Washington State University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

WSU has 6 campuses, including 5 physical campuses and 1 global campus offering digital learning. These campuses are located across the U.S, making it one of the top public universities in the U.S worth applying to.

Below are the features of Washington State University campuses.

• Pullman:
  • Home to the Institute for Shock Physics, which secured a $32.5 million award from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. 
  • WSU Pullman has modern facilities, including the PACCAR Environmental Technology Building and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
• Spokane: Engages in collaborative research projects, such as the Promoting Research Initiatives in Mental Health and Substance Use (PRISM) Collaborative.
• Tri-Cities
  • Home to the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center, offering unique programs in viticulture and enology
  • Recipient of the Inclusive Energy Innovation Prize, awarded $250,000 (INR 2.1CR) to advance energy workforce development initiatives.
• Vancouver: Recognized with the Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence, highlighting outstanding scholarly achievements by faculty members.
• Everett: Students from the Everett campus competed in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Collegiate Wind Competition, designing and building a wind turbine. 

Now that you’ve seen what makes Washington State University campuses stand out, let’s explore how it performs in global rankings.

Understanding Washington State University’s global rankings can help you make informed decisions about your university choices. The WSU holds a position of #466 in the QS Rankings and appears in the 401-500 range in the THE rankings. In the U.S. News rankings, it stands at #397. 

Here are the rankings for Washington State University. 

While overall rankings are good indicators, subject-specific performance helps you understand how the WSU excels in your chosen field. Let’s take a look at its performance in specific subjects.

Washington State University: Top Course-wise Ranking 2024-25

Washington State University ranks #333 in engineering courses and falls in the 301-350 range for business courses according to QS rankings. In the THE rankings, arts & humanities courses and medical & health programs are placed in the 401-500 and 301-400 ranges, respectively. However, WSU's ecology program performs better, ranking #246 in the U.S. News rankings.

Here are the subject-wise rankings of Washington State University.

After exploring Washington State University rankings in detail, let’s now discuss the admission requirements for studying at the university.

Washington State University has an 85% acceptance rate, with 25,685 students studying across its six campuses. The university offers intakes in fall, spring, and summer. 

To apply, you must meet the GPA requirements (either 2.7 or 3.0), submit academic transcripts, and demonstrate prior subject knowledge. If accepted, you'll need to apply for a student visa to begin your studies.

Below are the admission requirements and deadlines to study at Washington State University.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements at Washington State University generally include submitting documents such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. You will also need to meet language proficiency requirements, like IELTS and provide standardized test scores like the GRE. 

If your admission is accepted, you'll need to apply for a U.S. student visa, which requires documents such as your passport.

Here are the admission requirements to study at Washington State University.

Academic Qualification

For undergraduate admissions, a GPA of 2.7 is required, while for postgraduate admissions, a GPA of 3.0 is necessary. You must provide academic transcripts, and if they are in a language other than English, a translation is required. 

Additionally, you should have prior studies in a related field or subjects like mathematics and basic sciences.

Here are the academic qualifications required.

Note: Each program has its own specific requirements. Students are also required to pay a non-refundable $70 (INR 6K) enrollment deposit.

Now, let’s check out the language requirements for applicants.

Language Proficiency

International students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency Level through tests like Duolingo English Test or the PTE. However, if your previous language of instruction was English, you can get an exemption.

Here are the ELP requirements for Washington State University.

Note: Some courses have higher English language proficiency (ELP) requirements. Check the course page for exact details.

In addition to the English language requirements, you must submit scores from a competitive exam. Let’s discuss the available options.

Competitive Exams

Washington State University is test-optional for the SAT and ACT exams. However, scores from the English language sections can be submitted to fulfill ELP requirements. For masters programs, you may be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, depending on the specific requirements of your chosen course.

Here are the test scores required for admission.

Note: A GRE test score is required for specific programs, such as the MS in Computer Science.

Once admitted to WSU, international students need to apply for a student visa. Let’s determine the requirements. 

Visa Requirements 

The visa application begins after receiving the letter of acceptance from the university. However, it's recommended to have essential documents like a certificate of financial support and a passport copy ready before applying. In some cases, you may also be required to attend a visa interview.

Here are the US study visa requirements.

For detailed program-specific requirements, check out the Washington State University Admissions page. Now, let’s move on to the intakes and application deadlines for admissions to Washington State University.

International applicants can apply throughout the year until the application deadlines. However, the university has fall, summer, and spring intakes. The WSU operates on a rolling admissions basis. The application deadline for the upcoming fall intake is June 15, 2025, with classes starting in August.

Here are the international admission deadlines for different intakes.

After covering admission deadlines for undergraduates and graduates, let’s explore popular programs offered at Washington State University.

Washington State University offers 150+ graduate programs and 200+ undergraduate programs, including options in online mode. The university provides courses across a variety of fields such as engineering, business, humanities, health science, and more. In addition to technical expertise, students will develop key skills like problem-solving and leadership.

Here are some popular courses offered at Washington State University.

• MS in Materials Science & Engineering: Advanced study in materials design, processing, and applications in various industries.
• MS in Entomology: In-depth research and study of insects and their impact on agriculture, health, and ecosystems.
• MA in Interior Design: Focuses on creative and functional design solutions for interior spaces, blending aesthetics and practicality.
• MA in Criminal Justice & Criminology: Explores the causes, effects, and solutions to crime and justice issues in society.
• BS in Microbiology: Provides knowledge in sustainable forest management, conservation, and ecosystem services.
• BA in Hospitality Business Management: Prepares you for leadership roles in the hospitality and tourism industry with a focus on operations and management.

After exploring some popular programs offered by Washington State University, let’s find out the fees for different programs.

Tuition fees at Washington State University depend on the level of study (undergraduate or graduate) and, for graduate programs, the specific campus. The bachelors course tuition fee is fixed at $30,830 (INR 26.5L), while for masters programs at the Pullman campus, the fee is $15,121 (INR 13L).

Here are the tuition fees for different programs at Washington State University.

Note: 

• Fees may vary for specific courses. Please check the official University website for the latest information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you've explored popular courses and fees that make up the cost of studying in the US for Indian students, let's examine the cost of studying at WSU.

The average tuition fee for state universities in the U.S. is $26,290 (INR 22.6L) for out-of-state students. For private colleges, it is $35,830 (INR 30.8L). 

At WSU, a bachelors degree in science amounts to $30,830 (INR 26.5L), while the MS fee is $15,121 (INR 13L). An MBA, offered through the Global Campus in online mode, costs $4,490 (INR 3.8L).

Below are the tuition fees for different programs at Washington State University.

Note: 

• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.
• The MBA program is offered exclusively through the Global Campus in online mode.

Apart from tuition costs, you need to cover expenses such as accommodation and food. Let’s take a look at the costs involved.

The average cost of living in the U.S. depends on your lifestyle choices and location. For on-campus living, it is around $76,874 (INR 66.1L), while off-campus living costs approximately $65,174 (INR 56.1L). These figures can vary depending on inflation rates.

Below are the additional expenses involved.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

The cost of attendance at Washington State University can be reduced through both internal and external scholarships. Let’s explore these in detail.

Washington State University offers $170 million towards scholarships, grants, and waivers, with over 700 scholarship programs available. These scholarships are accessible regardless of study level or academic course. 

You can explore WSU’s internal scholarships, like the Allen Family Scholarship, as well as external options such as the Education Future International Scholarship.

Below is a breakdown of the internal and external scholarships to study in the US for Indian students, including Washington State University.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at Washington State University are funded through the university’s resources and endowments. As a student, you can apply for the AASE Fellowship, which offers $2,000 (INR 1.7L), and the International Merit Award, which offers $4,000 (INR 3.4L).

Here are some WSU’s internal scholarships for international students to study in the USA for free.

Apart from scholarships offered by WSU, you can also explore external scholarships to reduce the cost of living.

External Scholarships

Students can also explore external scholarships offered by foundations and governments. For example, the Fulbright Scholarship covers the full cost of studying in the U.S, while the Inlaks Scholarship covers the tuition fees and cost of living.

Here are some external scholarships available.

Now that you’ve explored financial aid options in the form of scholarships, let’s take a look at placement outcomes at WSU.

Washington State University provides strong support through training and job search assistance, ensuring that 92% of graduates are placed within two years. The average salary for WSU graduates reaches $50,600 (INR 43.5L) within six years of graduation.

Here are the services offered for placement at Washington State University.

• Career Counseling: Tailored advice to help you explore career options, set goals, and develop strategies for professional growth and success.
• Placement Training: Assistance with CV writing, interview preparation, recommendation letters, and portfolio development.
• Internship and Job Search: Access to job boards like LinkedIn, Handshake, and others for internship and job opportunities.
• Network Support: Opportunities to connect with professionals and alumni through LinkedIn and other platforms.
• Future Education Path: Guidance on selecting majors and minors that align with personal interests and career goals.

Now, let’s explore the companies hiring graduates from Washington State University.

Top Recruiters

Graduates of Washington State University are highly sought after across various industries, from hospitality firms like Marriott to tech giants like Boeing. WSU prepares you for diverse career roles, including positions as data scientists and cloud engineers, and more.

Below are some companies hiring graduates from Washington State University.

• Nordstrom: A leading retailer offering a range of career opportunities in fashion, management, and customer service.
• Boeing: A global aerospace company offering roles in engineering, manufacturing, and technology.
• Hitachi: A multinational conglomerate providing career paths in IT, engineering, and digital solutions.
• Marriott: A global hospitality company offering positions in management, customer service, and operations.
• Bank of America: A major financial institution with career opportunities in banking, finance, and customer service.
• Foster Farms: A leading poultry company offering roles in food production, logistics, and business operations.

Now, let’s explore internship and co-op opportunities available for students at Washington State University.

Internship & Co-op Opportunities at Washington State University

According to LinkedIn data, individuals with internship experience are 25% more likely to secure a full-time position within 6 months of graduation compared to those without. 

At WSU, students are encouraged to gain practical experience through internships in industries such as technology, engineering, business, healthcare, and more. 

Here’s how internships will benefit you.

• Increase Earning Potential: Graduates with internship experience benefit from higher starting salaries, contributing to long-term financial stability and career success.
• Receive Multiple Job Offers: Due to the practical experience, graduates are often presented with several job opportunities upon completing their degree.
• Increased Exposure to Potential Employers: Through internships, WSU students have significant access to potential employers, building valuable industry connections.
• Experience Accelerated Career Advancement: WSU graduates are well-prepared for swift career progression, owing to internship, training, and practical experience in the workforce.
• Build Valuable Job References: Internships can help you cultivate a network of references to increase future job applications and career opportunities.

Students at WSU can also participate in co-op programs available for different courses. In fact, 82% of co-op students transition to full-time roles with their co-op employers, demonstrating its value in securing long-term career prospects.

Here’s how co-op programs work at Washington State University.

• Structure: Students work full-time during the academic year, get paid, and earn credit that counts toward their degree.
• Enrollment: You must enroll in a specific co-op course to be recognized as full-time student during the term.
• Workplace Mentor: Each student must have a mentor at their workplace to guide their professional development.
• Full-Time Status: Unlike internships, co-op students are considered full-time during the program, with no additional coursework required.

Internships and co-op opportunities ensure you are well-prepared to work in industries after graduating from WSU. Now, let’s explore student life on campus.

Washington State University’s Pullman campus is recognized as one of the Top 10 best college towns in the Western U.S. Beyond academics, the university offers over 300 clubs, providing you with countless opportunities to get involved in campus life. 

With 73 international clubs, students can engage with diverse cultures, build connections, and enrich their university experience.

Here are the opportunities for students at Washington State University.

• Multicultural: Students from 101 countries and 48 U.S. states create a diverse, global community at WSU, offering a rich cultural exchange.
• Leisure: With over 70 sports and 40 cultural clubs, WSU provides plenty of recreational and extracurricular activities for students to explore their passions.
• Safe Residence: Pullman is ranked as the 25th safest town in America, with 16 residence halls and 3 campus markets ensuring secure and convenient living.
• Student Support: WSU offers comprehensive support, including visa guidance, scholarships, cultural assistance, and language help to ensure student success.
• Career Center: The Career Center supports academic and professional growth, helping you improve your career skills through peer mentoring.

Due to its international reputation, Washington State University has alumni from diverse fields, ranging from technology to politics. Let’s learn more.

Washington State University has a network of over 250,000 alumni from more than 100 countries. Notable alumni, such as Paul Allen, have not only achieved significant professional success but have also made impactful contributions to society.

Here are some popular alumni of Washington State University.

The true performance of a university can be better understood by comparing it with similar institutions. Let’s see how Washington State University compares to other universities.

Comparing similar universities can help evaluate tuition fees, course offerings, and average salaries, enabling you to make informed decisions.

For instance, Washington State University is ranked #466 in the QS rankings, compared to Oregon State University's rank of 641-650 and the University of Utah's rank of 531. This comparison helps you determine which university has a higher reputation.

Below is a comparison of Washington State University with similarly ranked universities like Oregon State University and the University of Utah.

Nestled in the picturesque Palouse region of Washington, Washington State University (WSU) boasts a sprawling campus spanning 1,742 acres. Its lush greenery, complemented by contemporary architectural gems, creates an inspiring backdrop for academic pursuits. The campus houses cutting-edge research facilities, collaborative learning spaces, and state-of-the-art libraries.

WSU offers a range of accommodation options tailored to diverse student preferences. These encompass traditional residence halls, modern apartment complexes, and specialized living communities. Each residence is designed to foster a sense of community and provide a conducive environment for personal and academic growth.

Here is the accommodation information in a table format: