USAFA vs. UWB

Comparable Facts

Compare United States Air Force Academy in USAF Academy, Colorado with University of Washington Bothell Campus in Bothell, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Washington Bothell Campus is larger than USAFA based on total student enrollment (6,058 students vs. 4,114 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• United States Air Force Academy is located in USAF Academy, Colorado (Large City setting); University of Washington Bothell Campus is in Bothell, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• United States Air Force Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Washington Bothell Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: United States Air Force Academy 7:1; University of Washington Bothell Campus 22:1.

USAFA vs. UWB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USAFA or UWB? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between University of Washington Bothell Campus and USAFA ($12,919.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between UWB and United States Air Force Academy ($43,155.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Washington Bothell Campus than at United States Air Force Academy (44% vs. 0%).

USAFA vs. UWB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USAFA or UWB? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UWB and USAFA.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at United States Air Force Academy (1340) is 20 points higher than at UWB (1320).
• Incoming UWB students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (33 vs. 29 at USAFA).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Air Force Academy 1230/1440; University of Washington Bothell Campus 1170/1470.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: United States Air Force Academy 26/33; University of Washington Bothell Campus 32/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USAFA - Required; UWB - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USAFA Dec 31, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman USAFA students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at UWB (3.52).
• UWB has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than USAFA (14.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 78.5% at USAFA vs. 23.9% at UWB.

USAFA vs. UWB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USAFA and UWB? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Graduates from University of Washington Bothell Campus have median earnings of about $65,800 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for USAFA.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.