When choosing a college, many factors come into play, such as the cost of tuition, academic programs offered, and campus life. In this comparison, we will be analyzing the University of Washington – Seattle (UW-Seattle) and California State University – Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) to help you make an informed decision about these two schools.
UW-Seattle Overview
University of Washington – Seattle (UW-Seattle) is a public research university located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1861, it is one of the oldest universities in the United States. The university offers a wide range of academic programs through its various colleges, such as the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, and the College of Education. Known for its strong research focus and highly-ranked programs in several disciplines, UW-Seattle has a total enrollment of around 54,000 students, making it one of the largest institutions in the country.
UW-Seattle Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending UW-Seattle for one academic year is roughly $27,750 for in-state students and $53,800 for out-of-state students. This cost includes tuition, fees, and other expenses like housing, meals, and books. Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs for eligible students.
UW-Seattle Admissions
The admissions process at UW-Seattle is selective, with an acceptance rate of around 49%. Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and a list of extracurricular activities in addition to their high school transcripts. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1220-1470, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 27-33.
UW-Seattle Degrees Offered
UW-Seattle offers over 180 majors and minors for undergraduate students, as well as numerous graduate and professional programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, and Health Professions.
UW-Seattle Academics
The academic environment at UW-Seattle is rigorous and competitive, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. With a reputation for research excellence, the university provides undergraduate students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects alongside faculty members. In addition, the university offers a variety of academic resources and support services, including tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic advising.
UW-Seattle Diversity
UW-Seattle is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is made up of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. UW-Seattle actively promotes diversity and inclusion through various programs, services, and initiatives, such as the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, the Q Center for LGBTQ+ students, and the Women’s Center.
UW-Seattle Students
The student body at UW-Seattle is composed of roughly 31,000 undergraduate students and 23,000 graduate and professional students. The campus offers numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to engage in, promoting a well-rounded college experience. Students also have access to state-of-the-art recreational facilities, including gyms, pools, and outdoor athletic fields.
UW-Seattle Campus
The University of Washington – Seattle campus covers 703 acres in the heart of Seattle, offering a vibrant urban environment for students. The campus features stunning architecture, including the iconic Suzzallo Library and the recently renovated Husky Union Building. In addition, the university boasts a robust public transportation system, making it easy for students to explore the city and its surroundings.
UW-Seattle Alumni
UW-Seattle has a strong alumni network, with notable graduates including Bruce Lee, Rainn Wilson, and Dr. Bonnie Dunbar. The university provides resources and support for alumni, such as career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
UW-Seattle Rankings
UW-Seattle consistently ranks among the top public universities in the country. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, UW-Seattle ranked 8th in Best Public Schools and 58th in Best National Universities.
UW-Seattle Outcomes
Graduates of UW-Seattle generally have strong outcomes, with a 6-year graduation rate of 84%. The university also has a strong reputation for preparing students for successful careers, with top employers like Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft actively recruiting from the UW-Seattle campus.
Cal State Fullerton Overview
California State University – Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton) is a public university located in Fullerton, California. Founded in 1957, the university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs across eight colleges, such as the College of Business & Economics, the College of Engineering & Computer Science, and the College of Health & Human Development. With a total enrollment of approximately 40,000 students, Cal State Fullerton is one of the largest institutions in the California State University system.
Cal State Fullerton Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attending Cal State Fullerton for one academic year is around $26,000 for in-state students and $37,000 for out-of-state students. These costs include tuition, fees, housing, meals, and books. Financial aid opportunities are available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs for eligible students.
Cal State Fullerton Admissions
Admissions at Cal State Fullerton are moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of about 53%. Applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and a list of extracurricular activities, along with their high school transcripts. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is 1040-1260, while the middle 50% ACT score range is 20-27.
Cal State Fullerton Degrees Offered
Cal State Fullerton offers over 110 undergraduate programs and more than 50 graduate programs in various fields. Popular majors at the university include Business, Communications, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Visual & Performing Arts.
Cal State Fullerton Academics
The academic environment at Cal State Fullerton is supportive and collaborative, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. The university offers a range of academic resources and support services, including tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic advising, to help students succeed in their academic pursuits.
Cal State Fullerton Diversity
Cal State Fullerton is dedicated to maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university’s student population is comprised of individuals from various ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Cal State Fullerton promotes diversity and inclusion through services and initiatives such as the Diversity Initiatives & Resource Centers, the African American Resource Center, and the Titan Dreamers Resource Center for undocumented students.
Cal State Fullerton Students
The student body at Cal State Fullerton consists of approximately 35,000 undergraduate students and 5,000 graduate and professional students. The campus offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities for students to engage in, helping to create a well-rounded college experience. Students can also take advantage of the university’s modern recreational facilities, including gyms, pools, and outdoor athletic fields.
Cal State Fullerton Campus
Cal State Fullerton’s campus covers 236 acres in Fullerton, just north of Anaheim and close to many attractions in Southern California. The campus features a mix of modern and traditional architecture, with notable buildings such as the Pollak Library and the Steven G. Mihaylo Hall. The university’s location also offers easy access to public transportation options, allowing students to explore the surrounding area with ease.
Cal State Fullerton Alumni
Cal State Fullerton has an active alumni network, with notable graduates including Oscar-winning director Kevin Costner and astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson. The university provides support and resources for alumni, including career services, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Cal State Fullerton Rankings
In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Cal State Fullerton ranked 6th in Top Public Schools and 41st in Best Regional Universities West.
Cal State Fullerton Outcomes
Graduates of Cal State Fullerton have a 6-year graduation rate of 68%. The university is committed to preparing students for successful careers, and top employers such as Disney, Kaiser Permanente, and Target actively recruit from the Cal State Fullerton campus.
UW-Seattle vs Cal State Fullerton Cost Comparison
When comparing the cost of attendance at UW-Seattle and Cal State Fullerton, there are some key differences to consider. For in-state students, the cost of attending UW-Seattle is slightly higher, at approximately $27,750 per year compared to Cal State Fullerton’s $26,000 per year. However, for out-of-state students, UW-Seattle’s cost of attendance is significantly higher at around $53,800 per year, while Cal State Fullerton’s is $37,000 per year. It’s important to research and compare financial aid packages and scholarship opportunities at each school to determine the actual cost of attendance for your individual situation.
UW-Seattle vs Cal State Fullerton Admissions Difficulty
Both UW-Seattle and Cal State Fullerton have selective admissions processes, but UW-Seattle is generally more competitive, with an acceptance rate of 49% compared to Cal State Fullerton’s 53%. The middle 50% SAT score range for admitted students is also higher at UW-Seattle (1220-1470) than at Cal State Fullerton (1040-1260), as is the middle 50% ACT score range (27-33 at UW-Seattle vs 20-27 at Cal State Fullerton). While both schools have rigorous admissions processes, it is clear that getting into UW-Seattle is generally more difficult than getting into Cal State Fullerton.
UW-Seattle vs Cal State Fullerton Academic Difficulty
The academic environments at both UW-Seattle and Cal State Fullerton are challenging and rewarding, but there are some differences in the level of difficulty and support available to students. UW-Seattle is known for its rigorous and competitive academic environment, with a lower student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1. In comparison, Cal State Fullerton has a supportive and collaborative academic atmosphere, with a higher student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1. Both schools offer various academic resources and support services to help students succeed in their studies, but the overall academic difficulty and level of competition may be higher at UW-Seattle.
UW-Seattle vs Cal State Fullerton Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both UW-Seattle and Cal State Fullerton generally have strong outcomes in terms of graduation rates and career prospects. UW-Seattle has a higher 6-year graduation rate of 84% compared to Cal State Fullerton’s rate of 68%. Additionally, the reputation and connections of UW-Seattle within the job market, particularly with top employers like Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft, may provide an advantage for graduates seeking employment. Cal State Fullerton also has strong connections with local employers, such as Disney, Kaiser Permanente, and Target, and is committed to preparing students for successful careers. Overall, while both schools have solid outcomes for their graduates, UW-Seattle may have a slight edge in terms of graduation rates and career prospects.
