UW Tacoma Enrollment up 4% for Autumn 2024

UW Tacoma has announced its autumn 2024 enrollment numbers. Total enrollment increased 4% compared to last year, with 4,980 students at all levels in 2024 compared to 4,790 in 2023. This marks a significant turnaround from the last several years, which saw enrollment declines.

“What makes this milestone even more impressive is the challenging marketplace we’ve all been navigating. With the demographic downturn, the complications surrounding the FAFSA, and a very competitive marketplace for higher education, these achievements are nothing short of remarkable,” noted Shannon Carr, associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Services. “This success speaks volumes about the strength of our programs, the support we provide, and the vibrancy of our community.” 

Undergraduate students make up 85% of all students on campus, with 15% in graduate programs. 82% of students are full time. The top undergraduate majors are computer science, biomedical sciences, information technology, psychology, accounting, finance, nursing, marketing and engineering. 

UW Tacoma continues to be the most diverse of the UW campuses, with 63% of undergraduates identifying as students of color. 51% of undergrads are the first in their families to go to college or will be the first to complete a four-year degree. 19% of all students have a military affiliation, meaning they are active duty or have veteran status, or are a spouse or child of someone in the military. The campus is ranked among the top 30 “Best for Vets Colleges” in the nation by Military Times. 

Rounding out the statistical look at the student body, 72% of them come to UW Tacoma from south Puget Sound, including south King County. Top feeder high schools for new first-year students are Kentwood Senior High, Thomas Jefferson High School and Auburn Mountainview in King County, and Rogers High School and Curtis Senior High in Pierce County. The top transfer institutions for the newly arrived are Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, Highline College, Green River College and South Puget Sound Community College. 

Partnerships with 11 local school districts help provide a guaranteed pathway for students who meet academic requirements. Several popular majors, including computer science, engineering and business administration offer direct admission to first-year students. 

UW Tacoma has awarded 33,555 degrees since it opened in 1990 and 80% of alumni remain in the state after graduation. 

A detailed look at enrollment trends on all three UW campuses can be found on UW Public Profiles and in a recent  UW News release.