Academics
With six campuses across the state and $358 million in annual research expenditures, Washington State University is a public-school powerhouse, offering 95 majors and study abroad opportunities in 70 countries, and a library that’s one of the largest in the entire Pacific Northwest. Here, there are “ample opportunities to explore interests” and research opportunities and associated funding are available at all levels. The state-of-the-art classrooms have “all-inclusive presentation screens for everyone to see,” and The Spark (on the main Pullman campus) is an “academic innovation hub” that uses formal and informal learning to encourage collaboration between faculty and students. The administration also “provides some amazing resources and prioritizes mental health,” and “makes students feel included and provide a great education.”
The school’s creativity and compassion extends to the professors, who provide ways to “learn in different forms” and bring in “guest speakers from the industry” to shake things up. Moreover, the “smaller student-to-faculty ratio has increased the amount of in-class discussion we do rather than sitting and listening.” It also yields professors who are “extremely approachable and…always trying to help [us] find research opportunities.” Those extra steps of encouragement, of teachers “eager to help students participate and build their resume” are what lead students to declare things like “More than a university, WSU is a community,” says a student.
Student Body
Students at WSU “come from everywhere,” are “intelligent and creative,” and “ask inquisitive questions and engage in class.” The school’s numerous extracurriculars give this “wide variety of students from various backgrounds” ample opportunity to show off their “many unique hobbies and values,” and ultimately, “everyone is able to find a place where they feel they belong.” An oft-spoken motto at WSU is “Cougs help Cougs,” meaning “the student body supports and uplifts each other both academically and socially.” As one student says: “Whenever I wear my WSU gear in public, whether at the airport or even at a beach in Hawaii, people will say ‘Go Cougs.’” This is a group that is “like-minded in pursuing success and professional and academic development” all “with the desire to connect with others and learn from each other.”
Campus Life
“There is never a day that an event is not happening” at WSU, and “people find things to do on campus constantly.” Whether students have a good old-fashioned “hang with friends” or get involved with the 350 clubs and student organizations, “there are so many ways to explore interests and find opportunities.” The Student Entertainment Board is always putting on “up-all-night events or concerts,” and “skiing, backpacking, [and] hiking” are common activities here, as are the wildly popular intramural programs (“The gym is also very accessible”). Greek life and multicultural organizations are big on campus, and students also enjoy taking part in “local community projects” and completing meaningful work.
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