Understanding University of Washington Tacoma Tuition Fees
Navigating the world of college tuition can be daunting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tuition fees at the University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma), covering various aspects such as tuition rates, mandatory fees, financial aid, and payment options.
Tuition Rates
Tuition charges at UW Tacoma are based on a student's classification as either undergraduate or graduate, irrespective of the course level. Given that university expenses are partially covered by state taxes, non-resident students face higher tuition rates compared to Washington state residents. For those seeking to pay the resident tuition rate, it's essential to apply and meet the criteria for Washington state residency.
To be considered a full-time student at UW Tacoma, undergraduates must enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credits per quarter, whereas graduate students need to complete at least 10 credits per quarter.
The following table shows the 2025-26 academic year estimated expenses for first-year undergraduate students at the University of Washington’s three campuses, which the UW Board of Regents approved in June 2025. Note: the state’s allowable resident undergraduate tuition increase (under RCW 28B.15.067) for the 2025-26 academic year is 3.3%. This is applicable only to resident undergraduate tuition.
Estimated Expenses for First-Year Undergraduate Students (2025-2026)
The UW Board of Regents approved the estimated expenses for the 2025-26 academic year for first-year undergraduate students across all three University of Washington campuses in June 2025. It's important to note that the allowable resident undergraduate tuition increase for the 2025-26 academic year is capped at 3.3% under RCW 28B.15.067, and this applies solely to resident undergraduate tuition.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
Sticker Price
- In-State Tuition: \$12,260 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: \$43,494 per year
- Books and Supplies: \$900 per year
- Personal Expenses: \$2,508 per year
- Transportation: \$1,074 per year
Understanding Net Price
The net price represents the actual cost you'll pay after factoring in grants and scholarships. This amount is personalized to your circumstances and the college's financial aid policies. For an accurate estimate, utilize the college's Net Price calculator.
- Average Net Price: \$10,310 per year
Mandatory Fees
Besides tuition, students are also required to pay certain mandatory fees each quarter. These fees support various student activities, programs, and services.
Student Activity Fee
Each enrolled student pays this fee every quarter, which funds student activities and programs. These programs include ASUWT student government, Student Activities Board (SAB), student publications (e.g. the Ledger, Tahoma West), the Childcare Assistance Grant Program, intramurals, special speakers/events, and many other student services. Student-led committees are responsible for all fees under this header, except NSEOF. For the NSEOF, student representatives provide support recommendations, which campus administrations weigh when developing proposals for Regental approval. Regents approve rate changes for all fees except U-PASS, which is governed by Regent-approved MOUs. As of the 2025-26 academic year, all campuses are aligned with NSEOF rates, beginning with students who started in Fall 2025.
University YMCA Student Center Fee
This fee is assessed to fund the University YMCA Student Center. All students who are enrolled for credit and charged tuition are assessed this quarterly fee and have access to the University YMCA Student Center as well as other YMCA facilities in Pierce and Kitsap counties.
U-PASS Fee
The U-PASS is a transit pass that is integrated with your Husky ID card and allows full fare coverage on Community Transit, Everett Transit, Kitsap Transit, Metro Transit, Pierce Transit and Sound Transit buses. In addition, it covers the full fare for the Sounder commuter train service, Link light rail, paratransit services and subsidizes vanpool fares. Tacoma’s U-PASS fee of $45/quarter was first charged in Spring 2019. For UW Tacoma students residing in Thurston County, the UPASS fee is $20/quarter, or $60 for the regular academic year.
Read also: History of the Block 'M'
Financial Aid
Financial aid options include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. The amount and type of aid vary based on your financial need, which is typically determined using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Financial Aid Statistics
- Students Receiving Financial Aid: 65.59%
- Freshmen With Need and Received Financial Aid: 95.67%
- Average Aid Package Awarded: \$16,381
- Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award: \$17,324
- Need-Based Loan Amount: \$5,735
- Typical Debt at Graduation: \$13,010
Financial Aid Dates
- Application Due: Not available
- Priority Application Due: Not available
- Notification Date: Apr 1
- Response Due: Not available
Financial Aid Details
- Costs Average Per Year After Aid: \$10,310
- Average Aid Package: \$16,381
Types of Aid
- Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.
- Loans must be paid back.
Tuition Payment Plans
Tuition at the time of first enrollment is guaranteed only to students making advance payment.
Additional Information for International Students
International graduate tuition and fees listed on this page are based on the Tier I level. Review the Graduate & Professional Tuition Dashboard for Tier I, II, or III specific tuition & fee rates or search by your specific program.
To receive an I-20 or DS-2019, you must provided proof of funding for a period of 1 academic year. Funds must be liquid.
Tuition and Fees for Academic Student Employees (ASEs)
Academic Student Employee (ASE) positions such as Research, Teaching, or Staff Assistant positions generally receive some type of tuition reimbursement or waiver and health insurance through Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP). Annual tuition amounts do not include summer quarter.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Important Considerations
- Residency: Very few international students pay the resident tuition rate; students must apply and qualify for Washington state residency to pay this rate.
- Living Expenses: Living expenses are calculated from the 2025-2026 Student Budget Nine-Month Expenses. (Textbooks and course supplies, rent, utilities and food, personal and miscellaneous, and transportation).
- Part-time Students: Part-time students (those paying less than full-time tuition) are charged on a prorated basis.
tags: #university #of #washington #tacoma #tuition #fees
