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Washington State University

Pullman, WA·Public·21,583 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $56,600 within 10 years.

85%
Accept
21,583
Students
$14,401
Net Price
62%
Grad Rate
$56,600
Earnings
10 yr
$14,853
Debt

About This School

Washington State University is a public institution located in Pullman, Washington with approximately 21,583 undergraduate students enrolled. Washington State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The average net price after financial aid is $14,401 per year. The graduation rate is 62%, and the typical graduate earns $56,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Washington State University is a public land-grant research university in Pullman, Washington, United States. Founded in 1890, WSU is also one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West. With an undergraduate enrollment of 24,278 and a total enrollment of 28,581, it is the second largest institution of higher education in Washington state behind the University of Washington. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a low average debt of $14,853 and an affordable net price of $14,401/year make WSU a genuinely accessible option, and its R1 research status gives students real academic resources for a public school price. However, the 62% graduation rate is a real concern — it means roughly 4 in 10 students who start here don't finish, so prospective students should honestly assess their readiness for a large campus in a fairly isolated small town. Worth considering if you're drawn to programs like agriculture, veterinary science, or engineering and have a clear plan to stay on track.

Founded
1959
Setting
Distant town
Mascot
Butch T. Cougar
Conference
Pac-12 Conference

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Social Sciences10%
Biological Sciences9%
Communications9%
Psychology9%
Engineering8%
Health Professions6%
Computer Science4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Paul AllenDolph LundgrenTimothy LearyHary GunartoKlay ThompsonEdward R. MurrowPeter SnellPatty MurrayPhilip AbelsonBernard LagatPatrick RothfussAron Baynes

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,997
Out-of-State Tuition
$29,073
Avg Net Price
$14,401
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants26%
Median debt at graduation$14,853

Full Cost

Cost of attendance$27,176

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
62%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
80%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,853
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,853
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$44,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$56,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.8x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White59%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino17%
Asian7%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (21,583 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Washington State University

French Administration Building

Pullman, WA 99164-5910

View on Google Maps →

Official Links

Other Schools in Washington

Browse all Washington schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Official School Resources
Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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