47 Interesting Facts about Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU) is a public research university located in Pullman, Washington. It was founded in 1890 as the Washington Agricultural College and School of Science and is now one of the largest universities in the state of Washington. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 colleges and schools.

WSU is known for its research programs, particularly in the areas of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. The university is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Reproductive Biology, the Institute for Biological Chemistry, and the Nuclear Radiation Center.

The university’s athletic teams are known as the Cougars and compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. WSU is particularly known for its football program and is home to Martin Stadium, which has a seating capacity of over 32,000.

WSU has a diverse student body of over 28,000 students, including international students from over 100 countries. The university offers a range of student services and organizations, including a student government, over 300 student clubs and organizations, and various resources for student health and wellness.

Washington State University

Washington State University (Wikimedia)

To know more about Washington State University, let’s take a look at these 47 interesting facts about Washington State University.

  1. WSU was founded in 1890 as the Washington Agricultural College and School of Science.
  2. WSU’s official colors are crimson and gray.
  3. The university’s mascot is a cougar named Butch T. Cougar.
  4. WSU has campuses in Pullman, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, Washington.
  5. WSU is a land-grant university, which means it receives federal funding to support agricultural and mechanical research and education.
  6. WSU is the second-oldest public university in the state of Washington, after the University of Washington.
  7. The university’s motto is “World Class. Face to Face.”
  8. WSU has over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 11 colleges and schools.
  9. The university is ranked among the top 150 national universities by U.S. News & World Report.
  10. WSU is home to the Murrow College of Communication, which is one of the top communication schools in the country.
  11. The university has a strong reputation for research, particularly in the areas of agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science.
  12. WSU is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Reproductive Biology, the Institute for Biological Chemistry, and the Nuclear Radiation Center.
  13. The university’s sports teams are known as the Cougars and compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference.
  14. WSU’s football team has won 11 conference titles and has played in over 15 bowl games.
  15. WSU’s mascot, Butch T. Cougar, is often seen at sporting events and other university functions.
  16. The university has a diverse student body of over 28,000 students, including international students from over 100 countries.
  17. WSU offers a range of student services and organizations, including a student government, over 300 student clubs and organizations, and various resources for student health and wellness.
  18. WSU has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts to reduce waste and promote renewable energy.
  19. The university has several on-campus housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and suites.
  20. WSU’s student newspaper is called The Daily Evergreen and has been published since 1895.
  21. WSU is known for its world-class wine research and teaching program, which includes a 6-acre vineyard on the Pullman campus.
  22. The university’s library system is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest and includes over 3 million volumes.
  23. WSU has a strong commitment to community engagement and provides many opportunities for students to get involved in volunteer work and service projects.
  24. The university has a comprehensive athletics program, with 17 varsity sports teams and several club sports teams.
  25. WSU is home to several museums and galleries, including the Museum of Art, the Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, and the Conner Museum of Natural History.
  26. The university has several notable buildings and landmarks, including the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum, the Holland/Terrell Libraries, and the Compton Union Building.
  27. WSU has a strong focus on student success and provides many resources to support academic and career development, including tutoring services, career counseling, and internship opportunities.
  28. The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion and has several initiatives in place to promote equity and social justice.
  29. WSU is home to the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation, called Cougs Helping Cougs. Since its inception, it has raised over $2 million to help students in need.
  30. WSU’s mascot is the cougar, and the school colors are crimson and gray.
  31. The school’s fight song is called “Fight Song.”
  32. The WSU campus is located in Pullman, Washington, a small college town that is home to around 33,000 people.
  33. In addition to the Pullman campus, WSU has several other campuses located throughout the state, including campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett.
  34. The WSU mascot was once a live cougar named Butch, who was donated to the university in 1978. However, due to safety concerns, the school now uses costumed mascots for sporting events.
  35. WSU has a long-standing rivalry with the University of Washington, which dates back to 1900.
  36. WSU has over 300 student organizations and clubs on campus, including academic and professional organizations, cultural and diversity groups, sports and recreation clubs, and more.
  37. WSU has a thriving Greek life community, with over 30 fraternities and sororities on campus.
  38. The WSU Libraries system is one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest, with over 3 million volumes and access to countless digital resources.
  39. WSU is home to several unique research facilities, including the Bread Lab, which focuses on developing and promoting nutritious, sustainable grains for farmers and consumers.
  40. The WSU School of Music offers a wide variety of music programs, including classical, jazz, and world music.
  41. WSU is home to the largest undergraduate business program in the state of Washington.
  42. The WSU College of Nursing offers several nursing programs, including a highly ranked Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
  43. WSU’s Carson College of Business is home to the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, which provides resources and support for students interested in starting their own businesses.
  44. WSU’s Murrow College of Communication is one of the top communication schools in the country, offering programs in journalism, strategic communication, and more.
  45. WSU is a member of the Pac-12 Conference and offers 17 NCAA Division I sports teams.
  46. The WSU football team has played in several bowl games, including the Rose Bowl, the Holiday Bowl, and the Alamo Bowl.
  47. The WSU campus is home to several art galleries and museums, including the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, which houses a collection of over 2,500 works of art.

Washington State University is a diverse and dynamic institution that has played an important role in higher education for over a century. With its commitment to providing quality education, innovative research, and service to the community, WSU has become a respected institution both nationally and internationally. From its beautiful campus in Pullman to its numerous satellite locations across the state, WSU offers students an exceptional learning experience and prepares them to make a positive impact on the world. With a strong emphasis on student success and a supportive community, WSU provides an environment where students can thrive and achieve their goals.