As the summer season transitioned into fall, the University of Washington Bothell marked its own notable turn, celebrating an all-time high enrollment in its 35+ year history.
“This achievement reflects the collective efforts of so many in our campus community, especially those involved in student recruitment, registration and retention,” said Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg. “It also points to our dedicated faculty and staff who develop robust learning opportunities and create a welcoming environment for both new and returning students.”
The incoming class includes 1,164 first-year students and 602 transfer students. With returning students, UW Bothell has a total student body of 6,361 for the 2025 autumn quarter, including 5,755 undergraduates and 606 graduate students.
The average class size is 33 for undergraduates and 19 for graduate students. The University has 357 faculty members and 399 staff.
Current students who have declared majors or are in graduate programs break out as follows: 26% are in the School of STEM, 19% in the School of Business, 16% in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, 6% in the School of Nursing & Health Studies and 3% in the School of Educational Studies. Another 30% of UW Bothell students are first-year or pre-major students.
Some other statistics about UW Bothell at the start of the 2025-26 academic year include:
37% of incoming first-year students and 39% of new incoming transfer students will be the first in their immediate families to graduate from a four-year institution.
31% of all UW Bothell students received a federal Pell Grant award in autumn 2025. The Pell Grant is the federal aid program for low-income families.
6% of students — more than 360 in total — are eligible for veteran’s benefits, a group that includes spouses and children of veterans.
The student body is known for its diversity as well. Approximately 32% of all students identify as Asian, 28% white, 11% Hispanic or Latino, 10% Black or African American, 7% two or more races, less than 1% American Indian or Alaska Native and less than 1% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Another 4% are international students here on a student visa.
Among all students at UW Bothell, 93% are Washington residents, with 60% coming from King County and 27% from Snohomish County.
The University of Washington Bothell was established by approval of the state legislature in 1989, held its first classes in fall 1990 and graduated its first class of three students in 1991.
There are now more than 34,000 UW Bothell alumni, and more than two-thirds live and work within 25 miles of campus.
In her annual welcoming remarks to incoming students, Chancellor Esterberg noted that in addition to taking classes, it’s important for them to be open to new people and new experiences. UW Bothell is home to nearly 100 student clubs and organizations that provide opportunities for leadership, research, identity exploration and connection.
“There will come a moment when this place starts to feel like yours,” said Esterberg.
