Discover
Evergreen
Would you like to create your own course of study instead of picking a pre-packaged major?
Do you think education should be about applied learning instead of grades?
Are you interested in a quality liberal arts and sciences education at an affordable price?
Evergreen Offers
- A dynamic, team-taught, theme-based curriculum examining real world issues.
- Student-designed majors.
- Individual learning contracts and internships providing hands-on, practical application of knowledge and skills.
- Study Abroad opportunities.
- Narrative evaluations that highlight student progress and inform graduate schools and future employers of your unique skill set.
The Evergreen State College is an extraordinary public liberal arts college with a unique mission and educational philosophy.
Evergreen's strong commitment to sustainability in our operations, curriculum and policy has garnered us recognition as one of America's top green colleges. Our campus, in Olympia, Washington, features a Native American Longhouse, an organic farm dedicated to agricultural and ecological studies, award-winning green architecture, and encompasses more than 1,000 acres of lush forest and 3,300 feet of unspoiled beach on the Puget Sound.
About
Evergreen
Our team-taught, theme-based curriculum, helps students examine current real-world issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. We offer more than 60 fields of study and countless opportunities to enrich your academic experience with research, field studies, community service, internships and study abroad. At Evergreen, you are at the center of your education.
"Attending Evergreen is a remarkable educational experience. Graduates end up with a strong ability to do exactly what they set out to do." —Kristi Beguin, alumna
At Evergreen, you'll find a spirited community that offers you many options outside of the classroom.
Located in Washington state's capital, there's always something happening on campus. We are also a free bus or bike ride from downtown Olympia, and within one hour of Seattle, two hours of Portland and a myriad of other attractions—like Olympic and Mount Rainier national parks.
Students get involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities, campus events and organizations.
Campus
Life
"At Evergreen you get to do things that are meaningful to you, and when you do things that are meaningful to you, they become a lot more important to you."
Visit
Evergreen
To get an insider's perspective, we encourage you to visit us. Tour the campus, talk to students, sit in on a class, and get to know what it's really like to be a Greener.
We Offer
Can't Visit Us?
Check out our hometown, Olympia, where you'll find the state capitol, restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, farmer's market, live music, parks and more.
Academic
Excellence
Evergreen is regarded as one of America's best learning communities and a national model for student engagement, quality teaching, applied learning and educational innovation.
Our unique, interdisciplinary approach to learning allows students to make important connections between theory, knowledge and experience. Here, you are empowered to explore your intellectual passions and forge your own academic path.
The College Offers
- A personalized, flexible curriculum
- Close collaboration with faculty
- Undergraduate access to equipment and facilities often reserved for graduate students at other institutions
- Narrative evaluations to assess true student learning
Evergreen’s nationally recognized distinctive curriculum is characterized by integrating academic subjects into coordinated interdisciplinary programs that are dynamic and relevant.
Explore Evergreen's academic catalog.
Curriculum
Students enroll in a single comprehensive program which may last two or three quarters. In a program you explore many aspects of a theme or topic through different but related academic subjects. Imagine, for instance, studying psychology, environmental studies, art and economics and how they interrelate. A central theme provides the context for taking your studies out of the classroom and into the world. You learn about a broad range of subjects and issues and become more skilled at critical thinking and communication.
Programs are taught by teams of faculty members — not just a single instructor. They plan labs, workshops, seminars and field trips to create an atmosphere of shared learning with groups of about 25 students per faculty.
Evergreen offers students the opportunity to customize their learning experiences with individual study and study abroad options, which require active participation in consultation with a faculty sponsor.
"At Evergreen, students discover the interconnectedness of knowledge." —Colleges That Change Lives
Alumni
Our graduates go on to make a difference in their professions and communities.
They earn degrees at top graduate or professional schools across the nation, start their own businesses, become artists and teachers, work in media and social services and much more.
Learn more about life after Evergreen by reading some of our alumni profiles.
"It's absolutely 3E: An Exceptional Educational Experience."
—Eugene Bradshaw MiT '06
Grading
At Evergreen, we think education should be focused on learning.
We use narrative evaluations—rather than letter or number grades—to assess academic progress. As a student, you will receive quarterly evaluations from faculty, as well as write your own self-evaluations. Together, these contribute to your overall transcript. Because they are narrative documents, these evaluations provide a detailed, extensive assessment of your work and achievements.
"Evaluations helped me to understand myself and my learning, and to clarify what I wanted to do." —Heidi Haberbush '04
Become
a Student
Who Are You?
Getting Started
We're excited that you're taking the next step to becoming an Evergreen student.
From financial aid to residency, transfer credit to scholarships, we're here to help.
Contact an admissions counselor if you have questions or want to learn more about Evergreen.
If you plan to live on campus, be sure to apply for housing, too.
Requirements
Admission decisions are holistic, including a review of the courses you have taken and your academic achievement (GPA).
Your personal statement should describe your educational experiences that have prepared you for success at Evergreen.
Admissions requirements specific to you: Freshman, Transfer, International, Adult, Returning, Graduate Student
Evergreen believes students are whole thinking and feeling persons who learn best when all dimensions of their lives are acknowledged and valued.
Paying for your Evergreen Education
We encourage all students to consider applying for scholarships, tuition awards and financial aid as a way to assist with educational expenses.
The cost of attending Evergreen includes tuition, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and miscellaneous (personal) expenses.
Financial
Aid
"My scholarship gave me the financial help I needed to reach my goals."
—Steven Chen '11
Good to Know
Start the process of becoming an Evergreen student by submitting an application for admission early, stay on top of your applications and be mindful of due dates.
Apply
for Admission
"In a sea of strikingly similar colleges and universities, The Evergreen State College truly stands out." —Colleges of Distinction
