Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Seattle, WA
How students pay for the University of Washington
Sticker price $33,524 a year. After grants, the average student pays $13,663, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $7,112 to $30,441.
- 39%admitted
- 31,942undergraduates
- 85%graduate
- 40%get a grant from the school
Free tuition program
Husky Promise
Who: Washington residents who meet Pell Grant eligibility (undocumented Washington residents can qualify without Pell), enrolled full-time in a first bachelor's degree What: Tuition and standard fees covered by grants or scholarships, up to calculated need, for up to 12 quarters
Official details →What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $44,640 a year versus $13,406 for Washington residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
40%grant from University of Washingtonavg $7,669
17%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,339
24%state grantavg $8,815
19%federal student loanavg $4,745
Scholarships from University of Washington
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- University Scholarship-Seattle (OSFA scholarships)Typically $4,000 a year for two years
Washington residents with strong academics and financial need; about 600 awards a year from donated funds.
- UW Undergraduate Academic Excellence AwardPartial tuition waiver
About 100 incoming first-year Washington residents, chosen on academic merit and financial need; may be renewed for a second year.
- Purple & Gold ScholarshipVaries by recipient, for four years
U.S. students who are not Washington residents attending the Seattle campus; selection is mainly academic and not need-based.
- Costco Scholarship for First-Year$10,000 a year for four years
High-achieving, high-need first-year Washington residents from groups traditionally underserved in education, such as first-generation students and youth in foster care.
- Tuition Exemption and University Grants
Washington-resident undergraduates in state-funded (not fee-based) programs with financial need.
Priority FAFSA deadline: February 1, 2027 (FAFSA or WASFA, for 2027-28).
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · Washington
Washington College Grant (WA Grant)
For 2026–27, a full award is up to $13,203 a year at the University of Washington, $12,700 at Washington State University and $5,095 at community and technical colleges; middle-income students get a partial award (60%, 50%, 24.5% or 10%)
Who qualifies: Washington residents of any immigration status with a high school diploma or GED and no bachelor's degree. A family of four with income of $83,500 or less can get a full award, and up to $139,500 can get some money. Full-time and part-time students qualify.
How: No separate application: file the FAFSA, or the WASFA if you are undocumented or choose not to file the FAFSA, and send it to your college. File again every year.
Official rules →State grant · Washington
College Bound Scholarship
Public college tuition, or an equivalent amount at an approved private college or career school, combined with the WA Grant
Who qualifies: Washington students enrolled in 7th to 9th grade who were income-eligible for free or reduced-price lunch or in state foster care, who graduate with at least a 2.0 GPA (for a four-year college straight after high school), have no felony convictions and meet the income limits when they enroll.
How: Public-school students who qualify are enrolled automatically in 7th to 9th grade. To use it, file the FAFSA or WASFA in senior year and every year after, and start college within one year of high school graduation at a participating college.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Seattle
| Studio | $2,290/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $2,380/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,395/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 98195. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$17.13/hour minimum wage in Washington
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $7,708 before tax. That covers about 6 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: rises to $17.73 on 1 January 2027. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$14,008median federal debt≈ $159/month over 10 years
$83,105median earnings10 years after enrolling
85%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for University of Washington
Does University of Washington offer free tuition?
Yes: Husky Promise. Washington residents who meet Pell Grant eligibility (undocumented Washington residents can qualify without Pell), enrolled full-time in a first bachelor's degree Tuition and standard fees covered by grants or scholarships, up to calculated need, for up to 12 quarters.
What scholarships does University of Washington offer?
University Scholarship-Seattle (OSFA scholarships) (Typically $4,000 a year for two years); UW Undergraduate Academic Excellence Award (Partial tuition waiver); Purple & Gold Scholarship (Varies by recipient, for four years); Costco Scholarship for First-Year ($10,000 a year for four years); Tuition Exemption and University Grants (Not published). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does University of Washington really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $13,663 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $7,112 to $30,441. The full cost of attendance before aid is $33,524.
Does University of Washington give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 40% of first-year students received a grant from University of Washington itself, averaging $7,669. 17% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,339).
How much is rent near University of Washington?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (98195) is $2,380 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,790 for a two-bedroom, about $1,395 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at University of Washington?
Yes. The minimum wage in Washington is $17.13 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $7,708 before tax.
How much debt do University of Washington graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $14,008, about $159 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $83,105.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with University of Washington-Seattle Campus. How these pages work.
More in Washington: All colleges in Washington →