UW Tacoma reaches 5-year high in enrollment, exceeding 5,000 students

When the University of Washington Tacoma first opened its doors in 1990, its inaugural class included less than 200 students — trailblazers drawn to the idea of being a part of something new while finishing their degrees in the heart of downtown Tacoma.

Quite a bit has changed since those early days. As a result, the institution has established itself as a premier urban-serving university and a catalyst for transformation across the South Sound.

As the campus celebrates its 35th anniversary, its enrollment now exceeds 5,000 students, a benchmark achieved for the first time since 2021.

The campus received a record number of first-year admissions applications for Autumn 2025 and experienced a 2.58% increase in first-year enrollment compared to last year. Applications from transfer students also grew, along with transfer student enrollment, which rose by 5.33% compared to last year. Graduate programs also saw significant interest, with an 8.4% rise in enrollment compared to the previous year’s incoming class.

Shannon Carr, associate vice chancellor for enrollment services, said the campus’s growth comes at a time when many colleges and universities across the country are seeing declining enrollment.

"This surge in interest speaks volumes about the growing visibility and appeal of UW Tacoma," Carr said. "Students really see us as a place where they can thrive, where they belong and where they can build their futures."

Current student profile:

• 52% students who are the first in their family to attend college or first to degree
• 19% military-affiliated students
• 60% students of color (undergraduate)
• 93% students from Washington
• 76% students from Pierce, Thurston or South King County

Among current students, 46% are eligible for Pell grants, the largest federal grant program for students from low-income backgrounds. For the third consecutive year, the campus was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the top regional university in the Pacific Northwest for advancing the social mobility of its graduates.

"Our students are not just learners. They’re leaders, they’re caregivers, they’re workers and they’re community members," Carr said. "They bring resilience, they bring authenticity and they bring heart to our campus."

Popular majors among undergraduate students include Business Administration, Computer Science & Systems and Biomedical Sciences. Martins Uchendu, a first-year student from Nigeria, plans to study Communications because he enjoys engaging in interpersonal communication and wants to serve as a source of support for others.

"I chose UW Tacoma because I wanted a place where I could grow, connect with people and really make something out of my story," Uchendu said. "Coming from Nigeria, I’ve always valued hard work and community. UWT felt like the right place to build both while chasing my goals."

At the graduate level, growing programs such as UW Tacoma’s Master of Social Work empower students to develop relevant skills that will advance their careers and address pressing workforce needs.

"I chose UW Tacoma's MSW program because of its reputation for excellence," said Lindsay McClelland, a graduate student in the School of Social Work & Criminal Justice. "It also provides accessibility to a high-caliber education for those who have established jobs or otherwise can’t attend school full-time."

Looking Ahead: A Vision for 10,000 Students

With this milestone reached, the campus remains focused on increasing access to higher education in the South Sound by doubling its enrollment from 5,000 to 10,000 full-time students over the next 35 years.

"Our efforts are about more than increasing the number of students in our classrooms. Our vision is to serve 10,000 students on a vibrant, growing campus that continues to drive regional prosperity," said UW Tacoma Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange. "It’s about creating access, increasing our impact and ensuring education is the bridge to opportunity for all."

UW Tacoma’s Office of Admissions hosts campus tours and information sessions throughout the year, offering students and families the opportunity to experience the campus and meet current Tacoma Huskies and faculty members. Admissions counselors visit schools across Washington throughout the year and provide specialized transfer admissions counseling at local community colleges, including Tacoma Community College, Pierce College and South Puget Sound Community College.

To learn more, visit UW Tacoma's Admissions website.
 

About the University of Washington Tacoma:  
The University of Washington Tacoma is an urban-serving institution committed to expanding access to higher education and driving positive change across the South Sound and beyond. As part of the University of Washington, UW Tacoma provides interdisciplinary programs, user-inspired research and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for leadership in their careers and communities. Located in the heart of downtown Tacoma, the campus fosters innovation, inclusivity and civic engagement. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, UW Tacoma continues to build on its legacy of empowering students and strengthening the region.