The only university in Southwest Washington to offer degrees in all four years of higher education is also known by its abbreviation WSU Vancouver. It is one of the six campuses that comprise the Washington State University system. Washington State University Vancouver is situated in Vancouver, Washington, which is positioned on the opposite bank of the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.

It was founded in 1989 as an extension of the main campus of Washington State University to meet the need for educational opportunities in the southwest Washington area. It is located on a 351-acre plot of land within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, providing a breathtakingly stunning natural setting for both students and faculty. They provides students with access to a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes that span a variety of academic fields. It is especially well-known for the programmes it offers in the fields of business, computer science, engineering, environmental science, creative media, and digital culture. Students who have already taken some college-level coursework but would still like to acquire a bachelor's degree can take advantage of the campus's bachelor's degree completion programme.

The amenities on site consist of contemporary lecture halls, research labs, a library, computer labs, and student housing. Furthermore, It provides a wide range of student services, like advising, career counselling, tutoring, and on-campus organisations. It has a strong dedication to research and innovation, and its faculty members are very involved in scholarly activities and research projects. The campus is home to research centers and institutions that concentrate on topics such as entrepreneurship, neurology, and the development of innovative energy systems.

Since there is no on-campus housing, it has traditionally catered to commuter students, many of whom are non-traditional or returning students. It does, however, provide a full range of student services and extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student government, and career assistance. Overall, they offers a high-quality education with an emphasis on research, community service, and professional readiness. It allows students to achieve a degree on a smaller campus while being part of a well-established and reputable university system.