Navigating Tuition Costs for International Students at the University of Washington

The University of Washington (UW) attracts students from around the globe, drawn to its diverse academic programs and vibrant research environment. However, understanding the financial aspects of studying at UW, particularly tuition costs, is crucial for international students. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of tuition, fees, financial aid options, and other related expenses for international students at the University of Washington.

Understanding Resident vs. Non-Resident Tuition

A critical distinction for prospective students is the difference between resident and non-resident (including international) tuition rates. Very few international students pay the resident tuition rate; students must apply and qualify for Washington state residency to pay this rate. The criteria for establishing residency can be complex and typically require a significant period of physical presence in the state for purposes other than education. Since most international students are in Washington primarily for their studies, they generally pay the non-resident tuition rate.

Tuition and Fees: A Breakdown

The University of Washington's tuition for the academic year is $13,406 for in-state students and $44,640 for out-of-state students. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. It's important to note that annual tuition amounts do not include summer quarter.

Graduate Tuition Tiers

International graduate tuition and fees listed on this page are based on the Tier I level. Graduate tuition at UW operates on a tiered system. Review the Graduate & Professional Tuition Dashboard for Tier I, II, or III specific tuition & fee rates or search by your specific program. This means that the tuition rate can vary depending on the specific program or department. It is essential to consult the Graduate & Professional Tuition Dashboard to determine the exact tuition rate for your program of interest.

Additional Fees

Beyond tuition, students are responsible for various fees that contribute to the overall cost of attendance. Fees differ by institution and may fund library services, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources and campus health centers. It is important to consider Student Technology Fee. The Student Technology Fee is designed to provide funds for the improvement of technology used by students at UW Bothell. The UW Bothell Student Technology Fee Committee (STFC) determines the expenditures of the fee.

Enrollment Confirmation Deposit

All new students, as well as those continuing in a new classification, must confirm their intention to enroll by paying a non-refundable Enrollment Confirmation Deposit. This deposit is $250 for undergraduate students. For graduate students, the fee varies by program but is at least $250. Students admitted for the Summer Quarter are not required to pay this deposit. The fee is applied toward tuition and fees for the quarter in which the student is admitted and enrolls.

New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF)

The NSEOF is a mandatory, one-time fee for $425 that all entering undergraduates pay to fund services received as a new student at the UW Bothell.

Living Expenses

Tuition and fees represent only a portion of the total cost of attending university. Living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and personal costs, must also be factored in. The Office of Student Financial Aid estimates the amount of money that students in different family situations need to meet living expenses and to pay for school. 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). At University of Washington, the total cost is $35,305 for in-state students and $65,541 for out-of-state students. They are based on surveys of students’ costs, comparisons with other schools, input from housing and transportation agencies, and they reflect cost-of-living changes. They cover modest but adequate costs for most students attending this University.

Financial Aid and Funding Options for International Students

While financial aid opportunities for international students may be more limited compared to domestic students, several avenues exist to help offset the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Tuition Waivers

The state of Washington has made 300 quarters of tuition waivers available to support international student exchanges and international students with the primary emphasis of creating international opportunities for Washington residents. Tuition waivers for international graduate students who attend the University of Washington as part of a degree program, or as part of a specialized fellowship program like Fulbright, are managed by the Office of Fellowships & Awards in the Graduate School. These waivers cover tuition and fees except for the Technology Fee and U-PASS. The Graduate School is proud to support a growing number of foreign Fulbright scholars pursuing graduate study at the university. As a result, the supply of waivers has become increasingly limited. Tuition waivers can be used to support up to one year (three quarters) of Master’s or Ph.D. Awards through the Graduate School will be made on a rolling basis throughout the year.

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Academic Student Employee (ASE) Positions

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). These positions can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition.

External Scholarships and Fellowships

International students should proactively seek external scholarships and fellowships offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies in their home country or internationally. These awards can provide substantial funding for tuition, living expenses, and research.

Proof of Funding

To receive an I-20 or DS-2019, you must provide proof of funding for a period of 1 academic year. Funds must be liquid. This requirement ensures that international students have sufficient financial resources to cover their initial year of study.

Payment Procedures and Deadlines

An obligation to pay tuition and fees in United States dollars is incurred when a student registers. The tuition due date is always the third Friday of the quarter. Payments must be received by the Bothell Cashier’s Office no later than 5:00pm on the tuition due date or by 4:00pm in the drop boxes. It is crucial to adhere to payment deadlines to avoid late fees and potential holds on academic records.

Late Fees

For past due balances of $250 and above, the late fee is $120. For balances between $50 - $249.99, the late fee is $50. If you have not paid your outstanding balance by the end of the late payment period, a hold will be placed on your academic records.

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Tuition Adjustments for Course Drops

Registered students must pay full tuition and fees. Tuition may be canceled or reduced if a student makes an official withdrawal or drops a course during the period specified by state statute. A student who does not completely withdraw, but who is dropping one or more courses, may be eligible for lower tuition, depending on the total number of credits remaining, after the course drop, and on the time period when the drop was made. Tuition for students making a course drop on or before the seventh class day is determined by the total credits remaining. Tuition for students making a course drop after the seventh class day, through the 30th calendar day of the quarter, is computed on the total credits remaining, plus one-half the difference between the old tuition and the new tuition.

Refunds

When a fee payment is made by check, a waiting period is required before a refund can be authorized. An application for refund may be refused, unless it is made during the quarter in which the fees apply.

Additional Considerations

Tuition Exemption Program for Employees

The University of Washington Tuition Exemption Program, established under the authority of RCW 28B.15.558, enables University of Washington employees and State of Washington employees who have been admitted to the University of Washington, to have tuition waived for up to six credits each quarter provided that they register on a “space-available” basis. The Tuition Exemption Program is available at the University of Washington Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma campuses.

Financial Aid for All Students

The UW administers many federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to help students pay for their education. There are four basic types of aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid. Loans must be repaid after graduation or withdrawal from school. The work study program gives students a chance to work part-time, either on or off campus. The amount a student should be able to pay is determined by a standard, federally mandated need-analysis methodology. The methodology establishes whether a student is financially dependent on his or her parents and, if so, what the family should be able to contribute. It also takes into account the family size, number in college, total income from the prior calendar year, a percentage of net assets, and all other resources. There is no income cutoff or other simple method of determining whether a student will qualify for need-based financial aid. Our office will review and may recalculate your expected family contribution. If a student/parent has a change in their financial situation while in school, the student should notify the Financial Aid office to request a re-evaluation of their eligibility. To receive financial aid you must meet all eligibility criteria as defined by federal, state and institutional rules. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) are the basic applications for financial aid. The applications are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or readysetgrad.wa.gov/wasfa beginning October 1. The annual deadline for priority consideration is January 15 and applies to all quarters of the upcoming academic year. The Financial Aid Office recommends that students complete the FAFSA or WASFA by January 1st to ensure delivery to the federal processor by the priority deadline. You must list the University of Washington (federal code #003798, same for all three campuses) as one of the colleges to receive the results of your FAFSA/WASFA. If your FAFSA/WASFA is received after January 15th then you will be considered a late applicant and are only considered for limited types of aid. Students who apply for financial aid should stay in touch with the financial aid counselor, and should notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes which may impact their award. Students enrolled, or planning to enroll, at the UW Bothell may be eligible to apply for scholarships. There are many sources of information for scholarships and other funding opportunities. Many of these resources are designed to help students identify which scholarships best match their qualifications.

Veterans and Military Personnel

Information on educational benefits and special exemption programs for veterans and their dependents is available in the Office of Veteran & Military Educational Benefits. Veterans and members of the armed forces who apply for admission to any campus of the University are subject to the same minimum requirements, as are regular students, and are expected to enroll in accordance with University requirements.

Holds on Records

The comptroller is authorized to place a hold (administrative) on the records of any student who fails to pay amounts due to the University. Until this hold is cleared, the University (1) does not release the student’s record or any information based on the record, (2) does not prepare transcripts or certified statements, and (3) denies registration as well as graduation from the University. In cases of serious financial delinquency, the comptroller, with the consent of the Registrar, may order that a student’s registration be canceled and that privileges of attendance be withdrawn. An administrative hold or cancellation also may occur when a student has not complied with other University rules, procedures, or obligations. The hold may be placed on the student’s record by the authorized University office responsible for enforcement of the rule, procedure, or obligation involved.

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