The University of Washington, also known as UW, is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1861 and is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. UW is the largest university in the Pacific Northwest and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States.
UW is organized into 16 colleges and schools, which offer more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. These colleges and schools include the College of Arts & Sciences, Foster School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, and College of Engineering. UW is also known for its strong programs in computer science, biology, and environmental science.
UW is home to over 49,000 students, including more than 32,000 undergraduates and over 16,000 graduate students. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. UW is committed to providing its students with a world-class education and offers a wide range of resources and support services to help them succeed.
UW is also known for its groundbreaking research, particularly in the fields of medicine, engineering, and environmental science. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities and receives significant funding from both public and private sources to support its research efforts. UW researchers have made major contributions in areas such as genetics, computer science, and public health, and the university is home to several renowned research centers and institutes.

University of Washington
What about the University of Washington interesting facts? Here are 49 interesting facts about the University of Washington.
- The University of Washington was founded in 1861, just before Washington became a state in 1889.
- The university’s motto is “Lux sit” which means “Let there be light.”
- UW is the largest university in the Pacific Northwest.
- The university has over 500 buildings spread across three campuses.
- The main campus is located in Seattle, with additional campuses in Tacoma and Bothell.
- The University of Washington is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities.
- UW is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States.
- The university has over 300,000 living alumni.
- UW’s mascot is the husky, named “Dubs.”
- The University of Washington has 16 colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, Foster School of Business, School of Law, School of Medicine, and College of Engineering.
- UW offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
- The university is particularly well-known for its programs in computer science, biology, and environmental science.
- UW has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.
- The university has a total enrollment of over 49,000 students.
- UW’s library system is one of the largest in the country, with over 9 million volumes.
- The University of Washington is home to one of the world’s top medical schools.
- UW is a leading research institution, with over $1 billion in annual research funding.
- The university is home to several renowned research centers and institutes, including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
- UW researchers have made major contributions in areas such as genetics, computer science, and public health.
- The university has produced over 110 Fulbright Scholars.
- UW is the birthplace of the computer mouse and the first successful dialysis treatment.
- The University of Washington is a leader in sustainability, with a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy.
- The university has a strong athletics program, with 22 varsity sports teams.
- UW’s football team has won 16 conference championships and one national championship.
- The university has produced over 180 Olympic athletes, who have won a total of 103 medals.
- UW has a strong commitment to community service and volunteerism.
- The university’s medical center is one of the top hospitals in the country.
- UW is home to the largest public art collection in the Pacific Northwest.
- The university’s botanical gardens are a popular attraction in Seattle.
- UW has a large and active student government, with over 600 student organizations.
- The University of Washington has a strong international presence, with partnerships and programs in over 50 countries.
- The university has a rich history of activism and social justice, dating back to the 1960s.
- UW is home to several renowned museums and galleries, including the Henry Art Gallery and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with a wide range of programs and initiatives to support underrepresented groups.
- UW’s law school is one of the top law schools in the country.
- The university’s medical school is consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country.
- UW is a major player in the Seattle tech industry, with many of its graduates going on to work for companies such as Amazon and Microsoft.
- The University of Washington has a strong commitment to global health, with a wide range of research and service programs focused on improving health outcomes in low-income countries.
- The University of Washington is home to one of the largest medical schools in the United States, with more than 7,000 faculty and staff members.
- The university is known for its high-quality research programs in areas such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and the social sciences.
- The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, which is made up of the top research universities in North America.
- The university’s campus is home to several notable landmarks, including the Suzzallo Library, which features a grand reading room with intricate vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.
- The university is home to a number of museums, including the Henry Art Gallery, which features contemporary and modern art, and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, which houses artifacts and specimens from around the world.
- The university is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including a composting program and a bike-sharing program.
- The university has a strong athletic program, with a number of successful teams in sports such as football, basketball, and rowing.
- The university is home to a number of student organizations, including the Husky Marching Band, which performs at football games and other events.
- The university’s mascot is the husky, and students often refer to themselves as “Dawgs.”
- The university is known for its beautiful campus, which is located in Seattle and features views of the nearby mountains and waterways.
- The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and has implemented a number of programs and initiatives to support students from underrepresented groups.
The University of Washington is an outstanding institution with a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence in education, research, and service. Its world-class faculty and diverse student body contribute to a dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. With its stunning campus located in the heart of Seattle, UW offers students a unique opportunity to engage with a vibrant community and take advantage of the many cultural and recreational activities available in the region. From its pioneering work in healthcare and technology to its cutting-edge research in environmental science and social justice, UW continues to be a leader in shaping the future and creating positive change in the world.