Best Colleges in Washington 2024

Badge for BEST IN WASHINGTON COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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. Eastern Washington University 96%
  2. Saint Martin's University 95%
  3. Western Washington University 93%
  4. Central Washington University 93%
  5. Seattle Pacific University 91%
  6. Whitworth University 91%
  7. Pacific Lutheran University 89%
  8. University of Washington Tacoma 88%
  9. University of Washington Bothell 88%
  10. Seattle University 85%
  1. University of Washington Bothell 21 to 1
  2. University of Washington 21 to 1
  3. Columbia Basin College 19 to 1
  4. Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
  5. Western Washington University 17 to 1
  6. Seattle Central College 17 to 1
  7. Evergreen State College 17 to 1
  8. University of Washington Tacoma 15 to 1
  9. Bellevue College 15 to 1
  10. Washington State University 15 to 1
  1. Whitman College $58,622
  2. University of Puget Sound $57,626
  3. Seattle University $51,324
  4. Pacific Lutheran University $50,928
  5. Gonzaga University $50,735
  6. Whitworth University $48,990
  7. Saint Martin's University $42,220
  8. Seattle Pacific University $37,158
  9. DigiPen Institute of Technology $36,100
  10. Walla Walla University $31,758
  1. University of Puget Sound $37,307
  2. Pacific Lutheran University $32,116
  3. DigiPen Institute of Technology $29,740
  4. Walla Walla University $27,105
  5. Seattle Pacific University $19,764
  6. Gonzaga University $19,422
  7. University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
  8. University of Washington Bothell $17,004
  9. University of Washington $17,004
  10. Saint Martin's University $15,312
  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. Whitman College 48%
  2. University of Washington 48%
  3. DigiPen Institute of Technology 66%
  4. Gonzaga University 70%
  5. Evergreen State College 74%
  6. University of Puget Sound 83%
  7. Washington State University 83%
  8. Seattle University 85%
  9. University of Washington Bothell 88%
  10. University of Washington Tacoma 88%
  1. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  2. Whitman College 9 to 1
  3. University of Puget Sound 9 to 1
  4. DigiPen Institute of Technology 10 to 1
  5. Whitworth University 10 to 1
  6. Seattle University 10 to 1
  7. Pacific Lutheran University 11 to 1
  8. Saint Martin's University 11 to 1
  9. Gonzaga University 12 to 1
  10. Seattle Pacific University 12 to 1
  1. Highline College $3,527
  2. Peninsula College $3,927
  3. Bellevue College $3,928
  4. Wenatchee Valley College $4,458
  5. Seattle Central College $4,458
  6. Columbia Basin College $5,319
  7. Central Washington University $6,816
  8. Eastern Washington University $7,104
  9. Evergreen State College $7,596
  10. Western Washington University $7,760
  1. Central Washington University $10,401
  2. Western Washington University $11,756
  3. City University of Seattle $11,812
  4. Evergreen State College $12,021
  5. Washington State University $12,366
  6. Eastern Washington University $12,723
  7. Whitworth University $12,816
  8. Seattle University $14,292
  9. Saint Martin's University $15,312
  10. University of Washington Tacoma $17,004

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. #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 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    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
  4. #4

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  7. #6

    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
  8. #7

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  9. #8

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  10. #9

    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
  11. #10

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  13. #11

    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
    Other Rankings

    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
  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

    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
  17. #15

    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
  19. #16

    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
  20. #17

    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
  21. #18

    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
  22. #19

    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
  23. #20

    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
  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

    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
  27. #23

    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
  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
  29. #25

    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
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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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