Founded in 1890, Washington State University (also known as WSU or Washington State) is a public research university in Pullman, Washington. It is one of the oldest land-grant universities renowned for its research initiatives and investments. As a part of its initial curriculum, WSU taught chemistry, mathematics, history, and English, along with music and arts. In 1905, the Board of Regents, the university’s governing body, approved the founding of the School of Music. 

In 1985, the university went through a period of rapid growth and established branches in other cities of Washington State — Spokane, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland), and Vancouver. Additionally, the institution opened facilities in Prosser and Wenatchee, as well as offices and research centres throughout the state. Since then, WSU has achieved several landmarks such as the establishment of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, the second public medical school in Washington and one of the only three in the state, and so on. 

WSU is counted among universities with ‘R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity’ in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. This classification is granted only to institutions that consistently conduct research on different subjects and allocate a significant amount of resources to research activities. In 2019 alone, Washington State spent 345 million dollars on research and development. WSU was ranked 179th among ‘National Universities’ by US News and World Report 2022, and 443rd among ‘Top Global Universities’ in the QS World University Ranking 2023.

As of fall 2020, the alumni network of WSU comprises nearly 180,000 members worldwide. Some of its notable alumni are Irwin Rose, Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry; Paul Allen, Co-founder of Microsoft; John M. Fabian, Astronaut; Dolph Lundgren, actor; Paul Enquist, Olympic Gold Medalist; Michael Edward Lowry, 20th governor of Washington; and Jayceon Terrell Taylor (professionally known as ‘The Game’); Rapper; among others. In this article, we will discuss the programs offered at WSU, their admission process, and fee structure, among others. So read on! 

Programs Offered at WSU

Operating on a global scale, Washington State University provides 565 programs across its centres in 70 odd countries. WSU collaborates with several universities across the world to execute research projects and student exchange programs. It offers academic programs in over 200 streams and disciplines such as Language and Literature, Systems Engineering, Biological Sciences, Archaeology, Music, Sports Science, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies, among others. Some of the most sought-after courses offered by Washington State are mentioned in the table below:

Bachelor’s ProgramsMaster’s Programs
Bachelor of Science in Computer EngineeringMaster of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in MicrobiologyMaster of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in International BusinessMaster of Architecture 
Bachelor of NursingMaster of Science in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal JusticeMaster of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Arts in HumanitiesMaster of Arts in Sports Management
Bachelor of Science in Genetics and Cell BiologyMaster of Science in Plants Biology
Bachelor of Science in Music EducationMaster of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in PsychologyMaster of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of AccountingMaster of Arts in Anthropology
Bachelor of Arts in ManagementMaster of Science in Veterinary Science
Bachelor of Science in Architectural StudiesMaster of Arts in Music
Bachelor of Science in MarketingMaster of Science in Biology
Bachelor of Science in Civil EngineeringMaster of Science in Chemistry

Washington State University offers these courses through its 11 constituent colleges:

  • Carson College of Business
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
  • Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
  • College of Education
  • Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
  • Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Pharmacy
  • College of Veterinary Medicine

Campus Life

In 2001, WSU inaugurated the 160,000-square-foot Student Recreation Center (SRC). It consists of an indoor track, four basketball courts, two volleyball courts, a roller hockey rink, four racquetball courts, a swimming pool, a 50-person jacuzzi, free weights, weight machines, cardio equipment, exercise instruction rooms, outdoor sand volleyball courts, and a ropes course. In addition to sports facilities, the campus is home to several museums such as the Museum of Art, Charles R. Conner Museum of Natural History, and Museum of Anthropology, among others. 

Admission Process at WSU

The acceptance rate of Washington State University is 76%. Its student population of nearly 20000 represents 98 countries and all the 50 states of America. The admission process at WSU depends on the program you wish to pursue. As every course requires a different set of skills, the eligibility criteria for admission to every course vary. However, the admission prerequisites common to all the courses are mentioned in the table below:

TestsRequired Scores
IELTS7.0
TOEFL (Internet-Based Test)93
PTE62

Admission requirements for all programs are available on the university’s official website. Hence, aspirants can visit the website to learn more about the eligibility criteria of their chosen program. 

Fee Structure and Financial Aid

The table below illustrates the cost of attendance for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs:

For Undergraduate Program
Types of CostsResidentNon-Residents
Tuition$5,633$13,475
Mandatory Fees$717$717
Room and Board$6,299$6,299
Books$480$480
Miscellaneous Living Expenses$1,126$1,126
Transportation$717$717
Estimated Semester Total$14,972$22,814
Estimated Year Total$29,944$45,628
For Graduate Program
Types of CostsResidentNon-Residents
Tuition$6,462$13,861
Mandatory Fees$569$569
Room and Board$6,299$6,299
Books$567$567
Miscellaneous Living Expenses$1,126$1,126
Transportation$717$717
Estimated Semester Total$15,740$23,139
Estimated Year Total$31,480 $46,278

Washington State University assists students in financing their education through financial aid such as scholarships, grants, fee waivers, and work-study, among others. In the academic year 2019-20, WSU offered $421.8 million in financial aid and scholarships. 

Some of the scholarships provided by Washington State are:

  • April Seehafer Scholarship Fund
  • Art and Helen Brunstad Endowed Chemistry Scholarship
  • Anker L. and Lilian M. Christy Scholarship
  • Albert and Helene Heglund Scholarship
  • Expand Your Horizons Scholarship

So if you aspire to study at an institution that brings out a researcher in you, then Washington State University is the place to be. We hope that this article has helped you learn crucial information about this university. All the best!

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