University of Washington School of Nursing
- 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
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
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- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Life as a nursing student at the University of Washington combines intensive professional education with access to one of the nation's most livable cities. The Health Sciences campus in the university district provides dedicated facilities including simulation laboratories, study spaces, and clinical skills practice areas. The broader UW campus offers recreational facilities, cultural programming, and the community atmosphere of a major research university. Housing options include university residences for undergraduate students and graduate student apartments with limited availability requiring early application. Most nursing students find housing in neighborhoods throughout Seattle, with popular areas including the University District, Ravenna, Roosevelt, and Wallingford for their proximity to campus. Seattle's housing market has become increasingly expensive, with most students budgeting $1,200 to $1,800 monthly for shared accommodations. The nursing student community provides mutual support through demanding academic and clinical schedules. Student organizations including the Nursing Student Council coordinate social events, professional development activities, and advocacy initiatives. The school's chapter of the Student Nurses Association facilitates connections with the broader nursing profession. Students from various programs interact through shared courses and clinical experiences, building networks that span career stages. Common challenges include managing clinical rotation schedules that may require early morning shifts or significant commuting to community sites throughout the Puget Sound region. Financial concerns affect many students, particularly in a high-cost city during programs that limit employment opportunities. Seattle's famously gray and rainy winter weather can contribute to seasonal mood challenges requiring proactive attention to wellness practices.
Location & Surroundings
Seattle provides an exceptional environment for nursing education, combining access to premier healthcare institutions with quality of life features that support student wellbeing. The city of approximately 750,000 residents has grown into a major technology and healthcare hub, with headquarters for companies including Amazon and extensive healthcare systems serving the Pacific Northwest region. The University of Washington campus occupies a beautiful setting between Portage Bay and the Lake Washington Ship Canal, with mountain views on clear days. The Health Sciences complex includes the UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center, the region's Level I trauma center serving all of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. Seattle Children's Hospital provides pediatric clinical experiences. Community clinical sites span the metropolitan area and extend to rural communities throughout the state. Seattle's climate features mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs typically reaching the mid-70s Fahrenheit and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The region receives significant precipitation, primarily as rain rather than snow, requiring adaptation for those accustomed to sunnier climates. The months from October through April are characteristically gray and wet, while summers offer spectacular weather with long daylight hours. Cost of living in Seattle has risen substantially, though it remains somewhat lower than San Francisco or New York. Students should budget $1,200 to $2,000 monthly for housing and $2,500 to $3,500 total monthly expenses. The city offers excellent public transit including light rail connecting the university to downtown and the airport. Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, kayaking, and skiing provide stress relief for students who take advantage of the spectacular Pacific Northwest environment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at the University of Washington School of Nursing reflects the value of public university education, with Washington State residents paying approximately $12,000 annually for undergraduate programs and $18,000 for graduate programs. Non-resident students face significantly higher costs, approximately $38,000 annually for undergraduates and $32,000 for graduate programs. Additional fees, books, clinical supplies, and certification costs add several thousand dollars annually. Financial aid options include federal and state grants and loans, university scholarships, and external awards from nursing professional organizations. The school offers scholarships specifically supporting nursing students, with awards ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Graduate assistantships provide some funded positions that include tuition support and stipends. Loan repayment programs for nurses serving in underserved areas can substantially offset educational debt. Career outcomes for UW nursing graduates demonstrate strong employment prospects throughout the Pacific Northwest and nationally. Employment rates exceed 95% within months of graduation, with graduates entering positions at major health systems including UW Medicine, Providence, Swedish, and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Starting salaries for registered nurses in the Seattle area typically range from $75,000 to $90,000 annually, with nurse practitioners earning $110,000 to $140,000, reflecting the region's competitive healthcare labor market. The school's clinical partnerships throughout Washington State facilitate job placement, with many students receiving employment offers from clinical rotation sites. The alumni network spanning over a century of graduates provides ongoing mentorship and career advancement opportunities. Career services include job fairs, resume assistance, and connections with employers recruiting UW graduates. The strong regional reputation of UW nursing opens doors throughout the Pacific Northwest healthcare community.
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