University of Washington Sees Enrollment Rise Across All Campuses Amid Washington-Resident Growth
Total headcount climbs to 63,727 as nearly three-quarters of new students hail from Washington state
The University of Washington system recorded an enrollment of 63,727 students across its Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses for the 2025-26 academic year, marking a system-wide increase led by gains in Bothell and Tacoma.
The Seattle campus rose to 52,316 students (up from 51,719) while Bothell grew four point seven per cent to 6,361 and Tacoma added 1.6 per cent to reach 5,059.
Among the incoming class of 12,126 first-year and transfer students, Washington residents accounted for 74.1 per cent — approximately 7,129 at Seattle, 1,709 at Bothell and 1,403 at Tacoma — underscoring the university’s strong in-state draw.
The number of students transferring from Washington community colleges also increased, reaching 2,517 across the system with peaks of 1,399 at Seattle, 505 at Bothell and 613 at Tacoma.
The undergraduate cohort stands at 46,079 while 17,648 students pursue graduate or professional degrees.
While international enrollment dipped around seven per cent to 7,893 students, the trend reflects broader national patterns rather than a system-specific shift.
University leadership highlighted the steady growth as a positive sign of demand for the institution’s academic and research offerings, despite demographic headwinds that have constrained many peer institutions.
The rise at Bothell was attributed in part to expanded academic programmes and enhanced student services, while Tacoma’s modest increase reflects gradual maturation of that campus’s profile.
Observers of higher education note that the dominance of state-resident students is aligned with public-university missions to serve in-state populations.
The strong transfer numbers from Washington community colleges also reflect heightened emphasis on articulation pathways and institutional collaboration.
Going forward, the university faces growth-management considerations: maintaining student experience, expanding physical and digital infrastructure, and sustaining support services amid incremental increases.
Nevertheless, the current enrolment uptick affirms the institution’s regional importance and enduring appeal for Washington-state residents.
The Seattle campus rose to 52,316 students (up from 51,719) while Bothell grew four point seven per cent to 6,361 and Tacoma added 1.6 per cent to reach 5,059.
Among the incoming class of 12,126 first-year and transfer students, Washington residents accounted for 74.1 per cent — approximately 7,129 at Seattle, 1,709 at Bothell and 1,403 at Tacoma — underscoring the university’s strong in-state draw.
The number of students transferring from Washington community colleges also increased, reaching 2,517 across the system with peaks of 1,399 at Seattle, 505 at Bothell and 613 at Tacoma.
The undergraduate cohort stands at 46,079 while 17,648 students pursue graduate or professional degrees.
While international enrollment dipped around seven per cent to 7,893 students, the trend reflects broader national patterns rather than a system-specific shift.
University leadership highlighted the steady growth as a positive sign of demand for the institution’s academic and research offerings, despite demographic headwinds that have constrained many peer institutions.
The rise at Bothell was attributed in part to expanded academic programmes and enhanced student services, while Tacoma’s modest increase reflects gradual maturation of that campus’s profile.
Observers of higher education note that the dominance of state-resident students is aligned with public-university missions to serve in-state populations.
The strong transfer numbers from Washington community colleges also reflect heightened emphasis on articulation pathways and institutional collaboration.
Going forward, the university faces growth-management considerations: maintaining student experience, expanding physical and digital infrastructure, and sustaining support services amid incremental increases.
Nevertheless, the current enrolment uptick affirms the institution’s regional importance and enduring appeal for Washington-state residents.
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