Best Small Colleges in Washington 2025
Key Takeaways
- Washington’s small colleges offer a large range of degrees so that every student can find a topic of interest to study.
- The best small colleges in Washington offer students a more intimate campus experience, resulting in more personal attention from professors.
- Small colleges in Washington offer immediate access to support services for their students.
10 Best Small Colleges in Washington 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.
Evergreen State College and the University of Puget Sound moves into the number 1 position in our 2025 ranking of the best small colleges in Washington.
The Evergreen State College has added men’s and women’s wrestling and cross-country teams, making it the only four-year college in Washington with an intercollegiate wrestling program. Additionally, Evergreen has committed to fostering a more inclusive environment, with a 6% increase in Latinx and Native American/Alaska Native students and a 30% intake of first-generation college students in the new class.
The University of Puget Sound has revamped its dining services, now offering expanded plant-based and diverse culinary options, including boba tea and international cuisine to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and tastes. In addition, Puget Sound has upgraded campus security with a new contactless access control system, enhancing convenience and safety for students.
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Washington is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 27 small colleges in Washington. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in Washington. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
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 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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: $8,999Expenses: $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
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best 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: $59,900Expenses: $18,664Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Puget Sound known for?
University of Puget Sound’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
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: $61,492Expenses: $16,840Starting Salary: $59,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitman College known for?
Whitman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Literature
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #11 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges 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: $38,814Expenses: $20,154Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $50,272Expenses: $15,873Starting Salary: $53,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific Lutheran University known for?
Pacific Lutheran University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- History
- Biology
- Economics
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $33,027Expenses: $12,936Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Walla Walla University known for?
Walla Walla University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $50,920Expenses: $18,293Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitworth University known for?
Whitworth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
- #7 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs 2025
- #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters 2025
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle
Cost of Degree: $13,965Expenses: $14,325Starting Salary: $53,400Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is City University of Seattle known for?
City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #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: $37,400Expenses: $21,892Starting Salary: $82,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DigiPen Institute of Technology known for?
DigiPen Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
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: $44,210Expenses: $17,980Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Martin's University known for?
Saint Martin's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Literature
- Medical
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- History
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:
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2025 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
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: $36,035Expenses: $14,812Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwest University known for?
Northwest University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Literature
- History
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
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
$6K
Graduation
45%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Clover Park Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,634Starting Salary: $37,900What is Clover Park Technical College known for?
Clover Park Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
45%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Heritage University
Cost of Degree: $19,920Starting Salary: $36,800What is Heritage University known for?
Heritage University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Antioch University Seattle
Cost of Degree: $19,410Starting Salary: $41,800What is Antioch University Seattle known for?
Antioch University Seattle’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
$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
34%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at South Seattle College
Cost of Degree: $4,865Starting Salary: $43,600What is South Seattle College known for?
South Seattle College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Yakima Valley College
Cost of Degree: $5,163Expenses: $13,875Starting Salary: $36,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yakima Valley College known for?
Yakima Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
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:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grays Harbor College
Cost of Degree: $4,751Starting Salary: $32,400What is Grays Harbor College known for?
Grays Harbor College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
31%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellingham Technical College
Cost of Degree: $4,226Starting Salary: $48,100What is Bellingham Technical College known for?
Bellingham Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Renton Technical College
Cost of Degree: $6,723Starting Salary: $43,000What is Renton Technical College known for?
Renton Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Washington’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in North Dakota and Michigan.