University of Washington Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Washington aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~50%
- Middle 50% ACT: N/A
- Middle 50% SAT: N/A
- Average GPA: 3.88
- Below the typical ranges: This is a reach. Focus on building a balanced list with true financial safeties—UW is not the place to “hope” for merit to make it affordable.
- In the typical ranges: Admission is still highly competitive—especially for out-of-state students and selective majors. Treat this as a reach or high match depending on major.
- Well above the ranges: Even strong students aren’t guaranteed admission to competitive majors like business, engineering, or computer science. Apply broadly and don’t assume stats alone will carry you.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Washington at a Glance
- Little to no merit aid: UW does not offer meaningful automatic merit scholarships—most aid is need-based or highly competitive.
- Out-of-state cost is high: Without strong need-based aid, this can be one of the more expensive public options for non-residents.
- Major matters (a lot): Admission to competitive majors like computer science or engineering is far harder than general admission.
- Holistic review is real: Strong grades and scores alone are not enough—activities, rigor, and essays carry significant weight.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Washington is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: N/A; SAT: N/A.
Average net price? About $13,485/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in none.
💰 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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husky Promise | Full tuition (up to 12 quarters) | WA resident, Pell-eligible or low income; need-based only | No (auto from FAFSA/WASFA) | Yes | Full-need, in-state students meeting Pell/WA grant requirements | Feb 28 (FAFSA/WASFA) |
| Purple & Gold Scholarship | $4,000–$8,000/year (up to 4 years) | Out-of-state; top 10–15% by GPA (3.8+), academics, and optional test scores | No (auto with admission) | Yes | Nonresidents with straight-A records and strong involvement | Nov 15 |
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
No. All out-of-state admits are reviewed automatically; there’s no extra form, but competition is stiff (3.8+ GPA, strong rigor/service).
No. It’s based only on Washington residency and financial need (Pell/WA Grant), not on GPA or test scores at all.
No. In-state WA students do not receive automatic academic (GPA/test-based) scholarships; competitive awards may be available after enrollment.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship | $12,000/year (up to 3 years) | WA community college transfer, admitted to UW Seattle | Yes | Yes (up to graduation/max 3 years) | High-achieving, low-income transfers with leadership | July 1 |
| Martin Achievement Scholarship | $5,000 (final CC year) + $12,000/year (UW, up to 3) | WA CC students with a year left before UW transfer | Yes | Yes (for CC and UW portion) | CC students with leadership/service, Pell eligible | Apr 4 |
| Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) | Up to $22,500 | WA resident, 2.75+ GPA, income <125% median, STEM/healthcare major | Yes | Yes (5 years undergrad max) | First-gen, underrepresented, or need-eligible STEM majors | Feb |
| Departmental/College Awards | $500–$5,000 | Open to current students/majors, sometimes new admits | Yes (college or program) | Usually (annual) | Top applicants in departments with essay, GPA, or faculty nomination | Varies (Jan–March) |
| Pride Foundation Scholarship | $1,000–$12,000 | LGBTQ+ students from PNW, leadership or service | Yes (external app) | No (one time) | LGBTQ+ applicants active in community/leadership | Jan |
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UW
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Undergraduate Scholar Award | Full resident tuition waiver (4 years) | Incoming WA residents, first-year Honors; strong academics, service, and interest in interdisciplinary learning | No (auto via Honors app) | Yes (4 years) | Top-resume WA applicants accepted to Honors | Nov 15 |
| Bordeaux Scholarship | $3,000 | Rising junior; all Honors tracks; academic merit | Yes (sophomore year) | No (one time) | Active Honors students with strong GPAs | April |
| Gerberding Scholarship | $3,600 | Rising senior; service/distinction in Honors | Yes | No (one time) | Seniors active in Honors service and events | April |
| Friedman-Hechter Endowed Scholarship | $1,200 | Honors student; for academic-related international travel | Yes | No | Traveling Honors students with need/global project | Rolling |
| Mary Gates Achievement Scholarship | $12,000 | Rising sophomore; Interdisciplinary Honors | Yes | No | Sophomores with achievement, leadership, and Honors participation | Jan |
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
It’s more rigorous and focused on small discussion classes and independent research, not simply more homework.
No—there’s no automatic award, but internal scholarships, research, and travel money are widely available to active participants.
Yes—Honors Living Learning Community (Terry Hall). Space is limited; apply soon after admission.
Typically a 3.8–4.0 GPA and strong writing, but passion and engagement weigh heavily in admissions.
Apply at the same time as general UW admissions; submit the Honors supplement with your main application.