Best Public Colleges in Washington 2025
Key Takeaways
- The best public colleges in Washington often offer competitive in-state tuition rates, making higher education more accessible to local students while still providing quality education and resources.
- Many public colleges in Washington emphasize school spirit, traditions, and community involvement, fostering a vibrant campus life that appeals to students seeking a well-rounded college experience.
- The colleges in our ranking provide a wide range of academic programs, including strong research opportunities in fields like engineering, business, and health sciences, offering students the chance to gain hands-on experience in their areas of interest.
10 Best Public Colleges in Washington in 2025
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.
The top 2 positions in our 2025 ranking of the best public colleges in Washington, while Evergreen State College moved up 1 spot into the number 3 position.
The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at UW has launched a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE) program, with plans to seek ABET accreditation during the 2025-2026 review period. Additionally, the School of Nursing has expanded its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, offering more start dates to accommodate a growing number of students pursuing careers in healthcare.
WSU has launched new degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and a Master of Veterinary Anatomic Pathology, both available on the Pullman campus. Additionally, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work is set to debut in Fall 2025 at the WSU Tri-Cities campus.
The Evergreen State College has expanded its curriculum to include new certificate programs in high-demand fields. The school has also invested in state-of-the-art scientific and computing equipment, enhancing hands-on learning experiences in STEM disciplines. These improvements are supported by a $2.1 million federal funding boost aimed at advancing STEM education initiatives.
Furthermore, the college has increased its student aid budget by 66%, resulting in a 16% rise in the average scholarship award, thereby making education more accessible to a diverse student body.
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 2025
- #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
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
84%
Student body
58K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington
Cost of Degree: $12,643Expenses: $21,909Starting 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 Colleges in Washington 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Washington 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $12,997Expenses: $17,535Starting 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 Small Colleges in Washington 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #4 Best 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: $8,999Expenses: $20,805Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Washington 2025
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: $9,286Expenses: $20,681Starting Salary: $50,600Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #9 Best 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: $8,353Expenses: $19,545Starting Salary: $46,700Cost Recoup Time: 12 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 2025 #10 Best 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: $9,192Expenses: $21,246Starting Salary: $50,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
$12K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
54%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma
Cost of Degree: $12,817Expenses: $20,430Starting Salary: $69,600Cost Recoup Time: 10 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: $12,559Expenses: $22,125Starting 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
$4K
Graduation
30%
Student body
17K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College
Cost of Degree: $4,305Expenses: $23,934Starting 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
$6K
Graduation
28%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College
Cost of Degree: $6,194Expenses: $13,905Starting 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
$5K
Graduation
25%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College
Cost of Degree: $5,058Starting 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
$4K
Graduation
40%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Highline College
Cost of Degree: $4,623Expenses: $17,190Starting 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
- #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: $4,057Starting 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
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College
Cost of Degree: $5,118Expenses: $12,345Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
31%
Student body
7K
Career Outlook for degree at Olympic College
Cost of Degree: $4,472Expenses: $15,408Starting 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
$4K
Graduation
35%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,057Starting Salary: $37,200What is Spokane Community College known for?
Spokane 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: $4,920Starting Salary: $40,700What is Tacoma Community College known for?
Tacoma Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College
Cost of Degree: $4,586Starting Salary: $33,100What is Peninsula College known for?
Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Skagit Valley College
Cost of Degree: $5,620Expenses: $13,610Starting Salary: $36,100Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
30%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Edmonds College
Cost of Degree: $4,668Expenses: $23,934Starting Salary: $42,900Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
$4K
Graduation
41%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at Green River College
Cost of Degree: $4,580Starting Salary: $42,000What is Green River College known for?
Green River College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Centralia College
Cost of Degree: $5,109Expenses: $22,515Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $5,156Starting Salary: $47,200What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology known for?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology’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: $5,146Expenses: $23,934Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whatcom Community College known for?
Whatcom Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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.
Washington’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.