💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Washington 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$13,406 |
$44,640 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$18,405 |
$18,405 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$31,811 |
$63,045 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,485 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Residency & Reciprocity: UW Seattle does
not participate in WUE or regional tuition reciprocity. Nonresidents pay full
nonresident tuition unless awarded a selective merit scholarship such as the
Purple & Gold Scholarship.
Sources:
https://admit.washington.edu/costs/coa/
https://www.washington.edu/opb/tuition-fees/estimated-annual-cost-of-attendance-for-first-year-undergraduates/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?236948-University-of-Washington-Seattle-Campus
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
https://admit.washington.edu/costs/scholarships/
Automatic Scholarships at UW
UW offers very few automatic scholarships. Most funding is need-based or tied to special programs. In-state students with strong financial need may qualify for the Husky Promise (full tuition for low-income Washington families). Out-of-state students are considered automatically for the Purple & Gold Scholarship—but it’s highly competitive (top 10–15% of applicants, 3.8+ GPA). No extra forms are needed for either.
Full TuitionAutomatic⚠ All Undergrad Onlygeographicneed_based
Husky Promise
📅 Deadline: Feb 28
✓ Renews (12 yrs)
Full Tuition
full_tuition
✔ Stackable
⚠ Promise program for Washington residents with financial need that guarantees full UW tuition and standard fees are covered by grants and scholarships.
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Built from a layered stack of federal Pell, the Washington College Grant, and UW institutional grants/scholarships. It covers any remaining resident tuition and standard fees—housing, food, books, and other living costs are not included and may need to be financed through additional aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
A guarantee, not a fixed-dollar award. UW promises that full resident tuition plus standard fees will be covered for eligible WA residents at the Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses for up to 12 quarters of full-time enrollment.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Washington-resident undergraduates who are Pell-eligible (or meet equivalent income thresholds for undocumented WA residents), file the FAFSA/WASFA on time, enroll full-time, and are pursuing their first bachelor's degree.
Automatic
Presidential Scholar
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with Husky Promise, departmental awards, and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance. A nice anchor merit award on top of need-based aid for high-achieving WA families.
💡
Strategic Detail
$10,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of full-time enrollment as long as the student maintains good academic standing.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Washington-resident first-year admits with standout records of leadership, community engagement, and a story that signals real promise—academic strength matters but this award explicitly leans on the human-impact side of the file.
Automatic
Purple & Gold Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Nov 15 · 📢 Results: Mid-March
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with federal aid (Pell for eligible students), outside scholarships, and some departmental awards up to the cost of attendance. UW does not provide state grants to non-residents, so most of the rest of the financial aid picture for OOS families will be federal loans and family resources.
💡
Strategic Detail
UW's official page states only that 'amounts vary by recipient'—no dollar range is officially published. Third-party sites (CollegeVine, unofficial guides) have reported typical awards in the rough $1,000–$10,000 per year range, but treat any specific number as unverified until UW confirms in your aid letter.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Non-resident U.S. first-year applicants—including DACA and undocumented residents—whose academic record, rigor, leadership, and overall application stand out in the holistic admissions review.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
No automatic merit scholarships for in-state students: Even top Washington students don’t receive automatic merit money. UW’s merit aid is focused on the Purple & Gold (nonresident) and competitive awards via Honors and departments.
Superscore Tip: UW does superscore the ACT and SAT for admission, but there’s no public policy stating that superscores are used for scholarships. If your best combined score is significantly higher, submit it for admission anyway.
FAQs About Automatic Scholarships at UW
Does my student need a separate Purple & Gold application?
No. All out-of-state admits are reviewed automatically; there’s no extra form, but competition is stiff (3.8+ GPA, strong rigor/service).
Is the Husky Promise just for straight-A students?
No. It’s based only on Washington residency and financial need (Pell/WA Grant), not on GPA or test scores at all.
Can in-state students earn automatic academic scholarships?
No. In-state WA students do not receive automatic academic (GPA/test-based) scholarships; competitive awards may be available after enrollment.
Does UW use superscores for scholarships?
UW superscores for admission, but scholarship policy is not published. If your superscore is much stronger, submit it to boost your file.
Competitive Scholarships at UW
These scholarships are not guaranteed; you must apply or be nominated. They often require essays, high achievement, or extracurricular leadership. Many are managed by departments or the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards.
Automatic
Costco Scholarship for First-Year
📅 Deadline: Feb 28 · 📢 Results: Late April–early May
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
$10,000/year for four years (up to $40,000 total) stacks on top of Husky Promise, Pell, the WA College Grant, and departmental awards up to the cost of attendance. Genuinely transformative for low-income WA families when combined with other need-based aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Privately funded by Costco, Boeing, and many individuals/organizations. Awards $10,000 per year for four years to high-achieving, high-need first-year students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving WA-resident first-year students with significant financial need coming from communities that are traditionally underserved in higher education—foster youth, historically underrepresented minority students, and first-generation college students.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: July 1
✓ Renews (3 yrs)
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can stack with Husky Promise, Pell, the WA College Grant, and departmental awards up to the cost of attendance—an enormous boost when paired with state and federal need-based aid.
📄
How to Apply
WA community college students apply directly to the Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship through the UW Expo portal. The application includes transcripts, essays, and recommendations; competitive finalists may interview. Funding starts after transfer to UW Seattle.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Provides up to $12,000 per year for up to three years after transfer to UW Seattle.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving Washington community college students—often with financial need, strong leadership, and a clear sense of academic direction—who plan to complete their bachelor's degree at UW Seattle.
App Required⚠ Transfer Only
Martin Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Apr 4
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$5,000–$12,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 Transfer
✚
Stacking & Combining
Combines a $5,000 boost during the final community college year with up to $12,000/year at UW for up to three years after transfer. Stackable with Husky Promise, Pell, WA College Grant, and departmental awards up to the cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
WA community college students with roughly one year left apply through the UW Expo portal in early spring. Application includes essays, transcripts, and recommendations; competitive finalists interview. Funding begins in the final community college year and continues after transfer.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview💌 Letters of Rec🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
$5,000 during the last year at community college plus up to $12,000/year at UW for up to three years after transfer—total support can exceed $40,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Washington community college students identified early for their academic record, leadership, and service who plan to transfer to UW Seattle—and who still have about one year remaining at their community college when they apply.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
📅 Deadline: Feb
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 5 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Husky Promise, Pell, the WA College Grant, and UW institutional awards—total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance, but most need-based stacks won't bump up against that ceiling.
📄
How to Apply
Apply directly through the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship website each year, submit income information, and designate UW (plus a qualifying STEM or healthcare major) as your intended institution.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Statewide scholarship not administered by UW. Awards typically build up to roughly $22,500 over an undergraduate career for eligible Washington residents at participating institutions including UW.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Income-eligible Washington residents pursuing approved STEM or health-related majors who can sustain at least a 2.75 GPA, stay enrolled full-time, and reapply each year through the WSOS portal.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Departmental/College Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies by unit (Jan–Mar typical)
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$500–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with Husky Promise, Purple & Gold, Presidential Scholar, and outside scholarships up to the cost of attendance—often the most overlooked layer once a student declares a major.
📄
How to Apply
Apply through your home college or department using the UW scholarship system. Most applications include short essays, transcripts, and occasionally a faculty nomination or recommendation.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
An umbrella category covering awards from colleges like Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Foster School of Business, and individual academic departments. Amounts, criteria, and deadlines vary widely by unit—students should check directly with their college once they've declared a major.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Top students within each major or college—those with strong GPAs, polished essays, faculty recommendations where required, and visible engagement in their department or school.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UW
Who nominates students?
For departmental and national awards, it’s often a faculty or academic advisor, especially for upperclass students. For foundation/pride/outside grants, students usually self-nominate via direct applications.
Can these awards stack with other aid?
Sometimes. Departmental and WSOS aid usually stack with need-based grants, but others (like some Foundation or large outside awards) may change your total aid. UW’s Financial Aid office tells students if a new award will cause a change.
Can you win more than one?
Yes! Many Huskies piece together departmental, transfer, competitive, and outside/private scholarships. Just keep an eye on application cycles and avoid conflicts in required essays.
What is a departmental scholarship?
These are college- or major-based grants/awards, often for continuing students, but occasionally available to new admits. Most require an essay, application, or demonstration of achievement beyond GPA.
Hidden Gem Scholarships at UW
These aren’t widely advertised—your student may need to ask, apply, or be involved in certain programs. Savvy families regularly uncover these smaller but valuable sources of money, especially for first-gen, arts, or campus leaders.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Pride Foundation Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan
Non-Renewable
$1,000–$12,000
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be stacked with UW aid but may affect need-based package
📄
How to Apply
LGBTQ+ students from the Pacific Northwest apply directly to the Pride Foundation with essays, references, and activity history
Selection criteria: Leadership, service, and alignment with Pride mission
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Amounts and criteria vary by year and fund within Pride Foundation
🕵
Who Actually Wins
LGBTQ+ students involved in community leadership and service
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Department-Specific Awards
📅 Deadline: Jan–Mar (varies by department)
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Usually stackable with Husky Promise, Purple & Gold, and other aid
📄
How to Apply
Declared majors apply through their department or college sites (often Jan–Mar) with short essays and sometimes faculty references
Selection criteria: Departmental criteria and student engagement
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Separate from the larger departmental/college competitive awards; these are smaller hidden-gem funds
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Active students in each major who show strong academic performance and engagement in departmental activities
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Odegaard First-Gen Library Award
📅 Deadline: April
Non-Renewable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Award can be combined with other scholarships and grants
📄
How to Apply
First-generation students submit an application through UW Libraries describing their community or campus service and academic goals
Selection criteria: Service impact and first-gen experience
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Administered by Odegaard Undergraduate Library to recognize first-gen student contributions
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: First-generation Huskies engaged in community or campus service, often with demonstrated financial need
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards
📅 Deadline: Varies year-round by scholarship
✓ Renews (3 GPA)
$500–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awards identified through this office generally stack with institutional aid, subject to cost-of-attendance limits
📄
How to Apply
Current UW students work with the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards to identify and apply for campus and national scholarships; most require separate applications and essays
Selection criteria: Varies by specific scholarship
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Umbrella advising office for many small- to mid-sized UW and external scholarships
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students pursuing research, service, leadership, or national fellowship opportunities with strong applications
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Onlymajor_specificneed_based
School of Art + Art History + Design Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb–Mar
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA)
$1,000–$5,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Collection of small 1k–5k scholarships for UW art/design majors and recruits
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Department awards can stack with Husky Promise, Purple & Gold, and other aid within cost-of-attendance
📄
How to Apply
Declared Art, Art History, or Design majors submit portfolio, faculty recommendation, and departmental scholarship application in late winter
Selection criteria: Artistic merit and academic standing
💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Multiple endowed and annual funds summarized; some awards approach full tuition
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented visual arts and design majors with strong portfolios and faculty support; some receive awards up to full tuition
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Student Organization Leadership Awards
📅 Deadline: Spring (varies)
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stipends usually stack with need-based and merit aid
📄
How to Apply
Campus leaders in clubs, cultural orgs, and service groups apply through Student Life or related offices during spring with resumes and brief essays
Selection criteria: Leadership and community impact
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Often administered by Student Life, cultural centers, or ASUW
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Peer mentors, club officers, and students in DEI or service leadership roles
Automatic
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Recognition
📅 Deadline: Varies
Non-Renewable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Recognition only; can enhance competitiveness for other scholarships
💡
Strategic Detail
Confers priority or informal consideration rather than a direct cash award
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students who graduate #1 or #2 in their high school class
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium
📅 Deadline: Varies by program
Non-Renewable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
External scholarship—stacks with UW institutional aid up to the cost of attendance. UW will count this toward the total aid package.
📄
How to Apply
Apply directly through the WA NASA Space Grant Consortium opportunities portal. Application requirements vary by program—scholarship, fellowship, and research internship tracks all have their own application materials and deadlines.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Statewide consortium administered by the University of Washington. Offers a portfolio of scholarships, fellowships, research internships, and travel grants for STEM students across Washington—amounts and terms vary by program.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
STEM-focused students at any WA institution with strong academic records and a clear interest in space-, aerospace-, or NASA-aligned research. Most programs prioritize undergraduate research experience and minority/underrepresented participation in STEM.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Husky Band Program Awards
📅 Deadline: April–May
✓ Renews (2 GPA)
$500–$2,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🏫 2.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Band awards typically stack with UW tuition scholarships and need-based aid
📄
How to Apply
Audition for the Husky Marching Band and complete any required band scholarship or service award forms by spring
Selection criteria: Musical ability and ensemble commitment
💡
Strategic Detail
Awards often renewed annually with continued participation and satisfactory performance
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Marching band members from any major who audition successfully and maintain active participation
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
How do we find these?
Explore department pages, ask your major advisor, and check with the
Office of Merit Scholarships. Most of these awards are mentioned only in niche campus offices or major newsletters.
Can we apply before enrolling?
Most hidden gems open to current students, especially after year one. Band or first-gen awards may be possible early if you reach out and show commitment.
Will these show in the main aid offer?
Usually not. These are typically processed after the primary financial aid package, though they count toward the total amount a student can receive.
Do these cover just tuition?
It depends: some are tuition-only, others can help with books, housing, or travel. Always ask the disbursing office for confirmation.
Honors College at UW
UW’s Interdisciplinary Honors Program offers small classes, priority registration, and access to research and faculty mentorship—plus Honors-specific housing in Terry Hall. Admission is selective (most winners have a 3.8–4.0 GPA and excellent essays), but UW is looking for curiosity and strong writing, not just perfect test scores.
While there is no automatic scholarship just for joining Honors, the college offers exclusive upperclass, research, and project awards. Many are applied for after your first year, and Honors students are often favored for faculty-nominated and travel awards.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographic
Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award
📅 Deadline: Nov 15
✓ Renews (3.5 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_discount
✔ Stackable
⚠ Honors Program scholarship for WA residents that at the top tier waives four years of resident tuition (lower tiers waive only a portion).
🏫 3.8+ GPA
✚
Stacking & Combining
Covers resident tuition only—recipients can still pursue need-based aid and departmental awards for housing, books, and other non-tuition costs. Important—students holding this 4-year award are restricted to only three other Honors awards (Dillman, Gerberding, Wang) during their UW years.
💡
Strategic Detail
Four-year resident tuition waiver for a small cohort of WA Honors students. Recipients are selected internally with no separate application beyond the standard UW Honors application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: A very small number of Washington Honors admits with outstanding academic records, leadership, and interdisciplinary curiosity. Treated as the flagship incoming Honors tuition award and selected internally from the top WA Honors admit pool.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Bordeaux Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award distributed in full Autumn quarter. Can be layered on top of Honors Undergraduate Scholar funding (this is one of three Honors awards still open to 4-year Scholar recipients—wait, actually Bordeaux is not on the protected list; only Dillman/Gerberding/Wang are).
📄
How to Apply
Current Honors sophomores (rising juniors) submit the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7 at 4:00 pm through the Honors portal, including the scholarship-specific essay prompt.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 award distributed in its entirety in Autumn quarter for rising juniors in any Honors track. No residency or citizenship requirement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising Honors juniors in any Honors track (Interdisciplinary, Departmental, or College Honors) with strong academic performance and meaningful engagement in the Honors community.
App Required⚠ Senior Only
Gerberding Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Senior
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award distributed in Autumn quarter; stackable with other Honors awards including the 4-year Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award (this is one of the three named exceptions).
📄
How to Apply
Honors juniors (rising seniors) apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7, describing their service and distinction within the Honors community.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,600 award distributed in Autumn quarter to a rising senior in any Honors track. Named for President Emeritus William P. Gerberding. No residency or citizenship requirement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising Honors seniors who have rendered exemplary service or brought special distinction to the Honors community—the award explicitly rewards engagement and community contribution beyond grades.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Friedman-Hechter Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.0+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Travel-specific funding that layers nicely on top of tuition awards, study abroad scholarships, and other Honors stipends.
📄
How to Apply
Submit the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7 along with a proposal describing the academically-related international travel experience you plan to fund.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$1,200 award distributed in Autumn quarter to support academically-related international travel. Open to students in any Honors track; preference for students with financial need.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Honors students planning meaningful academically-related international travel—study abroad, fieldwork, conferences—who can articulate clear educational goals. Special consideration is given to students with financial need.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Mary Gates Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
Large one-time tuition scholarship that can be combined with other aid up to cost of attendance. Note that students who received a Mary Gates Endowment incoming-freshman award cannot apply for this version.
📄
How to Apply
Rising Interdisciplinary Honors sophomores apply via the Honors Program scholarship application during their first year. Application includes essays and evidence of academic achievement and leadership.
✎ Essays💌 Letters of Rec
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers $12,000 of in-state tuition for rising sophomores in Interdisciplinary Honors. WA residents only. Students who previously received a Mary Gates Endowment incoming award are not eligible.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising Interdisciplinary Honors sophomores who are Washington residents with outstanding academic records, leadership, and engagement during their first year at UW.
App Required⚠ Junior Only
Everett Dillman Endowed Scholarship Fund
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Junior
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time stipend distributed Autumn quarter. Stackable with other aid—and notably one of the three Honors awards still open to 4-year Honors Undergraduate Scholar recipients.
📄
How to Apply
Rising Honors juniors apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7. Selection is based on academic merit.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,300 award distributed in its entirety in Autumn quarter to rising juniors in any Honors track. No residency or citizenship requirement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Rising juniors in any Honors track with strong academic merit. The endowment was established for students who 'have ability but lack the funds,' so financial context can quietly matter even though the criterion is officially merit.
App Required⚠ Senior Only
Greene Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Senior
✚
Stacking & Combining
Provides $10,000 of resident tuition support; can be combined with other aid up to cost of attendance. Funds can be used only for resident tuition.
📄
How to Apply
Rising or returning Honors seniors apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$10,000 award for rising or returning seniors in any Honors track. Washington residents only—funds may be used solely for resident tuition.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Washington-resident rising or returning seniors in any Honors track with strong academic performance—essentially a senior-year tuition cushion for top WA Honors students.
App Required⚠ Senior Only
Ran Hennes Honors Scholar
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Senior
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time stipend that can be used alongside other Honors and institutional scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Rising or returning College Honors seniors apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$3,000 award for rising or returning seniors active in College Honors. No residency or citizenship requirement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
College Honors students with strong academics combined with visible service and engagement across the UW community—the award explicitly rewards students who 'show up' beyond the classroom.
App Required⚠ Sophomore Only
Randolph Preston Pillow Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
One-time award. Scholarship numbers and amounts may vary year to year; stackable with other Honors and institutional scholarships.
📄
How to Apply
Current Interdisciplinary Honors students and 2nd-year Interdisciplinary Honors admits apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$6,000 award for rising sophomores and second-year Interdisciplinary Honors admits. No residency or citizenship requirement.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Rising Interdisciplinary Honors sophomores and second-year Honors admits who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community awareness, and uncommon academic ability.
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Wang Scholarship
📅 Deadline: April 7 · 📢 Results: June
Non-Renewable
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 All Undergrad
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Stacking & Combining
One-time stipend. Stackable with other financial aid up to cost of attendance—and one of the three Honors awards still open to 4-year Honors Undergraduate Scholar recipients.
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How to Apply
Students in any Honors track apply via the Honors Program scholarship application by April 7.
✎ Essays
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Strategic Detail
$6,000 award open to students in any Honors track at any year level. No residency or citizenship requirement.
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Who Actually Wins
Honors students from any year and track with strong academic performance and engagement. The most flexible Honors stipend on the menu—any year, any track.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Typical recipient: Most Honors award winners maintain a 3.6+ GPA, participate actively in the Honors community, and take advantage of faculty mentorship or research opportunities.
Honors scholarships are not “guaranteed”—but being in the program gives early access to campus leadership, research funding, and study abroad travel grants. Honors students should check internal deadlines yearly.
FAQs About the Honors College at UW
Is the Honors College harder?
It’s more rigorous and focused on small discussion classes and independent research, not simply more homework.
Does Honors College come with guaranteed scholarships?
No—there’s no automatic award, but internal scholarships, research, and travel money are widely available to active participants.
Is there special housing for Honors?
Yes—Honors Living Learning Community (Terry Hall). Space is limited; apply soon after admission.
What kind of student gets in?
Typically a 3.8–4.0 GPA and strong writing, but passion and engagement weigh heavily in admissions.
When’s the application deadline?
Apply at the same time as general UW admissions; submit the Honors supplement with your main application.
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of Washington is one of the nation’s top public research universities—and it feels every bit the part.
With world-class programs in computer science, nursing, and environmental studies, UW offers unmatched opportunities for ambitious students.
While in-state students enjoy one of the best values in higher education, out-of-state families can still find meaningful savings through merit aid and departmental awards.
For students who want a rigorous, urban campus with global connections and Pacific Northwest energy, UW delivers on every level.
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