Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024

Badge for BEST IN WASHINGTON GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Washington

  1. University of Washington
    • Tuition: $12K
  2. Washington State University
    • Tuition: $13K
  3. Seattle University
    • Tuition: $51K
  4. Gonzaga University
    • Tuition: $51K
  5. Seattle Pacific University
    • Tuition: $37K
  6. City University of Seattle
    • Tuition: $14K
  7. Saint Martin’s University
    • Tuition: $42K
  8. Northwest University
    • Tuition: $35K

Key Takeaways

  • Washington has 8 of the best graduate programs, each offering doctorate degrees and a wide array of master’s degrees.
  • The best graduate programs allow students to advance their knowledge and boost their career prospects.

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, making Washington a uniquely affordable place to earn your 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.


What are Washington’s Colleges & Universities?

Washington’s Best Overall


There are 8 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Washington. Our ranking of the best grad schools in the Washington is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of master’s degrees.

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Best Grad Schools in Washington 2023

  1. #1

    University of Washington

    Seattle , WA
    #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    58K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

    Cost of Degree: $12,242
    Expenses: $19,848
    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

    The University of Washington was founded in 1861 and has always been a hub for innovation, community building, learning, and problem-solving. Today, it is one of the best-buy public universities in the nation, welcoming 60,000+ undergraduate and graduate students each year.

    What we love about the University of Washington:

    This university offers 300+ graduate programs in drama, dentistry, English, engineering, and philosophy, among others.

    The University of Washington is ideal for students who:

    Prefer a large university in a bustling city so they can have more options for entertainment.

    The University of Washington might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find a student population of 60,000+ quite overwhelming.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Washington State University

    Pullman , WA
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Washington 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    33K

    Career Outlook for degree at Washington State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,701
    Expenses: $17,042
    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

    Washington State University is a public research university that has been serving local communities for over 130 years. It offers 200+ undergraduate programs of study and nearly 150 graduate and professional degrees across its six campuses.

    What we love about Washington State University:

    It received an R1 Carnegie Classification in 2021, indicating a high level of research activity and per capita in such research efforts.

    Washington State University is ideal for students who:

    Wish to attend a university in a small town with a quieter and more conducive learning setting.

    Washington State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Think that this university does not offer as many networking opportunities as larger schools in urban locations.

    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
    Other Rankings

    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: $51,324
    Expenses: $18,474
    Starting Salary: $63,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    Seattle University is a Jesuit, Catholic academic institution of higher education founded in 1891. It welcomes over 7,200 students enrolled in nearly 150 undergraduate and graduate programs across its six schools and colleges.

    What we love about Seattle University:

    It is committed to being one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit Catholic universities around the globe.

    Seattle University is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in a school with a student-faculty ratio of no more than 11:1 to get personalized attention from professors.

    Seattle University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are interested in a school with an extensive list of athletic programs and facilities for student-athletes.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Gonzaga University

    Spokane , WA
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Washington 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $50,735
    Expenses: $18,972
    Starting Salary: $63,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 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

    As a Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic academic institution, Gonzaga University is committed to preparing students to become wholehearted leaders who serve the community and give glory to God. It has been the premier Catholic university in the region since 1887.

    What we love about Gonzaga University:

    This school has been recognized among the top 100 national universities in the nation for five consecutive years.

    Gonzaga University is ideal for students who:

    Seek a school that belongs to the top 3% of national universities that offer undergraduate teaching programs.

    Gonzaga University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not have cars and live outside the campus, making Spokane’s limited public transportation options a challenge for them.

    Compare school
    5. Several college students sitting together for a study session

  6. #5

    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 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
    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: $37,158
    Expenses: $18,579
    Starting Salary: $54,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 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

    Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university founded in 1891. It seeks to change the world by producing graduates of character and competence and people of wisdom and models of a grace-filled community.

    What we love about Seattle Pacific University:

    It offers 17 master’s degree programs and five doctoral degree programs for those who want to advance in their careers.

    Seattle Pacific University is ideal for students who:

    Love a university that has strong programs in business, education, liberal arts, and nursing.

    Seattle Pacific University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a secular school that is not affiliated with any religious views that do not align with everyone’s beliefs.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    City University of Seattle

    Seattle , WA
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle

    Cost of Degree: $13,558
    Starting Salary: $53,400
    What is City University of Seattle known for?

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

    City University of Seattle is a private, nonprofit academic institution that has been reimagining higher education in the Pacific Northwest region since 1973. Today, this school is among the top 10 educators of adults in the nation, offering over 60 degrees and certificate programs.

    What we love about the City University of Seattle:

    It is committed to its five core values: accessibility, flexibility, global perspectives, innovation, and relevance.

    The City University of Seattle is ideal for students who:

    Want a school with partnerships and campuses in other countries to have international study opportunities.

    The City University of Seattle might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a traditional college campus experience rather than flexible learning that limits student life activities.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Saint Martin's University

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

    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: $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

    Saint Martin’s University is the only Catholic Benedictine university in this part of Washington. This school is committed to providing academic programs and resources to prepare students to make a difference in the world.

    What we love about Saint Martin’s University:

    This school has the Center for Student Success, a hub that provides academic support, tutoring, career advice, and guidance for all.

    Saint Martin’s University is ideal for students who:

    Are searching for a school with extensive scholarships and financial aid options to help them pay their education costs.

    Saint Martin’s University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer larger universities with a wider array of graduate programs to help them achieve their professional goals.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Northwest University

    Kirkland , WA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Northwest University

    Cost of Degree: $35,000
    Expenses: $13,848
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northwest University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwest University is a Christian institution offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs to prepare students for fulfilling careers and meet the needs of an ever-evolving society.

    What we love about Northwest University:

    It is located near multinational companies, such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, which are ideal places for students to get internships and work opportunities.

    Northwest University is ideal for students who:

    Want a school offering lots of opportunities to develop leadership skills, including clubs, organizations, and programs.

    Northwest University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would opt for a school that offers a more extensive range of graduate programs since Northwest University only has a few selections.

    Compare school
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Washington’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2023 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. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Seattle Pacific University
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Northwest University
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