What is the average class size at UW?
The average class size at the University of Washington (UW) varies depending on the course level and subject area. Here’s a breakdown:
General Class Size Distribution:
- Small Classes (2-19 students): Approximately 29% of classes.
- Medium Classes (20-29 students): About 25% of classes.
- Large Classes (30-39 students): Roughly 12% of classes.
- Very Large Classes (50+ students): Around 26% of classes.
These figures indicate that while a significant portion of classes are small to medium-sized, there is also a considerable number of larger classes, especially in introductory courses.
Class Sizes by Course Level:
- Introductory Courses: Large lectures, particularly in subjects like Physics, Math, Chemistry, and Computer Science, can have 200-300 students. These often include smaller discussion or lab sections of 20-40 students led by teaching assistants. reddit.com
- Upper-Level Courses: As students progress into their majors, class sizes typically decrease:
- Large Majors (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering): Classes may have 80-100 students, often with smaller associated discussion sections.
- Moderate-Sized Majors: Classes generally range from 40-60 students.
- Small Majors: Classes can be as intimate as 15-30 students, allowing for more personalized instruction.
Graduate Programs:
- For instance, the Foster School of Business reports:
- First-Year Core Classes: Average of 59 students.
- Second-Year Electives: Average of 28 students. foster.uw.edu
In summary, while UW offers a range of class sizes, students can expect larger classes during their initial years, with sizes decreasing as they advance into higher-level courses within their chosen majors.
University of Washington (UW) – Comprehensive Report
University of Washington’s Quad
1. Overview & History
The original University building, c. 1870.
The University of Washington (UW), founded in 1861, is a flagship public research university located in Seattle, Washington. It is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast and has grown into a globally recognized institution known for its strong academics, research output, and industry connections.
Alaska–Yukon–Pacific Exposition on the UW campus toward Mount Rainier in 1909
UW became a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an elite group of research-focused institutions. In addition, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the U.S. and worldwide.
2. Reputation & Global Standing
- Ranked #6 among public universities in the U.S. (U.S. News)
- Ranked #18 worldwide for research impact (Shanghai Rankings)
- Known for highly competitive STEM and business programs
- One of the most prestigious public research institutions in the U.S.
3. Academic Strengths: Best & Worst Majors
Best Majors at UW
The basketball court at Hinkle Fieldhouse just prior to tipoff during a game between the Butler Bulldogs and the University of Wisconsin Green Bay basketball teams.
- Computer Science & Engineering
- One of the top 10 CS programs in the country.
- Highly competitive admissions.
- Strong industry partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, and Google.
- Nursing & Health Sciences
- Top-ranked nursing program in the U.S.
- Strong connections to UW Medical Center, one of the best hospitals in the country.
The University of Washington crew teams hosted “Junior Day” events, held in the spring at the end of the season, and located on the shores of Lake Washington’s Union Bay. Included in the water fun were log rolling and the canoe fights. Canoe war participants were given a ten foot pole and the object was to force your opponent out of their canoe while avoiding touching the canoe itself.
- Business (Foster School of Business)
- Highly respected in finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
- Strong placement in tech and finance firms in Seattle and beyond.
- Biological Sciences & Medicine
- UW’s School of Medicine ranked among the top 10 nationally.
UWT looking into Downtown Tacoma
- A leader in genetics, bioengineering, and global health.
- Environmental Science & Atmospheric Sciences
- UW has a top-ranked environmental science program.
- Strong research in climate science, oceanography, and sustainability.
Worst Majors at UW (Relative to Other Schools)
- Arts & Humanities
- While decent, UW is not as strong in arts and humanities compared to Ivy League or liberal arts colleges.
- Smaller focus compared to its STEM-heavy reputation.
- Political Science & Law
- While respectable, it lacks the prestige of schools like Georgetown or UC Berkeley in public policy.
- Education
- While UW does have a College of Education, it is not as well-known nationally compared to specialized education schools.
4. STEM Strength at UW
The newly refurbished R/V Thomas G. Thompson on its way back to its home dock at the University of Washington School of Oceanography. The research vessel recently completed an 18-month upgrade to extend its working life, improve operating systems, and bolster its research capabilities for the Navy and scientific organizations.
UW is one of the strongest STEM schools in the U.S., particularly in computer science, engineering, and biomedical fields.
- Silicon Valley Pipeline: Graduates highly sought after by tech giants.
- Robotics & AI Research: Cutting-edge projects in machine learning, AI, and robotics.
- Medical Innovation: UW Medical Center is a leader in biotechnology and public health research.
5. Campus Vibe & Student Life
Jacobsen Observatory – University of Washington
- Urban Yet Green: Located in Seattle, offering city life with access to nature.
- High-Tech & Research-Oriented: Many students focus on STEM, business, and innovation.
- Competitive Yet Collaborative: Certain majors (like CS and Business) are extremely competitive, while others are more relaxed.
- Diverse & Progressive: UW known for its liberal, inclusive, and diverse student body.
6. Admissions & Key Data for Prospective Students
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Seattle, Washington |
| Founded | 1861 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Acceptance Rate | ~48% overall (Lower for CS, Business, and Engineering) |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | ~35,000 students |
| Tuition (In-State) | ~$12,500 per year |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | ~$42,000 per year |
| Top Majors | Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Nursing, Environmental Science |
| Avg. SAT/ACT | SAT: 1300-1500, ACT: 29-34 (Higher for CS & Engineering) |
| Research Funding | Over $1.8 billion annually |
| Campus Setting | Urban with strong tech and research influence |
| Job Placement Rate | High, especially for STEM and Business |
| Best for | Tech, Healthcare, Engineering, Business |
| Weakest for | Arts, Political Science, Education |
| Notable Alumni | Paul Allen (Microsoft), Hope Solo (Soccer), Bruce Lee (Martial Artist) |
7. Final Verdict: Is UW a Good School?
Each spring, the junior class at the University of Washington sponsored a day of water sports and other activities. Spectators sat on bleachers along the Montlake Cut to watch canoe fights, a parade of floats, and a high diving contest. In this 1926 photo, a diver has just taken off from the top of the steel diving tower, next to the Montlake Bridge.
Yes, UW is an excellent university, particularly for students in STEM, business, and healthcare fields. Furthermore, strong research programs, tech industry connections, and reputation as a top public university make it a highly respected institution.
However, students interested in liberal arts, law, or political science might find better options elsewhere.
Views of Gas Works Park and Lake Union facing towards the North East from Queen Anne, Seattle WA. The Lake Washington Ship Canal Bridge is in the background with a backdrop of the University of Washington and the Cascade Mountains.
Additionally, competitive majors like CS and Business are extremely selective, so applicants should have strong GPAs and test scores.
In conclusion, for students looking for a blend of academic rigor, research excellence, and access to top-tier career opportunities. Moreover, UW stands as one of the best public universities in the United States!
Colleges Ranking Index by Rebellion Research
