Bothell, Wash. – The University of Washington Bothell marks its 10th year of continuous growth since it began admitting first year students in 2006. The university welcomed its largest first year class of all time for fall 2015-2016 with a 9 percent increase over the prior year, making it the fastest-growing public university in the state of Washington and among the top ten fastest-growing in the nation. It is also the largest of the five university branch campuses in the state.
The university reports an overall headcount for 2015-16 of 5,279 students, also counted as 4,932 FTE (full-time equivalent students). This number compares to an FTE of 4,587 in the previous year, corresponding to an increase of 345 FTEs, or 8 percent.
“This is an exciting time at UW Bothell as we continue to bring talented students here and support them through programs that foster deep engaged learning inside and outside the classroom,” says Chancellor Wolf Yeigh. “The leading edge student engagement experienced through UW Bothell is a direct result of our innovative faculty and the strong reciprocal industry and community partnerships that inform our curricula, programs and service to the community. As a result, our students and graduates are at the forefront of creating real-world solutions that affect the region in many areas, including healthcare, education, and business.”
BY THE NUMBERS:
UW Bothell’s commitment to a diverse student body contributes to the rich, inclusive educational experience that reflects our region. The incoming first year class is comprised of 64 percent students of color from diverse backgrounds. The diversity profile (with students self-reporting) is: 31 percent Asian American, 15 percent Hispanic, 8 percent African American, 7 percent two or more races, < 1 percent Native American, and 1 percent Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (1 percent did not indicate).
More than half (51percent) of the incoming first year students are first generation college students.
More than one third of UW Bothell undergraduates were Pell eligible in the 2014-15 academic year. The university offered nearly $43.7 million in financial aid for the year, including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study awards from all sources.
This year, there are a total of 251 students that are U.S. veterans (or eligible for veterans’ benefits).
Of the total student population, nine out of 10 of the currently enrolled students are from the state of Washington. The top counties of residence are King (52 percent) and Snohomish (35 percent). Of the incoming first year students, 32 percent are from Snohomish County.
The incoming first year class (UW Bothell’s tenth first year class) totals 691, a nine percent increase over last year. Of incoming first year students, 48 percent are female and 52 percent are male. The top feeder high schools include Mariner, Henry M. Jackson, Bothell, Kamiak, and Inglemoor high schools.
There are 775 new transfer students beginning at UW Bothell this fall, up from 746 in 2014. The top feeder institutions include Bellevue College, Cascadia College, Edmonds Community College, Shoreline Community College and Everett Community College.
A continued emphasis on strategic growth and excellence
During its 25th Anniversary celebration over the past year, the university highlighted its continued success in providing access and opportunity to a University of Washington education for students of tremendous promise and diverse backgrounds. Looking forward, UW Bothell will continue to expand its student body, degree offerings and opportunities as it also builds on the University of Washington excellence which students have come to expect.
With five academic schools, more than 45 degrees, and highly qualified faculty who are committed to the mission and a unique learning environment, UW Bothell is poised to work with the state legislature, the community and industry to balance increased opportunities for talented students while investing deeply in excellence. The School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics continues to show tremendous growth in enrollment as UW Bothell works to meet regional industry needs. Nearly 30 percent of students with majors are in STEM and 16 percent of women who have declared majors are majoring in STEM fields. The university received predesign funding for a new academic research building, which will enable UW Bothell to increase degree offerings in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while opening another 1,000 seats in classroom and lab spaces.
This fall, UW Bothell launched two bachelor’s degrees in physics. It also launched a bachelor of arts in education degree. The university is expected to launch a bachelor of arts degree in gender, women, and sexuality studies in winter 2016.
For the second year, UW Bothell has been nationally ranked for value, affordability, and student outcomes.
Money Magazine’s rankings based on measures of value, quality and career earnings:
- UW Bothell is first in the state of Washington
- No. 36 of the best 50 colleges in the nation
Washington Monthly’s Best Bang for the Buck ranking based on the economic value each student receives per dollar:
- No. 13 in the western region
- No. 1 for all master’s universities in Washington and the Pacific Northwest
A new Activities and Recreation Center opened in September, further enhancing student life on campus. The university is also exploring options for additional housing and dining to meet a growing need.
To learn about UW Bothell’s many offerings, visit www.uwb.edu.
