Receiving Each Type of Financial Aid
NOTE: Students may receive aid from more than one source.
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Academic Preparation of New Freshmen
Test(s) Required for Admission: SAT or ACT recommended
| Middle 50% of Test Score Range | ACT | SAT |
|---|---|---|
| Composite | 21 - 26 | |
| Math | 510 - 610 | |
| Critical Reading | 490 - 600 |
50% of admitted students have test scores within the ranges listed, 25% have scores above, and 25% have scores below.
| High School Background | ||
|---|---|---|
| Percent in top 25% of High School Graduating Class | 61% | |
| Percent in top 50% of High School Graduating Class | 84% | |
| Percent of New Freshmen who submitted HS Class Rank | 67% | |
| Average High School GPA (4-point scale) | 3.48 | |
| Percent who submitted High School GPA | 98% | |
Study At WSU
| Classroom Environment | |
|---|---|
| Students per Faculty | 14 to 1 |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 30 students | 64% |
| Undergraduate classes with fewer than 50 students | 82% |
| Full-Time Instructional Faculty | |
|---|---|
| Total Faculty | 1,204 |
| % Women | 39% |
| % from Minority Groups | 12% |
| % with Highest Degree in Field | 90% |
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Campus Safety
Washington State University makes the safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and visitors a high priority. Our fully commissioned police force acts in concert with other university departments and local jurisdictions to provide a safe living and learning environment. WSU is proactive in addressing threatening situations both from hazards in the physical environment and from the behavior of individuals. We continuously seek to improve safety through the addition of new facilities, communications, and processes.
Degrees and Areas of Study
| Degrees awarded at Washington State University in 2007-08 | |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 4,818 |
| Master's | 724 |
| Doctoral | 189 |
| Professional (e.g., Law, Medicine) | 188 |
| Total | 5,919 |
| Areas of study with the largest number of bachelors degrees awarded in 2007-08 | |
|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services | 19% |
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Health Professions And Related Clinical Sciences | 8% |
| Communication, Journalism And Related Programs | 8% |
| Engineering | 6% |
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Student Experiences and Perceptions
Institutions participating in the VSA program measure student involvement on campus using one of four national surveys. Results from the one survey are reported for a common set of questions selected as part of VSA. Following are the selected results from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The questions have been grouped together in categories that are known to contribute to student learning and development. The results reported below are based on the responses of seniors who participated in the survey.
Group Learning Experiences
- 97% percent of seniors worked with classmates on assignments outside of class.
- 53% of seniors tutored or taught other students
- 30% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week participating in co-curricular activities such as student organizations and intramural sports
Active Learning Experiences
- 83% of seniors spent at least 6 hours per week preparing for class
- 22% of seniors worked on a research project with a faculty member
- 54% of seniors participated in an internship, practicum, or field experience
- 67% of seniors participated in community service or volunteer work
- 16% of seniors participated in study abroad
- 96% of seniors made at least one class presentation last year
Institutional Commitment to Student Learning and Success
- 97% of seniors believe this institution provides support for student success
- 62% of seniors rated the quality of academic advising at this institution as good or excellent
- 65% of seniors reported that this institution provided help in coping with work, family and other non-academic responsibilities
- 91% of seniors reported working harder than they thought they could to meet an instructor's standards or expectations
Student Interaction with Campus Faculty and Staff
- 58% of seniors believed that the campus staff were helpful, considerate, or flexible
- 77% of seniors believed that faculty are available, helpful, or sympathetic
- 95% of seniors reported that faculty members provided prompt feedback on their academic performance
- 71% of seniors discussed readings or ideas with faculty members outside of class
Experiences with Diverse Groups of People and Ideas
- 63% of seniors reported that they often tried to understand someone else's point of view
- 85% of seniors reported their experience at this institution contributed to their understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds
- 54% of seniors often had serious conversations with students of a different race or ethnicity
Student Satisfaction
- 86% of seniors would attend this institution if they started over again
- 86% of seniors rated their entire educational experience as good or excellent
- 83% of seniors reported that other students were friendly or supportive
Washington State University College Portrait
- Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 509-335-5586
- http://www.wsu.edu/
Student Learning Assessment at Washington State University
All colleges and universities use multiple approaches to measure student learning. Many of these are specific to particular disciplines, many are coordinated with accrediting agencies, and many are based on outcomes after students have graduated.
To address skills that students need to learn for professional life after graduation, WSU has developed The Six Learning Goals of the Baccalaureate related to Critical and Creative Thinking, Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning, Information Literacy, Communication, Self and Society, and Specialty pertaining to the major. They incorporate state accountability measures as well as embrace both general education and the major, and have helped departments scaffold their goals and outcomes for assessing student learning. WSU is proud of its track record as a leader in innovative, transformational assessment that provides formative feedback to students, faculty, and programs, and that ties assessment to pedagogy.
Pilot Project to Measure Core Learning Outcomes
Colleges and universities participating in the College Portrait measure the typical improvement in students' abilities to think, reason, and write using one of three tests. This is part of a pilot project to better understand and compare what students learn between their freshman and senior years at different colleges and universities.
This university is in the process of collecting and analyzing learning outcomes test results.