College Edge gives incoming University of Washington students an opportunity to earn academic credits, build connections, and prepare for a successful start to college.
The program runs August 23–September 17, 2027, before the start of Autumn Quarter. College Edge has its own registration process, program fees, and academic policies, separate from regular Autumn Quarter enrollment.
Registration
All incoming UW Seattle first-year and transfer students are eligible to participate, and no separate application is required. Registration for College Edge 2027 opens April 5, 2027, and closes August 6, 2027. Students can explore Discovery Seminar options and register on the College Edge website.
First-Year Discovery Seminars are designed for incoming first-year students. Transfer Discovery Seminars are designed specifically for incoming transfer students.
Each seminar is limited to 25 students, so early registration is encouraged. Visit our Registration page to sign up today!
Advising & Orientation
All College Edge students must complete Parts 1 and 2 of UW Advising & Orientation (A&O) before their College Edge course begins on August 23, 2027. Completing A&O first means students can participate fully in their classes without missing instructional time. For orientation requirements and available sessions, visit UW New Student & Transfer Programs.
Program Costs
College Edge offers two enrollment options for 2027:
$2,200 (5 credits): one 5-credit Discovery Seminar
$2,400 (6 credits): one 5-credit Discovery Seminar plus the optional 1-credit ARTSCI 150 course
The program fee is the same for Washington residents, out-of-state students, and international students. It includes:
- Tuition and instructional costs for your Discovery Seminar
- Program registration and administrative fees
- Early U-PASS activation for public transportation
- Costs of course field trips and visits around campus and Seattle
- College Edge events and community-building activities
- Academic advising and student support resources
College Edge fees are separate from regular Autumn Quarter tuition. Program charges are billed through your UW student tuition account, and payment deadlines and billing instructions will be provided during registration.
Housing and meals are not included. Students who want to live on campus during College Edge should explore Early Autumn Quarter Housing through UW Housing & Food Services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
College Edge is committed to making the program accessible to students from a wide range of financial backgrounds. For 2027, our goal is to award at least $100,000 in need-based scholarships to help more students participate.
Scholarships. All registered College Edge students are automatically considered for need-based scholarships. Awards are based on demonstrated financial need and available funding.
Is financial assistance essential to your participation? We understand that the cost of College Edge may be a deciding factor for some students and families. If you are interested in participating but would need scholarship support to do so, we encourage you to contact Liz Copland, College Edge Program Director, at college-edge@uw.edu.
Please include your name, contact information, and a brief note about your interest in College Edge and your need for financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee scholarship funding, our team will do its best to follow up, help you understand potential eligibility, and share any available options.
Additional financial aid. Students who have applied for financial aid for the upcoming academic year may submit a Financial Aid Revision Request to the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA). OSFA will review the request to determine whether additional assistance is available. Depending on eligibility, this may include additional student or parent loans.
Deferring payment. Students receiving financial aid may be eligible to defer their College Edge payment until Autumn Quarter, when financial aid is disbursed.
GET and 529 plans. Students planning to use a GET or other 529 plan should follow the university's payment instructions for direct payment.
Questions? For questions about your individual financial aid situation, contact the UW Office of Student Financial Aid at osfa@uw.edu. For College Edge scholarships, program costs, or general questions, contact college-edge@uw.edu.
Credits & Grades
College Edge Discovery Seminars are official University of Washington academic courses. All Discovery Seminars:
- Are worth 5 academic credits
- Receive a letter grade and count toward your UW GPA
- Count toward your Autumn Quarter credit total, even though they take place before the quarter begins
- Fulfill applicable UW degree requirements, depending on the seminar
Students who add the optional ARTSCI 150 course earn 6 credits in total. ARTSCI 150 is graded Credit/No Credit and does not affect the UW GPA.
Because College Edge credits count toward Autumn Quarter, students should check with an academic adviser about how they apply to degree requirements, and with OSFA about how they affect financial aid eligibility.
Drops & Withdrawals
Students who need to drop or withdraw from College Edge must submit a formal request. Withdrawal deadlines and refund policies apply, and some fees may be non-refundable. See the Drops & Withdrawals page on the College Edge website for instructions, deadlines, and refund details.