Best Colleges in Washington 2025

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 2025

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

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges in Washington saw a fair amount of movement. Evergreen State College gained the most ranking positions as the college is making significant strides, focusing on infrastructure, academic programs, and student support. Under President John Carmichael’s leadership, the college has implemented extensive infrastructure improvements, with his contract extended through 2027 to continue these efforts. Evergreen received $2.1 million in federal funding to enhance its STEM programs, investing in state-of-the-art scientific and computing equipment to provide hands-on, industry-aligned learning experiences.

Additionally, the “Forever Green” campaign raised $62.5 million, surpassing its $55 million goal, to support diverse student leaders, collaborative learning opportunities, and Native arts and cultures through various initiatives.

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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.

10 Best Colleges in Washington

  1. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-Paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,643
    Expenses: $21,909
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,997
    Expenses: $17,535
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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

    Seattle University

    Seattle , WA
    #20 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle University

    Cost of Degree: $54,285
    Expenses: $19,328
    Starting Salary: $63,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
  4. #4

    Evergreen State College

    Olympia , WA
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #3 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Evergreen State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,999
    Expenses: $20,805
    Starting Salary: $36,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
  6. #5

    Gonzaga University

    Spokane , WA
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Washington 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1310/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Gonzaga University

    Cost of Degree: $53,500
    Expenses: $20,749
    Starting Salary: $63,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1235/27

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,286
    Expenses: $20,681
    Starting Salary: $50,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Puget Sound

    Cost of Degree: $59,900
    Expenses: $18,664
    Starting Salary: $59,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1383/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitman College

    Cost of Degree: $61,492
    Expenses: $16,840
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #4 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,353
    Expenses: $19,545
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #5 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $9,192
    Expenses: $21,246
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
    #11 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #5 Best Research Universities in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1215/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Pacific University

    Cost of Degree: $38,814
    Expenses: $20,154
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1338/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Lutheran University

    Cost of Degree: $50,272
    Expenses: $15,873
    Starting Salary: $53,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 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
    #5 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Walla Walla University

    Cost of Degree: $33,027
    Expenses: $12,936
    Starting Salary: $50,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Whitworth University

    Cost of Degree: $50,920
    Expenses: $18,293
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 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 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle

    Cost of Degree: $13,965
    Expenses: $14,325
    Starting Salary: $53,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma

    Cost of Degree: $12,817
    Expenses: $20,430
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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

    DigiPen Institute of Technology

    Redmond , WA
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1286/28

    Career Outlook for degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $37,400
    Expenses: $21,892
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    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
  21. #18

    University of Washington Bothell

    Bothell , WA
    #8 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Bothell

    Cost of Degree: $12,559
    Expenses: $22,125
    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:

    Compare school
  22. #19

    Saint Martin's University

    Lacey , WA
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1052/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Martin's University

    Cost of Degree: $44,210
    Expenses: $17,980
    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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    Bellevue College

    Bellevue , WA
    #2 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College

    Cost of Degree: $4,305
    Expenses: $23,934
    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

    Compare school
  25. #21

    Columbia Basin College

    Pasco , WA
    #3 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College

    Cost of Degree: $6,194
    Expenses: $13,905
    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

    Compare school
  26. #22

    Seattle Central College

    Seattle , WA
    #4 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College

    Cost of Degree: $5,058
    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

    Compare school
  27. #23

    Highline College

    Des Moines , WA
    #5 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Highline College

    Cost of Degree: $4,623
    Expenses: $17,190
    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

    Compare school
  28. #24

    Wenatchee Valley College

    Wenatchee , WA
    #7 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $5,118
    Expenses: $12,345
    Starting Salary: $36,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2025 #7 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College

    Cost of Degree: $4,586
    Starting Salary: $33,100
    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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