Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Washington provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
10 Best Public Colleges in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- Evergreen State College
- Eastern Washington University
- Central Washington University
- Bellevue College
- University of Washington Tacoma
- University of Washington Bothell
- Columbia Basin College
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Evergreen State College
- Western Washington University
- Central Washington University
- Eastern Washington University
- University of Washington Tacoma
- University of Washington Bothell
- Bellevue College
- Columbia Basin College
- Eastern Washington University 96%
- Western Washington University 93%
- Central Washington University 93%
- University of Washington Tacoma 88%
- University of Washington Bothell 88%
- Washington State University 83%
- Evergreen State College 74%
- University of Washington 48%
- University of Washington Bothell 21 to 1
- University of Washington 21 to 1
- Columbia Basin College 19 to 1
- Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
- Spokane Community College 17 to 1
- Western Washington University 17 to 1
- North Seattle College 17 to 1
- Olympic College 17 to 1
- Seattle Central College 17 to 1
- Skagit Valley College 17 to 1
- University of Washington Tacoma $11,189
- University of Washington Bothell $11,189
- University of Washington $11,189
- Washington State University $10,708
- Western Washington University $7,760
- Evergreen State College $7,596
- Eastern Washington University $7,104
- Central Washington University $6,816
- Columbia Basin College $5,319
- Tacoma Community College $4,458
- University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
- University of Washington Bothell $17,004
- University of Washington $17,004
- Eastern Washington University $12,723
- Washington State University $12,366
- Evergreen State College $12,021
- Western Washington University $11,756
- Central Washington University $10,401
- Tacoma Community College
- Whatcom Community College
- North Seattle College
- Edmonds College
- Green River College
- Centralia College
- Olympic College
- Skagit Valley College
- Spokane Falls Community College
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Whatcom Community College
- Centralia College
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Green River College
- North Seattle College
- Skagit Valley College
- Edmonds College
- Peninsula College
- Spokane Community College
- Tacoma Community College
- University of Washington 48%
- Evergreen State College 74%
- Washington State University 83%
- University of Washington Bothell 88%
- University of Washington Tacoma 88%
- Central Washington University 93%
- Western Washington University 93%
- Eastern Washington University 96%
- Edmonds College 12 to 1
- Green River College 12 to 1
- Wenatchee Valley College 13 to 1
- Whatcom Community College 13 to 1
- Spokane Falls Community College 14 to 1
- Central Washington University 14 to 1
- Highline College 14 to 1
- Centralia College 14 to 1
- Peninsula College 14 to 1
- University of Washington Tacoma 15 to 1
- Spokane Community College $3,102
- Spokane Falls Community College $3,102
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology $3,102
- Whatcom Community College $3,527
- Highline College $3,527
- Skagit Valley College $3,917
- Peninsula College $3,927
- Bellevue College $3,928
- Green River College $3,928
- Edmonds College $3,952
- Central Washington University $10,401
- Western Washington University $11,756
- Evergreen State College $12,021
- Washington State University $12,366
- Eastern Washington University $12,723
- University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
- University of Washington Bothell $17,004
- University of Washington $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?
- 5 Research Universities
- 42 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 32 Public Colleges & Universities
- 15 Private Colleges & Universities
- 8 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 27 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 35 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 33 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Washington’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 32 public universities in Washington. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Washington, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Washington 2023
- #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
- #7 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
- #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
- #19 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #19 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Washington 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
- #19 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #19 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #20 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
- #22 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #24 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #1 5 Inexpensive Online Master's Programs in Library Science
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #1 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #4 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #8 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
- #10 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #10 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #13 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
84%
Student body
58K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington
Cost of Degree: $12,242Expenses: $19,848Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington known for?
University of Washington’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Medical
- Criminal Justice
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Grad Schools 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
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #5 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
62%
Student body
33K
Career Outlook for degree at Washington State University
Cost of Degree: $12,701Expenses: $17,042Starting Salary: $56,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Washington State University known for?
Washington State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Criminal Justice
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Business
- Engineering
- Economics
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $8,967Expenses: $19,908Starting Salary: $50,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Washington University known for?
Western Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Chemistry
- Literature
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Physics
- History
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #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: $8,750Expenses: $18,271Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Evergreen State College known for?
Evergreen State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $8,139Expenses: $18,406Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Washington University known for?
Eastern Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Literature
- Education
- Medical
- Communications
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
52%
Student body
12K
Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University
Cost of Degree: $8,845Expenses: $17,467Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Washington University known for?
Central Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Earth Sciences
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Education
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Chemistry
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College
Cost of Degree: $4,159Expenses: $22,116Starting Salary: $49,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bellevue College known for?
Bellevue College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
54%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma
Cost of Degree: $12,458Expenses: $18,582Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington Tacoma known for?
University of Washington Tacoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $12,224Expenses: $20,238Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Washington Bothell known for?
University of Washington Bothell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College
Cost of Degree: $5,959Expenses: $13,527Starting Salary: $39,400Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Columbia Basin College known for?
Columbia Basin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College
Cost of Degree: $4,439Starting Salary: $33,100What is Peninsula College known for?
Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
25%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College
Cost of Degree: $4,865Starting Salary: $37,000What is Seattle Central College known for?
Seattle Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,968Expenses: $14,186Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wenatchee Valley College known for?
Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
40%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Highline College
Cost of Degree: $4,458Expenses: $16,824Starting Salary: $40,900Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Highline College known for?
Highline College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
35%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Community College
Cost of Degree: $3,928Starting Salary: $37,200What is Spokane Community College known for?
Spokane Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $4,710Starting Salary: $47,200What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology known for?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #6 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2025 #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Falls Community College
Cost of Degree: $3,928Starting Salary: $34,900What is Spokane Falls Community College known for?
Spokane Falls Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Skagit Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,748Expenses: $13,610Starting Salary: $36,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Skagit Valley College known for?
Skagit Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
31%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Olympic College
Cost of Degree: $4,472Expenses: $16,050Starting Salary: $38,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Olympic College known for?
Olympic College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Centralia College
Cost of Degree: $4,891Expenses: $20,982Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centralia College known for?
Centralia College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Green River College
Cost of Degree: $4,434Starting Salary: $42,000What is Green River College known for?
Green River College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Edmonds College
Cost of Degree: $4,309Expenses: $15,438Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Edmonds College known for?
Edmonds College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
28%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at North Seattle College
Cost of Degree: $5,058Starting Salary: $43,200What is North Seattle College known for?
North Seattle College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
42%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Whatcom Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,982Expenses: $22,389Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whatcom Community College known for?
Whatcom Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
33%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Tacoma Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,901Starting Salary: $40,700What is Tacoma Community College known for?
Tacoma Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Washington’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.