Why choose Evergreen?

There are so many reasons to choose Evergreen! Students who thrive here are engaged in learning. They like hands-on experiences, real world applicability, and individualized attention in the classroom. We appeal to both first time freshmen and transfer students coming from near and far. Learn more about Admissions.

What is it like living in Olympia?

Olympia is Washington State’s capitol. It is a mid-size city located about one hour south of Seattle, two hours north of Portland, about an hour east to the mountains, and west to the coast. There are a lot of organically and locally sourced foods available at restaurants around town – check out New Moon Cafe and 3 Magnet’s Brewing for Evergreen alumni-owned businesses. A coffee shop at almost every corner, you have your pick of the best brews in town – we like Olympia Coffee Roasters and Burial Grounds. There are plenty of entertainment options in the downtown area as well – look at Rhythm and Rye and Le Voyeur for live music, or the Capitol Theatre for movies. If city life isn’t your thing, there are numerous outdoor areas to explore, hike, and kayak. We recommend going on a walk around Capitol Lake or Priest Point Park and then seeing where the city takes you. Learn more about Olympia.

What is campus life like?

We are lucky to be situated on 1,000 acres of protected forest, only 200 acres of which are developed into the main campus. We have an organic farm and half-mile beach front property ON CAMPUS, so studying, learning, and exploring in nature is a frequent pastime of our students. Students can get involved in a variety of student clubs, such as The Outdoor Program, the Bike Shop, Clean Energy Committee, Evergreen Gaming Guild, Chinese Culture Club, Perennial Players Theatre Troupe, Shellfish Club, Triangle Club of Evergreen (supporting LGBTQ+ folx), BSU Black Focus, and more; play NAIA and recreational sports; write for the Cooper Point Journal; show their art in the Evergreen Gallery; or volunteer at the local radio station KAOS. Learn more about Campus life.

 

What is the weather like? Does it really rain all the time?

Here in Washington, you will experience all four seasons. The summers are sunny and warm. The fall is blistery with colorful leaves. In the winter, we usually get at least one day of snow. In the spring it rains, but the showers bring flowers! Generally the climate is temperate, and yes, it does rain a good amount. A good rain jacket will do just as well as an umbrella.

What the heck is a “geoduck”?

A geoduck, Evergreen’s mascot, is a species of a very large saltwater clam. They are only found on the West Coast of North America.  The name “geoduck” is derived from a Lushootseed (Nisqually) word gʷídəq meaning “dig deep” (which Evergreen has adopted as its mantra).  Pronounced “gooey-duck”, they are one of the longest living organisms in the animal kingdom, usually living up to 140 years.

What is the Evergreen community like?

We are lucky to have the opportunity to learn and grow in a community comprised of a diverse array of people. A central tenant of Evergreen’s mission is learning across differences. Students engage in conversation around equity and inclusion every day. Important resources to aid in this work on campus include The Longhouse Education and Cultural Center, which promotes indigenous arts and cultures through education, cultural preservation, creative expression and economic development. Evergreen sits on unceded Medicine Creek Treaty land, signed in 1854 by Nisqually, Puyallup, and Squaxin Island tribes. First Peoples Multicultural Advising Services and the Trans & Queer Center assist students in achieving their academic, social, and professional goals. And the The Veterans Resource Center helps students receive the military benefits they have earned through service to our country.

 Evergreen’s Mission:

“As an innovative public liberal arts college, Evergreen emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary learning across significant differences. Our academic community engages students in defining and thinking critically about their learning. Evergreen supports and benefits from local and global commitment to social justice, diversity, environmental stewardship and service in the public interest.”

Interesting Statistics About Evergreen:
  • Student Population: About 4,000 Undergraduate Students, 300 Graduate Students
  • About 50/50 first-time freshmen and transfer students
  • 60% WA State Residents, 40% Nonresidents
  • 29% Students of Color
  • About 85% of first-time freshmen live on campus
  • 21:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
  • 90% of Evergreen graduates are employed or in graduate school 1 year after graduation