Best Colleges in Washington 2026

Badge for BEST IN WASHINGTON COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Washington. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Key Takeaways

  • The best colleges in Washington often integrate sustainability into their curriculum and campus operations, offering programs in environmental science, renewable energy, and urban planning, alongside eco-friendly initiatives like zero-waste policies and green buildings.
  • Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, the best colleges in Washington provide students access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and kayaking, fostering a balance between academic pursuits and an active lifestyle.
  • Located near tech and aerospace hubs like Seattle, the institutions in our ranking provide unique opportunities for internships, research, and networking with companies in industries such as technology, biotechnology, and aviation.

10 Best Colleges in Washington in 2026

  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Evergreen State College
    +1
  4. Seattle University
    –1
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Western Washington University
  7. University of Puget Sound
  8. Whitman College
  9. Eastern Washington University
  10. Central Washington University

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

We’ve identified 47 colleges and universities in Washington that meet our criteria. The list below highlights the top 25 institutions that offer bachelor’s degrees, emphasizing fully accredited public and private colleges and universities across the state.

This ranking is intended to help prospective students compare Washington schools at a glance: we prioritize academic quality, program breadth, student outcomes, and institutional reputation while focusing on bachelor’s-level offerings and overall fit. Use the list to narrow your search by program strengths and campus characteristics rather than as a definitive single measure; the brief notes that follow each entry are designed to point you quickly to what distinguishes each college for 2026 applicants and advisors.

10 Best Colleges in Washington

  1. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2026 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2026 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    60K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $83,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington known for?

    University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Washington State University

    Pullman , WA
    #2 Best Research Universities in Washington 2026 #2 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026 #2 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,997
    Expenses: $17,535
    Starting Salary: $72,280
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Washington State University known for?

    Washington State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Evergreen State College

    Olympia , WA
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026 #3 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1144/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Evergreen State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $20,805
    Starting Salary: $48,982
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Evergreen State College known for?

    Evergreen State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Seattle University

    Seattle , WA
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #1 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Research Universities in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle University

    Cost of Degree: $54,285
    Expenses: $19,328
    Starting Salary: $84,728
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Seattle University known for?

    Seattle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Gonzaga University

    Spokane , WA
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #2 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Research Universities in Washington 2026 #4 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Gonzaga University

    Cost of Degree: $53,500
    Expenses: $20,749
    Starting Salary: $89,110
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Gonzaga University known for?

    Gonzaga University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Western Washington University

    Bellingham , WA
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,286
    Expenses: $20,681
    Starting Salary: $64,305
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Washington University known for?

    Western Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Puget Sound

    Tacoma , WA
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Puget Sound

    Cost of Degree: $59,900
    Expenses: $18,664
    Starting Salary: $71,918
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Puget Sound known for?

    University of Puget Sound’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Whitman College

    Walla Walla , WA
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $67K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1395/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitman College

    Cost of Degree: $61,492
    Expenses: $16,840
    Starting Salary: $70,813
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Whitman College known for?

    Whitman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Eastern Washington University

    Cheney , WA
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,353
    Expenses: $19,545
    Starting Salary: $62,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Washington University known for?

    Eastern Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Central Washington University

    Ellensburg , WA
    #6 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,192
    Expenses: $21,246
    Starting Salary: $65,578
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central Washington University known for?

    Central Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Seattle Pacific University

    Seattle , WA
    #15 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #4 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 Best Research Universities in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $38,814
    Expenses: $20,154
    Starting Salary: $71,277
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Seattle Pacific University known for?

    Seattle Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Pacific Lutheran University

    Tacoma , WA
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #6 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Lutheran University

    Cost of Degree: $50,272
    Expenses: $15,873
    Starting Salary: $71,109
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pacific Lutheran University known for?

    Pacific Lutheran University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  15. #13

    Walla Walla University

    College Place , WA
    #21 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #6 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Walla Walla University

    Cost of Degree: $33,027
    Expenses: $12,936
    Starting Salary: $67,140
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Walla Walla University known for?

    Walla Walla University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  16. #14

    Whitworth University

    Spokane , WA
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $55K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitworth University

    Cost of Degree: $50,920
    Expenses: $18,293
    Starting Salary: $64,055
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Whitworth University known for?

    Whitworth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  18. #15

    City University of Seattle

    Seattle , WA
    #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2026 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle

    Cost of Degree: $13,965
    Expenses: $14,325
    Starting Salary: $66,765
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is City University of Seattle known for?

    City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  19. #16

    University of Washington Tacoma

    Tacoma , WA
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma

    Cost of Degree: $12,817
    Expenses: $20,430
    Starting Salary: $83,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington Tacoma known for?

    University of Washington Tacoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  20. #17

    University of Washington Bothell

    Bothell , WA
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Bothell

    Cost of Degree: $12,559
    Expenses: $22,125
    Starting Salary: $83,105
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington Bothell known for?

    University of Washington Bothell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  21. #18

    DigiPen Institute of Technology

    Redmond , WA
    #9 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2026 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $37,400
    Expenses: $21,892
    Starting Salary: $80,038
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is DigiPen Institute of Technology known for?

    DigiPen Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Saint Martin's University

    Lacey , WA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2026 #7 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1127/18

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Martin's University

    Cost of Degree: $44,210
    Expenses: $17,980
    Starting Salary: $70,376
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Saint Martin's University known for?

    Saint Martin's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Bellevue College

    Bellevue , WA
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2026 #9 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College

    Cost of Degree: $4,305
    Expenses: $23,934
    Starting Salary: $63,508
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bellevue College known for?

    Bellevue College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Columbia Basin College

    Pasco , WA
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2026 #10 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College

    Cost of Degree: $6,194
    Expenses: $13,905
    Starting Salary: $51,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia Basin College known for?

    Columbia Basin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Seattle Central College

    Seattle , WA
    #4 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College

    Cost of Degree: $5,058
    Starting Salary: $48,906
    What is Seattle Central College known for?

    Seattle Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Highline College

    Des Moines , WA
    #5 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Highline College

    Cost of Degree: $4,623
    Expenses: $17,190
    Starting Salary: $54,850
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Highline College known for?

    Highline College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Wenatchee Valley College

    Wenatchee , WA
    #8 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $5,118
    Expenses: $12,345
    Starting Salary: $45,574
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wenatchee Valley College known for?

    Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  30. #25

    Peninsula College

    Port Angeles , WA
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2026 #10 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2026

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    45%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College

    Cost of Degree: $4,586
    Starting Salary: $41,574
    What is Peninsula College known for?

    Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
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Washington’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. University of Washington
  2. Whitman College
  3. Evergreen State College
  4. University of Puget Sound
  5. Seattle University
  6. Saint Martin's University
  7. Washington State University
  8. Pacific Lutheran University
  9. Seattle Pacific University
  10. Western Washington University
  11. University of Washington Bothell
  12. University of Washington Tacoma
  13. Walla Walla University
  14. Gonzaga University
  15. Whitworth University
  16. Northwest University
  17. Central Washington University
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