Best Colleges in Washington 2024

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

10 Best Colleges in Washington

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  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Western Washington University
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Whitman College
  7. Evergreen State College
  8. Eastern Washington University
  9. University of Puget Sound
  10. Seattle Pacific University
  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Evergreen State College
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Western Washington University
  7. Whitman College
  8. University of Puget Sound
  9. Central Washington University
  10. Eastern Washington University
  1. Evergreen State College 99%
  2. Eastern Washington University 97%
  3. Western Washington University 96%
  4. Seattle Pacific University 92%
  5. Whitworth University 91%
  6. University of Puget Sound 88%
  7. Central Washington University 88%
  8. Pacific Lutheran University 88%
  9. Washington State University 86%
  10. University of Washington Bothell 83%
  1. Eastern Washington University 21 to 1
  2. University of Washington Bothell 21 to 1
  3. University of Washington 20 to 1
  4. Central Washington University 20 to 1
  5. Western Washington University 18 to 1
  6. Columbia Basin College 17 to 1
  7. Washington State University 16 to 1
  8. Evergreen State College 16 to 1
  9. Walla Walla University 15 to 1
  10. Highline College 15 to 1
  1. Whitman College $55,982
  2. University of Puget Sound $55,670
  3. Seattle University $49,335
  4. Gonzaga University $48,470
  5. Pacific Lutheran University $48,226
  6. Whitworth University $47,590
  7. Saint Martin's University $40,690
  8. Seattle Pacific University $35,646
  9. DigiPen Institute of Technology $34,900
  10. Walla Walla University $30,531
  1. University of Puget Sound $36,047
  2. DigiPen Institute of Technology $29,100
  3. Pacific Lutheran University $29,084
  4. Seattle Pacific University $24,273
  5. Walla Walla University $24,048
  6. University of Washington $16,605
  7. University of Washington Tacoma $16,605
  8. University of Washington Bothell $16,605
  9. Saint Martin's University $15,840
  10. Gonzaga University $14,499
  1. Highline College
  2. Wenatchee Valley College
  3. Seattle Central College
  4. Peninsula College
  5. Columbia Basin College
  6. Saint Martin's University
  7. University of Washington Bothell
  8. University of Washington Tacoma
  9. Whitworth University
  10. Bellevue College
  1. Peninsula College
  2. Wenatchee Valley College
  3. Highline College
  4. Seattle Central College
  5. Columbia Basin College
  6. Bellevue College
  7. Saint Martin's University
  8. University of Washington Bothell
  9. DigiPen Institute of Technology
  10. University of Washington Tacoma
  1. DigiPen Institute of Technology 46%
  2. University of Washington 53%
  3. Whitman College 59%
  4. Saint Martin's University 72%
  5. Gonzaga University 76%
  6. Seattle University 82%
  7. University of Washington Tacoma 83%
  8. University of Washington Bothell 83%
  9. Washington State University 86%
  10. Pacific Lutheran University 88%
  1. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  2. Whitman College 8 to 1
  3. University of Puget Sound 9 to 1
  4. Seattle University 10 to 1
  5. DigiPen Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  6. Whitworth University 11 to 1
  7. Gonzaga University 11 to 1
  8. Pacific Lutheran University 12 to 1
  9. Peninsula College 12 to 1
  10. Saint Martin's University 12 to 1
  1. Highline College $3,445
  2. Wenatchee Valley College $3,768
  3. Peninsula College $3,826
  4. Bellevue College $3,826
  5. Seattle Central College $4,670
  6. Columbia Basin College $5,319
  7. Central Washington University $6,656
  8. Eastern Washington University $6,896
  9. Evergreen State College $7,389
  10. Western Washington University $7,572
  1. Evergreen State College $9,329
  2. Central Washington University $10,098
  3. Western Washington University $11,359
  4. City University of Seattle $11,812
  5. Washington State University $12,076
  6. Eastern Washington University $12,353
  7. Whitworth University $12,456
  8. Seattle University $13,770
  9. Gonzaga University $14,499
  10. Saint Martin's University $15,840

Colleges and Universities in Washington

Of the 40 public options, the University of Washington in Seattle is the largest. Roughly 40,000 students attend classes in fields like nursing, education, biology, and computer science. This public research institution is also affordable, charging about $11,000 for tuition. In fact, none of the public schools in Washington exceed $12,000 in price. This includes community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities, making Washington a uniquely affordable place to earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Washington also has 24 private institutions. Of those, nine are religious. The most widely known of these, Catholic university Gonzaga enrolls roughly 7,000 students, at a cost of $40,000, in areas such as religious studies, engineering, and law. Central Washington University (CWU) is a smaller public school, serving just over 12,000 students, and has a tuition of $8,000. With 15% of its population being Hispanic, CWU is now recognized as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. Washington health professions also have the opportunity to receive funding for loan repayment through Washington’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.

Set in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers ocean beaches and lush forests. In fact, over half the state is covered in forests, earning Washington its nickname as The Evergreen State. Viewers atop the Space Needle in Seattle can take in the sights of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and both the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. In addition, prospective students can choose from over 60 higher education institutions in the state.

Check out the top higher education programs and find an affordable degree in Washington.


What are Washington’s Colleges & Universities?

Washington’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Washington' Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified 47 colleges and universities in Washington that meet our criteria. This list of the top 25 colleges in Washington below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Washington.

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10 Best Colleges in Washington 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    57K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1326/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,967
    Expenses: $19,908
    Starting Salary: $50,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #6

    Whitman College

    Walla Walla , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitman College

    Cost of Degree: $58,622
    Expenses: $16,420
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1078/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Evergreen State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,750
    Expenses: $18,271
    Starting Salary: $36,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 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

  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    985/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,139
    Expenses: $18,406
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Puget Sound

    Cost of Degree: $57,626
    Expenses: $17,944
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $37,158
    Expenses: $18,579
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,845
    Expenses: $17,467
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Lutheran University

    Cost of Degree: $50,256
    Expenses: $14,976
    Starting Salary: $53,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $35,900
    Expenses: $18,344
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:

  11. #15

    Walla Walla University

    College Place , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Walla Walla University

    Cost of Degree: $31,758
    Expenses: $12,717
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #16

    Bellevue College

    Bellevue , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College

    Cost of Degree: $4,159
    Expenses: $22,116
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

  13. #17

    Whitworth University

    Spokane , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $48K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitworth University

    Cost of Degree: $48,990
    Expenses: $17,323
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/20

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma

    Cost of Degree: $12,458
    Expenses: $18,582
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    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:

  15. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Bothell

    Cost of Degree: $12,224
    Expenses: $20,238
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $41K

    Acceptance

    72%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1045/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Martin's University

    Cost of Degree: $42,220
    Expenses: $17,840
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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

  17. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College

    Cost of Degree: $5,959
    Expenses: $13,527
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

  18. #22

    Peninsula College

    Port Angeles , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College

    Cost of Degree: $4,439
    Starting Salary: $33,100
    What is Peninsula College known for?

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

  19. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College

    Cost of Degree: $4,865
    Starting Salary: $37,000
    What is Seattle Central College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #24

    Wenatchee Valley College

    Wenatchee , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $4,968
    Expenses: $14,186
    Starting Salary: $36,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

  21. #25

    Highline College

    Des Moines , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Highline College

    Cost of Degree: $4,458
    Expenses: $16,824
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

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Washington’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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