Accolades
A LEADING REsearch
UNIVERSITy
WSU is one of just 187 U.S. colleges and universities—out of 6,500+ public and private institutions—named “Research 1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification (2025). This designation represents the highest level of research activity for doctoral institutions.
MILITARY-FRIENDLY
CAMPUSES
In 2025, Washington State University (WSU) Global Campus ranked among the nation’s top 10 best online bachelor’s programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report. WSU Pullman, WSU Tri-Cities, and WSU Vancouver have been recognized as veteran-friendly campuses due to the resources and benefits they provide.
LGBTQ-FRIENDLY
Receives 5 out of 5 stars from the Campus Pride Index, an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusive policy, program and practice
TOP-RANKED ONLINE
DEGREE PROGRAMS
Several of the university’s online programs have been singled out for their quality by national outlets. U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings included four WSU online programs among the top 20 in the nation in their categories:
| Undergraduate programs for veterans | 8th |
| Bachelor’s program overall | 11th |
| Undergraduate psychology | 12th |
| Undergraduate business | 15th |
| MBA | 33rd |
A FIRST-GEN FORWARD AND FIRST SCHOLARS INSTITUTION
In 2019 the university was one of just 80 universities and colleges nationwide named as a First-gen Forward institution, as well as named a First Scholars institution in 2021, signifying WSU’s dedication to serving first-generation college students.
INTERNSHIPS TO FUEL STUDENTs’ FUTURES
WSU is ranked No. 7 among public US universities for student internships, according to The Princeton Review’s 2025 list. The variety and strength of internships for WSU students, across all degree programs, give them a leg up for their careers.
FULLY ACCREDITED
Washington State University is a member of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. WSU has been continuously accredited since 1916, and its most recent mid-cycle review in 2021 resulted in reaffirmation of accreditation.
A “best value” university
WSU was selected by The Princeton Review as one of the “Best Value Colleges” for 2025. The selection is based on return on investment for graduates due to WSU’s academics, affordability, and career preparation.
HOW students
FEEL ABOUT WSU
WSU ranked #1 in “Their Students Love These Colleges” by The Princeton Review. The ranking reflects the deep connection students have with WSU. Students also ranked WSU:
- #2 — Best Athletic Facilities
- #3 — Happiest Students
- #3 — Most Politically Moderate Students
- #5 — Friendliest Students
- #5 — Top West Entrepreneurship: Undergrad
- #7 — Best Health Services
- #7 — Top 20 Best Alumni Networks (Public Schools)
- #7 — Top 20 Best Schools for Internships (Public Schools)
outstanding
alumni network
“Once a Coug, always a Coug.” That’s a favorite saying of Washington State University alumni, a group more than 280,000 strong. Because getting an education at Washington State University is special, but it’s just the start. WSU’s alumni network, with regional chapters across the United States, are ready to help with financial support, mentoring, internships and career networks.