University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA

publicgraduate

Find Scholarships Here

Quick Facts

“Lux sit”(Let there be light)

1990

Founded

Public university

Type

3,989

Total Students

4,291

Undergrad

696

Graduate

$13K

Tuition (In-State)

$42K

Tuition (Out-State)

$10K

Avg Net Price

83%

Acceptance Rate

62%

Graduation Rate

6-year

78%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Experience dynamic urban education at UW Tacoma, nestled in historic downtown and built for regional impact.

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a unique, vibrant educational experience deeply integrated into the historic heart of Tacoma. Founded in 1990, UW Tacoma emerged to meet the growing need for higher education opportunities in the South Sound, particularly for community college transfer students and local residents balancing work and family commitments. This public university swiftly revitalized downtown Tacoma by transforming historic warehouse buildings into a modern, engaging campus.

Initially, UW Tacoma focused on providing vital upper-division education, breathing new life into structures like the Perkins Building, and later celebrating its permanent campus opening in 1997. The campus's rich history is reflected in building names such as 'Mattress Factory' and 'West Coast Grocery,' preserving the city's industrial past while forging an innovative academic future. This commitment to urban renewal has made UW Tacoma a cornerstone of downtown Tacoma's resurgence.

Today, UW Tacoma serves 5,135 students, having expanded its reach significantly since its inception. In 2006, it proudly welcomed its first freshman class, offering a comprehensive university experience. Students benefit from excellent transportation links, including the Tacoma Link light rail, and on-campus housing at Court 17 Apartments. With its blend of historic charm, contemporary facilities, and a mission to address regional needs, UW Tacoma provides an engaging and supportive environment for all students.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1990 to expand higher education opportunities in Washington's South Sound region.
✦Located within historic, renovated buildings in downtown Tacoma, playing a key role in urban revitalization.
✦Serves 5,135 students, demonstrating significant growth from its initial focus on transfer students.
✦Admitted its first freshman class in Autumn 2006, broadening its student body beyond transfers.
✦Offers on-campus housing at Court 17 Apartments, accommodating 290 students.
✦Benefits from convenient downtown access, including Sound Transit's Tacoma Link light rail.
✦A public university type, with a motto of "Lux sit" (Let there be light).

Timeline

1967

Establishment of The Evergreen State College in Olympia sparks further interest in South Sound higher education.

1986

Higher Education Coordination Board suggests branch campuses for both the University of Washington and Washington State University.

1990

The Union Station site is ultimately chosen for the permanent UW Tacoma branch campus in November.

1990

UW Tacoma campus began classes on October 1 in downtown Tacoma's historic Perkins Building.

1997

The current UW Tacoma campus celebrated its long-awaited opening on May 29.

2003

Transportation within downtown improved with the addition of Sound Transit's Tacoma Link light rail line.

2006

UW Tacoma admitted its first freshman class of just under 200 students.

2011

The campus opened the renovated Russell T. Joy Building, the last of the formerly blighted warehouse buildings.

2016

Campus purchased Court 17 Apartments as a dorm that now houses 290 students.

2016

As of September, the campus reached 5000 students.

🏛️

36 Years

of Excellence

Find Scholarships at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Start Your Free Search