Washington State University: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Pullman, Washington · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
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Washington State University is a public university in Pullman, Washington that admits about 87% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $14,971 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. About 61% of students graduate within six years. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.3 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
Washington State University is a public institution located in Pullman, Washington. For the most recent reporting cycle, Washington State University admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 87%. Admitted students typically post a median SAT around 1130. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $14,971 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for Washington State University?
67% of enrolled students at Washington State University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.44, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What does Washington State University weight in admissions?
Washington State University reports these factor weights in its Common Data Set (2024-2025). What the weights mean
- • Rigor of secondary school record
- • Academic GPA
SAT and ACT scores Washington State University typically admits
Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | 1010 |
| 50th percentile | 1130 |
| 75th percentile | 1280 |
| % submitting SAT | 5% |
| 25th percentile | 18 |
| 50th percentile | 22 |
| 75th percentile | 27 |
| % submitting ACT | 2% |
- • Test-blind: Washington State University does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if submitted.
- • Policy detail: Not considered
How much does Washington State University actually cost?
Published tuition is $13,391 for in-state students and $29,950 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $13,622 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $14,971 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 27% of students receive Pell Grants.
| In-state tuition | $11,678 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,784 |
| Room and board | $14,428 |
| Average net price (after aid) | $14,971 |
| Application fee | $70 (waivers available) |
Application deadlines and early decision data for Washington State University
| Reply deadline | May 1 |
Will my child graduate from Washington State University?
These predict outcomes at Washington State University better than its acceptance rate does. How to read retention and graduation rates
Most popular majors at Washington State University
The most popular undergraduate programs at Washington State University, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. Across all programs, Washington State University confers roughly 2,407 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Psychology, General program report a median income of about $56,856 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 466 | $56,856 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 370 | $84,931 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 301 | — |
| Mechanical Engineering | 265 | $92,146 |
| Biology, General | 256 | $63,464 |
| Marketing | 255 | $82,094 |
| Social Sciences, General | 250 | $59,442 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 244 | $82,433 |
Is Washington State University safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), Washington State University disclosed 49 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.3 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 12 violent offenses and 20 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
What is campus life like at Washington State University?
About 26% of undergraduates at Washington State University live in campus housing, so a meaningful share of students commute or live off campus. In Greek life, 15% of men join a fraternity and 18% of women join a sorority. Residential rate and Greek participation shape day-to-day social life and are worth weighing alongside academics and cost.
Other colleges in Washington parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
Next steps for Washington State University
Common questions parents ask about Washington State University
What GPA do I need for Washington State University?
67% of enrolled students at Washington State University had a high school GPA of 3.25 or above, and the average was 3.44, according to its 2024-2025 Common Data Set.
What SAT or ACT score does Washington State University typically admit?
Washington State University is test-blind: SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admission decisions, even if you submit them. There is no score range because scores are not read.
How much does Washington State University actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Washington State University after grants and scholarships is $14,971 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $13,391 and $29,950 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is Washington State University realistic for my child?
Washington State University admits 87% of applicants, so the transcript and course rigour carry the decision, with no published score band to place against. Then check the $14,971 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at Washington State University?
Washington State University accepts about 87% of applicants out of roughly 25,462 who apply each year. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is Washington State University test-optional?
Washington State University is test-blind: it does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admission decisions, even if you submit them.
What is the graduation rate at Washington State University?
About 61% of students at Washington State University graduate within six years, and 41% finish in four years. 78% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduation rate predicts real outcomes better than acceptance rate.
What does Washington State University look for in applicants?
Washington State University rates course rigor and GPA as "very important" in its Common Data Set. These are the factors the admissions committee weighs most heavily when reviewing an application.
Is Washington State University a public or private school, and where is it located?
Washington State University is a public institution located in Pullman, Washington.
What are the most popular majors at Washington State University?
The largest undergraduate majors at Washington State University by annual graduates are Psychology, General, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. The school awards about 2,407 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is Washington State University safe? What is its campus crime rate?
Washington State University reported 49 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.3 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
What is campus life like at Washington State University?
At Washington State University, 26% of undergraduates live on campus, 15% of men are in fraternities, 18% of women are in sororities, according to its most recent Common Data Set.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by Washington State University, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers