Washington State University is a public institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,135, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 1,742 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Washington State University's ranking in the 2014 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 128. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,545 (2013-14); out-of-state tuition and fees are $25,889 (2013-14).
 
The main campus of Washington State University is located in Pullman, though there are also regional locations throughout the state in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, as well as in Vancouver. The school has a large Greek community that recruits more than 40 percent of the student population. In addition to fraternities and sororities, there are about 300 other student clubs and organizations to check out. The school’s sports teams, including the Washington State University football squad, compete in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. Freshmen must live on campus, unless they’re older than 20 or are married. Students with children or who are enrolled in graduate school may apply to live in university-owned apartments.
 
 The university is committed to research, and there are opportunities for students to get involved in projects as undergraduates. Washington State also offers a wide variety of graduate school options, including degree programs through the College of Business, the College of Engineering, and the College of Education. Notable alumni of Washington State University include former CBS newscaster Edward R. Murrow and Far Side cartoonist Gary Larson.

School mission and unique qualities (as provided by the school):
At Washington State University, you'll discover a close-knit community of scholars driven by a common passion: making the world a better place. That commitment-passed along from one generation of Cougar alumni to the next- reflects a deeply held university belief that an informed intellect, combined with a confident, can-do spirit, can improve the quality of life for others while also yielding personal success and fulfillment. You'll see that principle in action on a daily basis at WSU. It's evident among students, who volunteer more than 70,000 hours of community service in a typical year. It permeates teaching and research, which is focused on big ideas for solving problems in areas like health, food, sustainability, and leadership. And it's reflected throughout the diverse campus community, which nurtures and challenges members to invest their talents and interests in a variety of academic and social activities. At WSU, hands-on learning is a given. Students work side-by-side with professors whose scholarship and research is discussed globally. Many undergraduates enter national competitions in areas as varied as robotics, mock trial, interior design, and business. Others present papers at conferences and publish their findings in scholarly journals. WSU strives to deepen students' understanding of and connectedness to the global community. Students can choose from more than 1,200 study abroad opportunities that span six continents. More than 1,700 students from all corners of the globe enroll at the main WSU campus in Pullman, adding a rich layer of cultural diversity. The Honors College curriculum immerses students in the study of international issues. The institution is committed to enrolling a more ethnically diverse student body. Minority students now make up nearly a quarter of the student population- the highest share in WSU history, and one expected to grow further in years ahead. The University is also dedicated to sustainability- an effort that has included everything from the launch of a bike-sharing program and recycling activities, to construction new buildings to meet green building standards. In addition, hundreds of high school students from four states participate in WSU's annual Imagine Tomorrow competition, which challenges them to forge creative solutions to society's energy woes. Undergraduate students can choose from 200-plus fields of study, and many academic programs rank among the nation's best. Among them: the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, where students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations, and the College of Pharmacy, whose students are consistent award winners in the American Pharmacists Association competitions for business plans, patient outreach activities and patient counseling skills, as well as volunteer service in pharmacy. Graduate students from around the world enroll at WSU's 73 master's and 67 doctoral programs, among them highly rated offering in molecular bio-sciences, physics, zoology, veterinary medicine and the plant sciences. An award-winning Student Recreation Center featuring cardio and weight equipment, courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, and a swimming pool and spa inspires students to maintain optimum health. A revitalized student union building, a classroom building outfitted with the latest teaching technology, and a major expansion of the Pac-12 Cougars' football stadium are recent examples of WSU's aim to provide amenities that directly benefit students. The location of WSU's flagship campus in Pullman, a small town in southeastern Washington, creates the quintessential college town environment- meaning that Cougar spirit permeates life on and off campus for the more than 18,000 students enrolled here. The University also has thriving regional campuses in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, as well as a Global Campus with nationally recognized online learning programs, which enroll students worldwide.

General Information

School type	public, coed college
Year founded	1890
Religious affiliation	N/A
Academic calendar	semester
Setting	rural
2012 Endowment	$737,427,587

Applying
When applying to Washington State University, it's important to note the application deadline is rolling. The application fee at Washington State University is $50. It is selective, with an acceptance rate of 76 percent.
 

Selectivity	selective
Fall 2012 acceptance rate	76.0%
Application deadline	rolling
SAT/ACT scores must be received by	N/A

Academic Life
The student-faculty ratio at Washington State University is 15:1, and the school has 39.6 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The most popular majors at Washington State University include: Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Social Sciences; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Engineering; and Health Professions and Related Programs. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 83 percent.

Class sizes
Student-faculty ratio	15:1
4-year graduation rate	39%
Five most popular majors for 2012 graduates
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 17% Social Sciences 16% Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 9% Engineering 8% Health Professions and Related Programs 8%

Student Life
Washington State University has a total undergraduate enrollment of 23,135, with a gender distribution of 49.5 percent male students and 50.5 percent female students. At this school, 26 percent of the students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 74 percent of students live off campus. Washington State University is part of the NCAA I athletic conference.

Total enrollment	27,679
Student gender distribution
Undergraduate men who are members of a fraternity
Undergraduate women who are members of a sorority
Collegiate athletic association	NCAA I

Campus Info & Services
Washington State University offers a number of student services including nonremedial tutoring, women's center, placement service, day care, health service, and health insurance. Washington State University also offers campus safety and security services like 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, student patrols, and controlled dormitory access (key, security card, etc). Of the students at Washington State University, 21 percent have cars on campus. Alcohol is permitted for students of legal age at Washington State University.

Students who have cars on campus	21%
Health insurance offered	Yes

Paying for School
At Washington State University, 56.2 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $9,123.
 

In-state tuition and fees	$12,545 (2013-14)
Out-of-state tuition and fees	$25,889 (2013-14)
Room and board	$10,868 (2013-14)