University of Washington School of Social Work
- 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 at UW Social Work reflects the values of community and mutual support that define the profession. The school is housed in its own building on the Seattle campus, providing dedicated space for classes, student lounges, and informal gathering. Student organizations including the Graduate and Professional Student Senate representation, identity-based groups, and interest-focused organizations create community and advocate for student needs. Regular social events and professional development workshops build connections among cohort members. The broader UW campus offers extensive resources for graduate students. The university's recreational facilities, libraries, and cultural programming extend well beyond the social work school. Seattle's thriving food scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural institutions provide diversions from academic work. Graduate student housing is available through the university, and the surrounding University District offers additional rental options, though housing costs in Seattle have increased substantially in recent years. The school's satellite locations in Tacoma and elsewhere serve students throughout Western Washington, allowing place-bound students to pursue social work education closer to home. These locations offer modified schedules that accommodate working professionals while providing access to the same curriculum and degrees available in Seattle. Students at satellite locations benefit from smaller cohorts while remaining connected to the broader school community through technology and occasional Seattle-based events.
Location & Surroundings
The University of Washington's Seattle campus occupies a beautiful setting north of downtown, with views of Mount Rainier and proximity to Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The campus combines historic collegiate Gothic architecture with modern research facilities, creating an inspiring environment for graduate study. Seattle itself has transformed over recent decades into a major technology hub, with Amazon, Microsoft, and numerous other companies drawing talent to the region. Seattle's social services sector benefits from the region's economic prosperity, with generally well-funded public agencies and active nonprofit organizations. This creates robust employment opportunities for social work graduates, though the high cost of living requires competitive salaries to attract and retain talent. The city's diversity, including substantial Asian American, immigrant, and refugee populations, creates opportunities for culturally responsive practice. Tribal nations throughout Washington state maintain their own social services systems, and the school's relationships with tribal communities create unique learning and career pathways. The Pacific Northwest climate features mild temperatures but substantial rainfall, particularly from October through May. Seattle residents adapt to grey skies through outdoor activities, coffee culture, and appreciation for the region's natural beauty. The mountains, forests, and waterways surrounding Seattle provide extraordinary recreational opportunities for those who embrace the outdoors. Transportation within Seattle relies on a combination of driving, public transit, and cycling, with the university accessible by light rail from many neighborhoods.
Costs & Career Outcomes
As a public university, UW offers substantial tuition advantages for Washington state residents. Annual MSW tuition for residents is approximately $18,000, while non-residents pay closer to $32,000. When combined with Seattle's high living costs—housing, food, and other expenses can total $25,000-30,000 annually—the total two-year investment ranges from $85,000 for residents to over $125,000 for non-residents. These costs remain lower than comparable private institutions, representing strong value. Financial aid includes Graduate Student Assistantships that provide tuition waivers and stipends for qualifying students. Scholarships from the school and external sources reduce costs for many students. Federal loans including Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans are available for remaining expenses. The social work profession's generally modest salaries warrant careful consideration of debt levels, and the school encourages realistic borrowing. Career outcomes for UW graduates reflect the school's strong regional reputation and Seattle's robust social services sector. Within months of graduation, most MSW graduates secure professional positions in settings including hospitals, mental health agencies, child welfare systems, schools, and community organizations. Starting salaries in the Seattle area typically range from $55,000-70,000, somewhat higher than national averages reflecting local cost of living. The school's career services office provides job search support, and the alumni network throughout Washington state and beyond opens doors for graduates. Some graduates pursue private practice after gaining required supervised experience, while others advance into leadership positions within agencies or pursue doctoral education for research or academic careers.
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