University of Washington AI Institute
- Acceptance Rate
- 32.0%
- SAT Range
- N/A
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.8
- Size
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- Type
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- Student:Faculty
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- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Student life for AI-focused graduate students at the University of Washington combines the intensity of research-oriented education with the quality of life that Seattle offers. The computer science department fosters community through seminars, reading groups, social events, and shared spaces in the Gates Center. Research groups form the primary community for PhD students, with lab cultures varying but generally emphasizing collaboration and intellectual engagement. Graduate student housing in Seattle reflects the city's high cost of living, with many students living in the University District, Capitol Hill, Fremont, or other neighborhoods accessible by transit. University housing options exist but are limited. Seattle's quality of life, including access to outdoor recreation, food scene, and cultural offerings, compensates somewhat for housing costs. The campus is accessible by light rail, bus, and bicycle. Graduate student organizations in computer science sponsor talks, social events, and professional development activities. The AI seminar and other research presentations provide intellectual stimulation beyond coursework. Career services assist students preparing for both academic and industry positions. The proximity to major technology companies creates abundant internship and employment opportunities, with many students interning at Microsoft, Amazon, Google, or other firms. The diverse student body includes international students who contribute varied perspectives. Seattle's tech community offers meetups, conferences, and networking opportunities that complement academic experiences.
Location & Surroundings
The Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering operates from the Bill and Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science and Engineering on the University of Washington's Seattle campus. The campus sits on the shores of Lake Washington and Lake Union, with views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges when the weather clears. The University District combines student-oriented businesses with diverse dining options reflecting Seattle's international character. Seattle's public transit includes light rail, buses, and water taxis, with the light rail providing convenient access to downtown, Capitol Hill, and the airport. Many students walk or bike, with Seattle's mild weather supporting year-round cycling. The city has invested in bike infrastructure, though hilly terrain presents challenges in some areas. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provides extensive domestic and international connectivity. The climate features mild, wet winters and pleasant summers with limited rainfall. The notorious Seattle rain falls primarily in the form of drizzle rather than heavy storms, and summers are remarkably pleasant. The cost of living has increased substantially with the technology industry's growth, with housing the primary expense. Seattle offers exceptional quality of life, with access to outdoor recreation including hiking, skiing, and water sports. The technology sector dominates the economy, with Microsoft, Amazon, and numerous other companies providing employment and internship opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for graduate programs in AI-related fields at UW varies for residents and non-residents, with out-of-state tuition for professional master's programs approaching 50,000 USD for the full program. Washington residents pay significantly less. Living expenses in Seattle have increased substantially, with students typically budgeting 20,000-25,000 USD annually. PhD students typically receive funding through research or teaching assistantships that cover tuition and provide stipends adequate for Seattle's cost of living. Master's students generally self-fund, though some assistantship opportunities exist. The financial commitment for self-funded master's students is substantial. Career outcomes for AI-focused graduates are excellent, reflecting both UW's reputation and the Seattle area's extraordinary technology industry concentration. Graduates enter roles as machine learning engineers, research scientists, data scientists, and AI engineers at technology companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta, and numerous startups. Starting salaries typically range from 150,000-200,000 USD in the Seattle market, among the highest for new graduates. Some graduates continue to PhD studies or pursue research careers. Career services support job searches, and the proximity to major employers creates organic networking and recruiting opportunities.
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