Best Research Universities in Washington 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in Washington? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in Washington 2024
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Seattle University
- Gonzaga University
- Seattle Pacific University
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Seattle University
- Gonzaga University
- Seattle Pacific University
- Seattle Pacific University 91%
- Seattle University 85%
- Washington State University 83%
- Gonzaga University 70%
- University of Washington 48%
- University of Washington 21 to 1
- Washington State University 15 to 1
- Gonzaga University 12 to 1
- Seattle Pacific University 12 to 1
- Seattle University 10 to 1
- Seattle University $51,324
- Gonzaga University $50,735
- Seattle Pacific University $37,158
- University of Washington $11,189
- Washington State University $10,708
- Seattle Pacific University $19,764
- Gonzaga University $19,422
- University of Washington $17,004
- Seattle University $14,292
- Washington State University $12,366
- Seattle Pacific University
- Gonzaga University
- Seattle University
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
- Seattle Pacific University
- Gonzaga University
- Seattle University
- Washington State University
- University of Washington
- University of Washington 48%
- Gonzaga University 70%
- Washington State University 83%
- Seattle University 85%
- Seattle Pacific University 91%
- Seattle University 10 to 1
- Gonzaga University 12 to 1
- Seattle Pacific University 12 to 1
- Washington State University 15 to 1
- University of Washington 21 to 1
- Washington State University $10,708
- University of Washington $11,189
- Seattle Pacific University $37,158
- Gonzaga University $50,735
- Seattle University $51,324
- Washington State University $12,366
- Seattle University $14,292
- University of Washington $17,004
- Gonzaga University $19,422
- Seattle Pacific University $19,764
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
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 5 research universities in Washington. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Washington 2023
- #1 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #4 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
- #7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
- #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Public Colleges 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
- #15 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
- #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #17 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
- #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 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #1 5 Inexpensive Online Master's Programs in Library Science
- #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #6 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #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 Public Colleges 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 Colleges in Washington 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
- #10 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
- #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
- #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: $51,324Expenses: $18,474Starting Salary: $63,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Seattle University known for?
Seattle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Computer Science
- Law
- Economics
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Biology
- Business
- Psychology
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools 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: $50,735Expenses: $18,972Starting Salary: $63,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Gonzaga University known for?
Gonzaga University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024
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: $37,158Expenses: $18,579Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Seattle Pacific University known for?
Seattle Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Business
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Find the Best Research Universities in Washington for 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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.