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Washington State University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Also known as WSU

Washington State University accepts 87% of applicants. It is a public university in Pullman, Washington, with about 21,099 undergraduates. The sticker price is $28,316 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $13,462.

87%Acceptance rate
1000–1240Middle 50% SAT
19–27Middle 50% ACT
$13,462Average cost after aid / year
63%Graduation rate
$59,032Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for WSU?

Most Washington residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Washington State University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1110, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAWashington residentOut-of-state
2.551% Target24% Reach
2.751% Target24% Reach
3.073% Target44% Target
3.387% Likely67% Target
3.593% Likely79% Target
3.796% Likely87% Likely
3.997% Likely93% Likely
4.097% Likely93% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Washington State University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $28,316 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family incomeIn-stateOut-of-state
Under $50k$7,100$21,300
$50k – $100k$8,700$23,200
$100k – $150k$15,200$29,800
$150k – $250k$26,500$41,000
Over $250k$28,300$43,500

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

63%Finish their degree
78%Return for second year
$59,032Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Washington State University

What is the acceptance rate at Washington State University?

Washington State University admits 87% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Washington State University?

Most Washington residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.2 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Washington State University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1000–1240 on the SAT and 19–27 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Washington State University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $28,316 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $13,462 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $7,100 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Washington State University?

63% of students finish their degree, and 78% return for a second year.

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