Washington State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Washington State University (WSU), often called "Wazzu," stands as a public land-grant research university with a rich history and a commitment to accessible, life-changing education. Situated in Pullman, Washington, the university has expanded its reach across the state and online, offering a diverse range of programs and opportunities.
Historical Development
The Early Years
In 1890, the Washington legislature voted to establish a state agricultural college and school of science. The location was debated between Yakima and Whitman counties. Construction began the following year on the “Temporary Unit Building.” Two years after voting to construct the college, it opened its doors to thirteen collegiate and forty-six prep students.
From College to University
Originally known as "Washington State College," the institution quickly gained recognition, particularly in sports. By 1920, President Taft visited the college. The university expanded its offerings, including a hospitality program, and trained soldiers for World War II under government contract. Re-enrollment soared to over five thousand students per year.
Growth and Expansion
The 1960s marked a period of significant growth. Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, was among the fifteen-thousand students. In the following year, the 50,000th student graduated. The 1990s brought the school’s first large gift from Boeing, exceeding seven million dollars, which helped open their engineering, teaching, and research lab. Since then, the school has opened a medical school, thanks to Jay Inslee changing the legislature that previously mandated that only the University of Washington could teach medical professionals.
Modern Era
As of 2022, the school is 132 years old and welcomes thousands of new students each year. Samuel H. Smith’s term as president in 1985, marked a large period of growth for WSU. In 1989, WSU gained branch campuses in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver with established extension offices and research centers in all regions of the state, with facilities in Prosser and Wenatchee. Since then, the school has opened a medical school; thanks to Jay Inslee changing the legislature that previously mandated that only the University of Washington could teach medical professionals.
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Campuses and Locations
WSU operates several campuses across Washington State, each with its unique focus and offerings.
WSU Pullman
Located in a classic college town, this is Washington State University's largest and oldest campus. The WSU Pullman campus stands on a hill and is characterized by open spaces and a red brick and basalt material palette. The university sits within the rolling topography of the Palouse in rural eastern Washington and remains closely connected to the town and the region. The Pullman campus of Washington State University is 620 acres and is in the Palouse region. The average elevation of the campus is approximately 2,500 feet above sea level, and is seven miles west of the Idaho border and Moscow, home of the University of Idaho, also a land-grant and R1 research institution.
WSU Spokane
The health sciences campus is home to the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, the College of Nursing, and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
WSU Tri-Cities
Located on the banks of the Columbia River, the campus has an emphasis on energy, the environment, and agriculture.
WSU Vancouver
Located across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, the campus offers big-school resources in a small-school environment.
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WSU Global Campus
Founded in 1992, Global Campus serves students worldwide through online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
WSU Everett
In 2015, WSU expanded to a sixth campus at WSU Everett. These campuses award primarily bachelor's and master's degrees.
Academics and Programs
WSU offers a wide array of academic programs, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
Degree Programs
WSU gives options so you can build a college experience that fits you. Students can choose from more than 200 degree programs and get involved in some of our hundreds of student organizations. Take part in ground-breaking research as an undergraduate. Join a band. Study abroad. Volunteer in the community.
Notable Colleges
Named for its most illustrious alumnus, The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication is highly regarded nationwide by educators and professionals. Established in 1899, the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine is proud of its distinguished past as one of the oldest veterinary colleges in the United States. The college is fully accredited by four key national accrediting agencies: the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education, the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, and the American Animal Hospital Association.
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Limited Enrollment Courses
Enrollment in Business, Computer Science, health sciences, animal sciences, communications, and marketing courses is VERY limited and restricted to those admitted to majors from institutions whose accreditation aligns with WSU's (e.g. Must be certified Business major from AACSB accredited business school to take upper division business classes.). Incoming NSE students MUST have flexibility in course selection. Equivalent prerequisites and math-level requirements are strictly enforced for all courses that require them. Students may only register for WSU Pullman courses, which are almost exclusively in-person, on the WSU Pullman campus.
Student Life
Housing
NSE students have access to standard dormitories on campus. Most NSE scholars are accepted into Stephenson, Orton, Scott/Coman, Regents, or Streit Perham. An Off-Campus housing list is compiled and managed by Associated Students of WSU. ASWSU Community Affairs and this webpage are intended to provide resources and information to WSU students.
Meal Plans
Meal plans are available on campus. A meal plan purchase is required for on-campus, non-apartment residence halls. Not a per-meal plan. Requires base rate and dollars for dining.
Athletics
WSU's athletic teams are called the Cougars and the school colors are crimson and gray. Following the 2024 collapse of the Pac-12 Conference, most of WSU's six men's and nine women's varsity teams compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. WSU is one of two remaining members of the Pac-12, which will resume full operations in 2026 with the confirmed addition of six new members.
Rankings and Recognition
Washington State University is a public institution that was founded in 1890. In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, Washington State University is ranked No. #192 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. #104 in Top Public Schools. WSU ranked #1 in “Their Students Love These Colleges” by The Princeton Review. The ranking reflects the deep connection students have with WSU.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Washington State University accepts the Common Application and has a test-blind admissions policy. Fifty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $15,484. WSU works with all students to open the door to an exceptional, life-changing education. More than a third of undergraduate students pay no tuition. More than half of all students graduate with no student loan debt.
Research and Impact
Washington State University is where practical meets purpose. You can take part in programs and research that help teachers, farmers, families, and small businesses improve their quality of life and economic well-being. You might rehabilitate injured animals, or work on next-generation energy sources. WSU’s research across the state and around the world powers the future.
Bibliometric Rank
Bibliometrics is the statistical analyses of publications and citations for the purpose of measuring faculty research impact.
Publication Share
Publication share in the Top 25% of Journals by CiteScore is 68%. Publication share in the Top 5% of Journals by CiteScore is 21%.
Field Weighted Citation Impact
Field Weighted Citation Impact is 1.37.
Campus Environment
Pullman Campus Architecture
Campus architecture is diverse, but its prevailing image is perhaps best characterized by a handful of red-brick buildings in the older campus core designed in a neo-Georgian or Renaissance Revival mode, many of which were constructed between the world wars. Yet WSU was hardly immune to modernist, "international style" trends of the post-World War II period, and features some notable examples of the type, particularly the Regents Hill dormitory complex, designed by Paul Thiry, on the north side of campus. By the 1990s, the university began to encourage eye-catching designs, including a 1994 addition to the old Holland Library (now called Terrell Library), by the Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership (now ZGF Architects LLP) with a curving sweep of windows and a cone-shaped skylight above its atrium; an amenity-filled recreation center with a massive Jacuzzi and fireplace in 2001; and the Samuel H. Smith Center for Undergraduate Education, or "CUE," named for WSU president Smith, who served from 1985 to 2000.
Glenn Terrell Friendship Mall
The busiest part of campus is the Glenn Terrell Friendship Mall, referred to as "the mall" by students. This walkway, which prior to the 1970s was a road with parking available along the sides, was named after Terrell, WSU's president from 1967 to 1985. The library complex (Terrell and Holland Libraries), the student union (Compton Union Building), and three academic buildings surround the mall.
Martin Stadium
The football venue, Martin Stadium, named after Governor Clarence D. Martin, also figures prominently on campus. It is situated near the geographical center of the campus with the south grandstands built into the Hill (the Information Technology building is part of the south grandstands), and Terrell Library and the Vogel Plant BioSciences buildings overlooking the west and east ends, respectively.
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