Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024

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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

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  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Western Washington University
  4. Evergreen State College
  5. Eastern Washington University
  6. Central Washington University
  7. Bellevue College
  8. University of Washington Tacoma
  9. University of Washington Bothell
  10. Columbia Basin College
  1. University of Washington
  2. Washington State University
  3. Evergreen State College
  4. Western Washington University
  5. Central Washington University
  6. Eastern Washington University
  7. University of Washington Tacoma
  8. University of Washington Bothell
  9. Bellevue College
  10. Columbia Basin College
  1. Eastern Washington University 96%
  2. Western Washington University 93%
  3. Central Washington University 93%
  4. University of Washington Tacoma 88%
  5. University of Washington Bothell 88%
  6. Washington State University 83%
  7. Evergreen State College 74%
  8. University of Washington 48%
  1. University of Washington 21 to 1
  2. University of Washington Bothell 21 to 1
  3. Eastern Washington University 19 to 1
  4. Columbia Basin College 19 to 1
  5. Olympic College 17 to 1
  6. Spokane Community College 17 to 1
  7. Western Washington University 17 to 1
  8. Evergreen State College 17 to 1
  9. North Seattle College 17 to 1
  10. Seattle Central College 17 to 1
  1. University of Washington $11,189
  2. University of Washington Tacoma $11,189
  3. University of Washington Bothell $11,189
  4. Washington State University $10,708
  5. Western Washington University $7,760
  6. Evergreen State College $7,596
  7. Eastern Washington University $7,104
  8. Central Washington University $6,816
  9. Columbia Basin College $5,319
  10. Wenatchee Valley College $4,458
  1. University of Washington $17,004
  2. University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
  3. University of Washington Bothell $17,004
  4. Eastern Washington University $12,723
  5. Washington State University $12,366
  6. Evergreen State College $12,021
  7. Western Washington University $11,756
  8. Central Washington University $10,401
  1. Tacoma Community College
  2. Whatcom Community College
  3. North Seattle College
  4. Edmonds College
  5. Green River College
  6. Centralia College
  7. Olympic College
  8. Skagit Valley College
  9. Spokane Falls Community College
  10. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
  1. Whatcom Community College
  2. Centralia College
  3. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
  4. Green River College
  5. North Seattle College
  6. Skagit Valley College
  7. Edmonds College
  8. Peninsula College
  9. Spokane Community College
  10. Tacoma Community College
  1. University of Washington 48%
  2. Evergreen State College 74%
  3. Washington State University 83%
  4. University of Washington Bothell 88%
  5. University of Washington Tacoma 88%
  6. Central Washington University 93%
  7. Western Washington University 93%
  8. Eastern Washington University 96%
  1. Green River College 12 to 1
  2. Edmonds College 12 to 1
  3. Wenatchee Valley College 13 to 1
  4. Whatcom Community College 13 to 1
  5. Peninsula College 14 to 1
  6. Spokane Falls Community College 14 to 1
  7. Centralia College 14 to 1
  8. Highline College 14 to 1
  9. Central Washington University 14 to 1
  10. Washington State University 15 to 1
  1. Spokane Community College $3,102
  2. Spokane Falls Community College $3,102
  3. Lake Washington Institute of Technology $3,102
  4. Whatcom Community College $3,527
  5. Highline College $3,527
  6. Skagit Valley College $3,917
  7. Peninsula College $3,927
  8. Green River College $3,928
  9. Bellevue College $3,928
  10. Edmonds College $3,952
  1. Central Washington University $10,401
  2. Western Washington University $11,756
  3. Evergreen State College $12,021
  4. Washington State University $12,366
  5. Eastern Washington University $12,723
  6. University of Washington $17,004
  7. University of Washington Tacoma $17,004
  8. University of Washington Bothell $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?

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.

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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.

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Best Public Colleges in Washington 2023

  1. 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
  2. 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: $8,967
    Expenses: $19,908
    Starting Salary: $50,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $8,750
    Expenses: $18,271
    Starting Salary: $36,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Evergreen State College known for?

    Evergreen State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    16K

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,139
    Expenses: $18,406
    Starting Salary: $46,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    12K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $8,845
    Expenses: $17,467
    Starting Salary: $50,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    Bellevue College

    Bellevue , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    17K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue College

    Cost of Degree: $4,159
    Expenses: $22,116
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bellevue College known for?

    Bellevue College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington Tacoma

    Cost of Degree: $12,458
    Expenses: $18,582
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington Tacoma known for?

    University of Washington Tacoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  8. 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: $12,224
    Expenses: $20,238
    Starting Salary: $69,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Washington Bothell known for?

    University of Washington Bothell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  9. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Columbia Basin College

    Cost of Degree: $5,959
    Expenses: $13,527
    Starting Salary: $39,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Columbia Basin College known for?

    Columbia Basin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  10. #11

    Peninsula College

    Port Angeles , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College

    Cost of Degree: $4,439
    Starting Salary: $33,100
    What is Peninsula College known for?

    Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Central College

    Cost of Degree: $4,865
    Starting Salary: $37,000
    What is Seattle Central College known for?

    Seattle Central College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  12. #13

    Wenatchee Valley College

    Wenatchee , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $4,968
    Expenses: $14,186
    Starting Salary: $36,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wenatchee Valley College known for?

    Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  13. #14

    Highline College

    Des Moines , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Highline College

    Cost of Degree: $4,458
    Expenses: $16,824
    Starting Salary: $40,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Highline College known for?

    Highline College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  14. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,928
    Starting Salary: $37,200
    What is Spokane Community College known for?

    Spokane Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  15. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $4,710
    Starting Salary: $47,200
    What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology known for?

    Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    29%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Falls Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,928
    Starting Salary: $34,900
    What is Spokane Falls Community College known for?

    Spokane Falls Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  17. #18

    Skagit Valley College

    Mount Vernon , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Skagit Valley College

    Cost of Degree: $4,748
    Expenses: $13,610
    Starting Salary: $36,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Skagit Valley College known for?

    Skagit Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  18. #19

    Olympic College

    Bremerton , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Olympic College

    Cost of Degree: $4,472
    Expenses: $16,050
    Starting Salary: $38,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Olympic College known for?

    Olympic College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  19. #20

    Centralia College

    Centralia , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Centralia College

    Cost of Degree: $4,891
    Expenses: $20,982
    Starting Salary: $35,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Centralia College known for?

    Centralia College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  20. #21

    Green River College

    Auburn , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at Green River College

    Cost of Degree: $4,434
    Starting Salary: $42,000
    What is Green River College known for?

    Green River College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  21. #22

    Edmonds College

    Lynnwood , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Edmonds College

    Cost of Degree: $4,309
    Expenses: $15,438
    Starting Salary: $42,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Edmonds College known for?

    Edmonds College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  22. #23

    North Seattle College

    Seattle , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    28%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at North Seattle College

    Cost of Degree: $5,058
    Starting Salary: $43,200
    What is North Seattle College known for?

    North Seattle College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  23. #24

    Whatcom Community College

    Bellingham , WA

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    42%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Whatcom Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,982
    Expenses: $22,389
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Whatcom Community College known for?

    Whatcom Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  24. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    33%

    Student body

    8K

    Career Outlook for degree at Tacoma Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,901
    Starting Salary: $40,700
    What is Tacoma Community College known for?

    Tacoma Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Washington’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

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. Evergreen State College
  3. Washington State University
  4. Western Washington University
  5. University of Washington Bothell
  6. University of Washington Tacoma
  7. Eastern Washington University
  8. Central Washington University

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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