Pullman, Washington · ★ 4.0 / 5 Overall (2 Student Reviews)
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Public · 4-year · Doctoral
Washington State University (WSU, or colloquially Wazzu) is a public land-grant research university in Pullman, Washington, United States. Founded in 1890, WSU is also one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West. With an undergraduate enrollment of 24,278 and a total enrollment of 28,581, it is the second largest institution of higher education in Washington state behind the University of Washington. It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". The WSU Pullman campus stands on a hill and is characterized by open spaces and a red brick and basalt material palette—materials originally found on site. The university sits within the rolling topography of the Palouse in rural eastern Washington and remains closely connected to the town and the region. The university also operates campuses across Washington at WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver, all founded in 1989. In 2012, WSU launched an Internet-based Global Campus, which includes its online degree program, WSU Online. In 2015, WSU expanded to a sixth campus at WSU Everett. These campuses award primarily bachelor's and master's degrees. Freshmen and sophomores were first admitted to the Vancouver campus in 2006 and to the Tri-Cities campus in 2007. WSU's athletic teams are called the Cougars and the school colors are crimson and gray. Following the 2024 collapse of the Pac-12 Conference, most of WSU's six men's and nine women's varsity teams compete in the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. WSU is one of two remaining members of the Pac-12, which will resume full operations in 2026 with the confirmed addition of six new members. The men's and women's indoor track teams compete in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Best Athletic Facilities
Ranked #6 in Best Athletic Facilities (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Students Love These Colleges
Ranked #6 in Students Love These Colleges (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Most Active Student Government
Ranked #14 in Most Active Student Government (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Unfiltered student reviews about the real
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French Administration Building, Pullman, Washington, 99164-5910
Visit University SiteHappiest Students
Ranked #15 in Happiest Students (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Best Health Services
Ranked #16 in Best Health Services (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Friendliest Students
Ranked #16 in Friendliest Students (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Best College Dorms
Ranked #17 in Best College Dorms (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Intramural Sports
Ranked #18 in Intramural Sports (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
Lots of Greek Life
Ranked #24 in Lots of Greek Life (2027). Source: Princeton Review ↗
National rank
Ranked #93 in the US by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR US ↗
National rank
Ranked #102 in the US by Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE US ↗
National rank
Ranked #139 in Forbes Top Colleges (2026). Source: Forbes ↗
Value rank
Ranked #174 on Washington Monthly Best Bang for the Buck. Source: WM Best Value ↗
National Universities
Ranked #178 in National Universities (2025). Source: US News ↗
World rank
Ranked #314 globally by CWUR (2026). Source: CWUR World ↗
World rank
Ranked #401 globally in Times Higher Education (2026). Source: THE World ↗
Total: 26,490
Undergrad: 21,923
Undergrad full-time: 19,321
Graduate: 4,567
Part-time: 3,996
In-state
Tuition: $12,997
Total cost on campus: $30,532
Out-of-state
Tuition: $29,073
Total cost on campus: $46,608
Room & board: $13,131
Books & supplies: $762
Receive aid: 91%
Avg grant aid: $10,370
Pell grant recipients: 27%
Rent: $644 / mo
Average city asking rent, as a roommate share. Zillow Observed Rent Index.
Coffee: $6.00
State average cafe price. Numbeo, 2024.
Gas: $5.53 / gal
State average price. AAA.
Average meal: $7.24
Published board plan, per meal. IPEDS.