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The University of Washington Tacoma (UW Tacoma; “U-Dub” Tacoma) is located in Tacoma’s historic Warehouse District, part of the recently revitalized area of downtown Tacoma. As one of three campuses that make up the University of Washington, UW Tacoma is a member of the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, founded in 1990 in response to the growing interest in higher education opportunities in the South Sound region. Initially focused on ‘time bound, place bound’ students with limited access to educational opportunities, and offering programs with demonstrated regional needs, UW Tacoma is committed to building strong communities and improving the health of diverse populations. In this spirit, some of the university’s unique academic offerings include undergraduate majors in Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies; Spanish Language and Cultures; and Sustainable Urban Development. These are complemented by undergraduate minors such as American Indian Studies; Asian Studies; Corporate Responsibility; and Education and Community Engagement; and by graduate and professional programs in Community Planning, Educational Leadership, Geospatial Technologies, Nursing, and Social Work, to name a few.

The UW Tacoma campus consists of 22 buildings on 46 acres of land, a portion of which extends onto reservation land belonging to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. UW Tacoma has developed a strong partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, who are the official tribal sponsor of the university.5 UW Tacoma’s diverse student population includes a broad range of ethnic and family backgrounds, ages, interests, and experiences. More than 80% of students transfer to UW Tacoma from one of the many community colleges in the area or from other universities. The UW Tacoma student population is considered majority-minority, with over half of its 5,352 students identifying from minoritized racial/ethnic groups or international: 19% Asian American, 14% Hispanic/Latinx, 9% African American, 8% Two or more ethnicities, 5% International, 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 1% American Indian. Most students are in-state residents (93%), are enrolled full-time (84%), receive financial aid (73%), and are the first in their family to earn a college degree (56%). UW Tacoma is also designated as a veteran-supportive campus; approximately 17% of students are military-affiliated, with 10% receiving Veterans benefits. UW Tacoma welcomes students regardless of citizenship - in Washington, eligible undocumented students may pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities.

Aerial Shot of Campus

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Snoqualmie Building

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Prairie Line Trail

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W Day

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University of Washington Tacoma Statement of Commitment to Diversity 

To hold constant a nurturing learning and work environment in the midst of change, each member of our UW Tacoma community has the responsibility to build and sustain respectful and supportive relationships, through which intolerance, discrimination and social injustice are confronted and resolved through non-violent behavior.

The University of Washington Tacoma's commitment to diversity is central to maintaining an atmosphere wherein students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

1 University of Washington Tacoma. (2019). About University of Washington Tacoma. Accessed August 23. https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/about-uw-tacoma/about-university-washington-t…

2 University of Washington Tacoma. (2020). UW Tacoma Academic Listings. Accessed July 23. https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/about-uw-tacoma/uw-tacoma-academic-listings

3 University of Washington Tacoma. (2019). American Indian Programs & Resources. Accessed August 23. https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/american-indian-programs/american-indian-prog…;

4 University of Washington Tacoma. (2020). UW Tacoma 2019-20 Facts. Accessed July 23.

 https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/about-uw-tacoma/uw-tacoma-2018-19-facts 

5 University of Washington Tacoma. (2019). Diversity Statement. Accessed August 23. https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/equity/diversity-statement-0