The Engineering Program Enhancement Fee is an investment in our students and the future of Washington. This fee supports the resources, technology, and student programs to ensure engineering students receive a high-quality education that meets today’s industry standards.
Engineering programs are among the most expensive in higher education. To maintain our excellence, we need to keep investing in modern tools, labs, and learning spaces that prepare students to succeed in a fast-changing technological world.
Timeline
Beginning in autumn 2026, undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Engineering will pay an engineering program enhancement fee. Financial aid will be available for students who have unmet financial need.
The enhancement fee will start for graduate certificate and master’s students in the 2027–28 academic year, and for doctoral students in the 2028–29 academic year.
Why this fee matters
Career-ready graduates
Students benefit from access to modern equipment, industry-standard software, and hands-on learning experiences that reflect real-world engineering settings. These resources prepare students to be more competitive in the job market and succeed in their future careers.
Modern facilities and technologies
Engineering education requires modern labs and tools. This fee helps ensure our facilities keep pace with industry advancements.
Equitable access
Financial aid will be available for students with demonstrated need, ensuring all students can benefit from the opportunities this fee supports.
Student-centered investment
Student feedback will play an important role in deciding how funds are used, ensuring that investments align with student priorities and needs.
What the fee supports
This cost-effective approach ensures that every dollar directly supports student success and creates long-term value. Your investment helps fund:
Upgraded laboratory equipment and software
Enhanced student support services
Modernized classroom technologies
Expanded hands-on learning opportunities
Improved and well-maintained learning spaces for both in-person and online students
Engineering Program Enhancement Fee FAQ
The Engineering Program Enhancement Fee is an investment in resources to help students succeed in engineering. This fee ensures all engineering students have access to up-to-date equipment, modern labs, and student services that support learning and career growth.
These resources give engineering graduates a strong advantage in the job market and help them stay current with today’s industry technologies and standards. Financial aid will be available for students who have demonstrated need.
Implementation timeline
- Autumn 2026: The fee begins for undergraduate students in the College of Engineering.
- 2027–28 academic year: The fee expands to graduate certificate and master’s students.
- 2028–29 academic year: The fee adds doctoral students.
Fee amounts by academic year
- 2026–27: Undergraduates pay $250 per quarter (excluding summer).
- 2027–28: Undergraduates pay $500 per quarter; graduate certificate and master’s students pay $250 per quarter (excluding summer).
- 2028–29: Undergraduates, graduate certificate, and master’s students pay $500 per quarter; doctoral students pay $250 per quarter (excluding summer).
- 2029–30 and after: All students pay $500 per quarter (excluding summer).
Engineering programs are some of the most expensive to run in higher education. This is because engineering students learn through hands-on experiences that require up-to-date labs, tools, and technology. To make sure our students receive a top-quality education and are ready for the workforce, we must keep our equipment and facilities current with industry standards.
Across the country, most public engineering schools charge special program fees or use differential tuition to help cover these higher costs.
By the 2029–30 academic year, this program fee will apply to all students enrolled in a degree or graduate certificate program within the College of Engineering (excluding Allen School programs). Part-time students will pay a smaller, prorated amount.
A committee made up of faculty, students, and staff will help decide how the funds are spent each year. Decisions will be based on what benefits all students the most and will follow principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The process will be reviewed every year to make sure the fee continues to meet student needs. Each year, the College will evaluate how the funds are distributed to ensure every student benefits fairly, and a public report will be available to show exactly how the money is used.
Course fees are used to pay for materials and supplies specific to certain classes—especially lab courses. About 55% of engineering lab courses currently have a course fee, which usually ranges from $5 to $250 per class.
The program enhancement fee is different. It supports broader needs that benefit all students, such as lab and classroom technology, equipment, student services, and educational programs. Course and lab fees will still be used for expenses tied directly to individual courses.
The College will work with UW Internal Audit, Finance, Planning and Budgeting, and other campus offices to create a clear and reliable reporting system. Each year, the College will publish a detailed report showing how the fee revenue was used, key performance metrics, and progress toward our goals.
The report will be shared with students, families, faculty, and staff, as well as with groups such as the Engineering Program Enhancement Fee Advisory Committee, the College Council, the Engineering Student Council, and external advisory boards.
Tuition pays for things like faculty and teaching assistant salaries, administrative costs, and other general university expenses. The program enhancement fee is separate and will not be used for faculty salaries, research funding, or enrollment growth.
Instead, every dollar from this fee will directly support engineering students—by improving their learning experience through upgraded equipment, technology, student support services, and educational programming.