Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024

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

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Washington offer advanced degrees, such as master’s degrees and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Key Takeaways

  • Ohio 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.

10 Best Grad Schools in Washington

Sort by:
  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Gonzaga University
  5. Seattle Pacific University
  6. City University of Seattle
  7. Saint Martin's University
  8. Northwest University
  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Seattle University
  4. Gonzaga University
  5. Seattle Pacific University
  6. City University of Seattle
  7. Saint Martin's University
  8. Northwest University
  1. Saint Martin's University 95%
  2. Northwest University 94%
  3. Seattle Pacific University 91%
  4. Seattle University 85%
  5. Washington State University 83%
  6. Gonzaga University 70%
  7. University of Washington 48%
  1. University of Washington 21 to 1
  2. Washington State University 15 to 1
  3. Seattle Pacific University 12 to 1
  4. Gonzaga University 12 to 1
  5. Saint Martin's University 11 to 1
  6. Seattle University 10 to 1
  7. Northwest University 9 to 1
  8. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  1. Seattle University $51,324
  2. Gonzaga University $50,735
  3. Saint Martin's University $42,220
  4. Seattle Pacific University $37,158
  5. Northwest University $35,000
  6. City University of Seattle $13,558
  7. University of Washington $11,189
  8. Washington State University $10,708
  1. Seattle Pacific University $19,764
  2. Gonzaga University $19,422
  3. Northwest University $19,188
  4. University of Washington $17,004
  5. Saint Martin's University $15,312
  6. Seattle University $14,292
  7. Washington State University $12,366
  8. City University of Seattle $11,812
  1. Northwest University
  2. Saint Martin's University
  3. City University of Seattle
  4. Seattle Pacific University
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Seattle University
  7. Washington State University
  8. University of Washington
  1. Northwest University
  2. Saint Martin's University
  3. City University of Seattle
  4. Seattle Pacific University
  5. Gonzaga University
  6. Seattle University
  7. Washington State University
  8. University of Washington
  1. University of Washington 48%
  2. Gonzaga University 70%
  3. Washington State University 83%
  4. Seattle University 85%
  5. Seattle Pacific University 91%
  6. Northwest University 94%
  7. Saint Martin's University 95%
  1. City University of Seattle 6 to 1
  2. Northwest University 9 to 1
  3. Seattle University 10 to 1
  4. Saint Martin's University 11 to 1
  5. Seattle Pacific University 12 to 1
  6. Gonzaga University 12 to 1
  7. Washington State University 15 to 1
  8. University of Washington 21 to 1
  1. Washington State University $10,708
  2. University of Washington $11,189
  3. City University of Seattle $13,558
  4. Northwest University $35,000
  5. Seattle Pacific University $37,158
  6. Saint Martin's University $42,220
  7. Gonzaga University $50,735
  8. Seattle University $51,324
  1. City University of Seattle $11,812
  2. Washington State University $12,366
  3. Seattle University $14,292
  4. Saint Martin's University $15,312
  5. University of Washington $17,004
  6. Northwest University $19,188
  7. Gonzaga University $19,422
  8. 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?

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 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #5 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #5 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024
    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

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Seattle Pacific University

    Seattle , WA
    #8 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Research Universities 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

    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

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Northwest University

    Kirkland , WA
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
    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

    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.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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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