Washington State University is located in Pullman, Washington, 10 miles from the Idaho border. This Eastern location of the University puts it in the middle of a vast amount of wheat fields, and gives it an entirely different appeal than colleges located in large cities. The largest city in the vicinity is Spokane, which lies about 90 miles to the North. The city of Pullman is home to 24,650 people, and the city has pretty much become known for the University. Pullman, and the surrounding Palouse area have also been known to appear in many movies, because of the breath taking views that exist out here. Some see Pullman as an escape from the real world, but others see it as a little slice of heaven while they are attending Washington State University.

There is a lot that WSU has to offer, and I plan to talk about just the tip of the iceberg in regards to what encompasses WSU. It is my intent to show the University for what it is, and explain why it is one of the best institutions in the nation.


Academic Programs

Academics are one of the strong suits at this college. In fact, Washington State University offers an incredible array of outstanding academic programs, including several ranked among the best in the nation. In addition, you’ll find cutting-edge computer labs, high-tech classrooms, and one of the largest library systems in the Pacific Northwest. There are many majors that are available at WSU, and there are also many specific academic areas that you can come to the school for which I have listed.

Specific Academic Areas:

--Agricultural Sciences
--Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design
--Biological, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences
--Business
--Communication
--Computer Technologies
--Education, Sport, and Fitness
--Engineering
--Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
--Health Sciences
--History, Languages, Literature, and Philosophy
--Performing Arts
--ROTC
--Social Sciences


In 2004, Washington State University again was recognized as one of the best national universities, according to rankings released by U.S. News and World Report. The magazine placed Washington State University among the top fifty public research universities in the nation. We also have top ranking departments in the School of Business, Veterinary Sciences, and Communications, for which our school is very proud of. There are many fields offered at WSU, and 9 colleges within this one that specialize in creating leaders from those fields.

University Colleges at WSU:

--Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences
--Business and Economics
--Education
--Engineering and Architecture
--Liberal Arts
--Nursing
--Pharmacy
--Sciences
--Veterinary Medicine


Student Life

At Washington State University, there’s always something going on. For example there are opportunities to join a club, see top entertainers, and participate in a variety of cultural events. Plus, you can play in one of the nation’s largest intramural sports programs, work out at the spectacular new Student Recreation Center, and cheer on the Cougars in Pac-10 athletics. There is always something for the students to get involved on within the campus itself, and nearly every student is involved with clubs, sports, or student government while they are here.

Student Clubs— There is a club for just about everyone at WSU. The choices are not limited either with more than 200 registered student organizations where you can socialize with fellow students, apply your leadership skills, and contribute to the community. These clubs can be anything from a math club to a movie-viewing club.

Student Government — Involvement in the Associated Students of Washington State University and its affiliated student government organizations is a road that a lot of people take because they want to be involved in the things that are going on with the campus. These groups of students help to shape the decisions that are made regarding University policy, and help to make this a place where students love to be involved. There is a campus student Government that oversees everything, and has decision making capabilities that include the spending of a lot of student money.

Greek Life — The University hosts more than 40 residential and non-residential fraternities and sororities, which promote scholarly excellence, philanthropic efforts, enjoyable social activities, and life-long career contacts. These greek chapters provide opportunities for students to pursue friendships that can end up lasting a life-time.

Multicultural Student Services — There are many programs and special events, including links to the Student Centers for African Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Chicana/o and Latina/os, and Native Americans. There is even a council of multicultural students on campus that makes sure that the needs of every student is met, and that international students start off on the right foot when they come to WSU.


Recreation

WSU is a member of the PAC-10, and with that comes involvement of many different athletic teams. Depending on the season, you can see football, basketball, baseball, and tennis teams play, just to name a few. For those that are more interested in participating than playing, there is an intramural sports program that ranks 2nd in the nation for highest amount of participation. If you can think of a game or a sport that has competition involved with it, then it is offered at WSU. There is even a web-site that is dedicated to tracking the sports, the teams, and the standings for each sport when it is being played. In addition to the sports, WSU has a state-of-the-art recreation center where you can go to work out just about any muscle that you can name. People go there to hang out, play basketball, or just enjoy some time on the treadmill. Pullman also has a walking trail that spans 10 miles to the city of Moscow, Idaho. At any time during the day, you can see people walking, running, biking, or roller blading down the trail while enjoying the weather.

Costs Associated with Attending

As with any University, it is not cheap to attend WSU, and a lot of students end up having to request financial assistance through loans, scholarships, and by getting jobs.

Resident Costs:

Tuition -- $4,836

Mandatory Fees -- $444

Room & Board -- $6196

Books & Supplies -- Around $900

Total -- Around $13,000 per year


Non-Resident Costs:

Tuition -- $12,938

Mandatory Fees -- $444

Room & Board -- $6196

Books & Supplies -- Around $900

Total -- Around $21,000 per year


Housing

Residence life and The Residence Halls--

Washington State University has 18 residence halls that are spread throughout the campus. They have a lot to offer in regards to study help, and everything you need is within walking distance of your classes. There are choices ranging from co-ed, men’s, women’s, age-specific, or international halls, or you can choose to live with other students who share your academic interests. Some halls have academic themes that let you enhance your learning by living with others who share similar study interests, and the new Honors Hall offers a unique living and learning and environment. The University also has 9 apartment complexes on the campus that allow housing to older or graduate students.

Greek life--

Washington State University’s 24 residential fraternities and 15 residential sororities offer a close-knit group of friends, mentoring programs, and support systems for members, who also benefit from life-long career networking opportunities. Members take pride in scholastic achievements and developing leadership skills, as well as participating in philanthropic efforts and enjoyable social activities.

Housing Off Campus in Pullman and the surrounding area--

All throughout Pullman, there are houses and apartments available for rent there and in the surrounding areas. There is something for everyone's price range, and you can live anywhere including downtown, and just outside of Pullman. From the Pullman web-site, you can learn more information about specific places to live off-campus.


Dining in Pullman

On campus eating can be found at the dining centers, or at the centrally located Compton Union Building. There everything is offered from Pizza to teriyaki. You can usually survive eating only on campus, but it can get a little expensive. For those looking to eat off-campus, Pullman provides a restaurant guide at http://www.pullman-wa.com/food/maprest.htm. This is the listing of restaurants in Pullman, but in adjoining Moscow, there are additional choices such as an AppleBee's where a lot of people like to go.


Overview

Washington State University is a place where people create friendships, learn a trade, and make themselves better people when they are ready to join the work-force. With many great departments, and an atmosphere that can compare to any, WSU has a lot to offer to anyone interested in a college degree. The weather can reach extremes here, with cold snowy Winters, and Hot Summers, but we are truly able to experience all of the seasons here. For those interested in the party scene, there are several bars and social places where people go to have a good time as well. One thing that must be understood about Pullman, is that it is a small town with a tight-knit community. Sometimes you have to seek out things to do, but if you take up hobbies, or become involved, the years just fly by.


Recommended: Yes