Best Colleges in Washington
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Best Accredited Colleges
#1 University of Washington-Seattle Campus 
Seattle, WA 
$9443 
84%
Seattle, WA $9443 84% Established in 1861, the University of Washington is a public research institution that serves over 16,000 students annually. UW delivers over 180 undergraduate programs, including speech and hearing sciences, microbiology, and architectural design. The university also provides a bachelor of business administration that allows students to choose from seven concentration options. Learners interested in conservation and workplace safety careers can pursue an environmental health degree. Graduate degrees cover fields such as global health, comparative literature, and chemical engineering. UW's master of accounting program enables candidates to earn their credentials in as few as 12 months. For students who prefer distance education, the university provides eight fully online graduate programs through the Moodle platform. UW charges affordable tuition rates based on residency status. Financial aid opportunities include the Martin Family Foundation Scholarship for transfer candidates. The school evaluates incoming freshmen through a holistic process that considers their academic history, GPA, ACT or SAT performance, and personal achievements.
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#2 Northwest Indian College Bellingham, WA $8679 10%
Bellingham, WA $8679 10% Founded in 1973, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal higher education institution that serves the reservation communities in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon. The school focuses on recruiting Native American and First Nation students on an open admission basis. NWIC delivers two-year technical degrees in fields such as information technology and public/tribal administration. The school's chemical dependency studies program incorporates the field experience necessary to qualify for the Washington State Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification. For learners interested in transfer opportunities, the college offers associate credentials in business, life sciences, and early childhood education. Students seeking a bachelor's degree can choose from programs in native environmental science, community advocacy and education, and tribal governance and business administration. Students can also earn a bachelor of arts in native studies leadership that emphasizes self-determination and cultural sovereignty. NWIC offers fully online courses powered by Canvas. Applicants must submit an online form, high school transcripts, and tribal certification.
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#3 Seattle University Seattle, WA $35581 75%
Seattle, WA $35581 75% The largest independent postsecondary school in the Northwest, Seattle University enrolls over 7,700 students in 61 bachelor's and 33 graduate programs. Undergraduate majors include biochemistry, international business, mechanical engineering, and film studies. SU offers an environmental studies program with concentration options in ecological systems; urban sustainability; and politics, policy, and justice. Students may also pursue an online bachelor of digital technology and cultures. SU's graduate catalog contains master's degrees in sport business leadership, school counseling, and professional accounting. Learners can enroll in a joint degree program that allows them to earn a master of finance and a juris doctor in as few as three years. SU also delivers four online graduate programs, including an MBA accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Prospective freshmen must furnish ACT or SAT scores and meet the specific requirements of their chosen major. Graduate admissions criteria differ by program, but typically include a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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#4 Washington State University Pullman, WA $17885 62%
Pullman, WA $17885 62% Washington State University was founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest land grant institutions in the American West. Today, the school enrolls over 30,600 students at its main Pullman campus, across satellite locations, and online through asynchronous coursework powered by Canvas. WSU offers assured admission to first-year candidates who possess a 3.5 GPA or higher. For high-achieving learners, the university offers specialized academic and research opportunities through its honors college. The university is also dedicated to providing higher education to undocumented individuals. Students can select from over 220 undergraduate fields of study, including data analytics, turfgrass management, materials science and engineering, and forestry. Students can pursue an organic and sustainable agriculture degree that focuses on organic food production and resource economics. WSU's graduate programs cover more than 140 fields. Students can also earn a doctor of pharmacy that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
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#5 University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA $40065 78%
Tacoma, WA $40065 78% The University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts institution that serves 2,600 students. The institution delivers more than 50 traditional and interdisciplinary academic programs. Puget Sound also facilitates a dual-degree engineering track in collaboration with three partner universities. The college's bachelor's programs cover fields such as business and leadership, neuroscience, global development studies, and exercise science. Students can enroll in a bioethics program that examines the multifaceted dimensions of emerging life science and healthcare challenges. Puget Sound provides master's programs in teaching, counseling, and occupational therapy, as well as a doctoral degree in physical therapy. Prospective freshmen must submit the Common Application, high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and counselor or teacher evaluations.
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#6 Walla Walla University College Place, WA $23940 61%
College Place, WA $23940 61% Founded in 1892 as a two-year college, Walla Walla University now provides comprehensive academics at five campuses across the Pacific Northwest. Students can choose from over 100 areas of study, including bachelor's degrees for social work, information systems, bioengineering science, and design and illustration. The university offers a business administration degree that has earned specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Business students may pursue one of seven concentrations, including an entrepreneurship track. WWU offers graduate degrees in social work and biology, as well as a unique MA in cinema, religion, and worldview. Future teachers can pursue a master's in education. Experienced educators can pursue credentials in specialized areas such as literacy instruction and educational leadership. Financial assistance packages include merit scholarships for transfer candidates and departmental awards for social work majors.
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#7 Cascadia College Bothell, WA $7657 29%
Bothell, WA $7657 29% Cascadia College was founded in 1994, making it the newest community college in Washington State. The school offers an array of transfer-oriented and technical associate programs. Cascadia facilitates hybrid and fully online classes through Canvas. Transfer options cover fields such as biology, business, global studies, and pre-nursing. Technical degree tracks include web application programming, homeland security, and environmental technologies and sustainable practices. Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in mobile application development or sustainable practices. In collaboration with Bastyr University, Cascadia also offers blended enrollment programs that enable candidates to earn baccalaureate credentials in the natural health sciences. These options include health psychology, integrated human biology, herbal sciences, and nutrition and exercise science. Cascadia maintains an open admissions process that requires first-year applicants to submit an online application and high school transcripts. High school juniors and seniors who want to pursue dual enrollment must pass a placement exam. Financial aid opportunities include the Frances Bianco Scholarship for students pursuing careers in psychology, human rights, and social justice.
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#8 Northwest University Kirkland, WA $22547 59%
Kirkland, WA $22547 59% Located in Kirkland, Northwest University offers more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. Bachelor's degree options include biblical literature, environmental science, marketing, and music education. Students interested in becoming game developers or UX localization engineers can enroll in a user experience program. The university also offers an online RN-to-BSN track. NU's master's programs covers fields such as leadership studies, church revitalization, and counseling psychology. The college delivers a master in teaching that ranks among the top teacher preparation programs in the U.S. NU also provides online master's programs in business administration and international community development. To enroll as an incoming freshman, candidates submit an online application, a personal statement, and ACT or SAT scores. Graduate candidates typically do not need to furnish standardized test results if they possess a 3.0 or higher GPA. NU funds a variety of institutional awards, including a merit-based scholarship for MBA students.
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#9 Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA $24567 70%
Tacoma, WA $24567 70% Based in Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University delivers 44 undergraduate programs and seven graduate and professional programs to 3,100 students annually. Undergraduate students can select from majors such as social work, Chinese studies, mathematics, and computer science. PLU also offers a communication degree that enables candidates to concentrate their studies on film and media studies, strategic communication, or communications and civic engagement. At the graduate level, degree programs covers fields such as nursing practice, creative writing, and marriage and family therapy. PLU delivers multiple master of education programs, including tracks leading to alternative teacher certification. In addition to affordable tuition, PLU offers a variety of funding opportunities, including the Rieke Leadership Scholarship for candidates with a history of promoting racial and ethnic diversity and social justice. Prospective freshman students submit an official application, a 250-word personal essay, official transcripts, and an academic recommendation. The university gives candidates the option to submit ACT or SAT scores.
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#10 Seattle Central College Seattle, WA $4546 25%
Seattle, WA $4546 25% For over 50 years, Seattle Central College has provided affordable career training and college transfer opportunities to a diverse population of students. The school delivers technical associate programming in areas such as medical assisting, culinary arts, and maritime deck technology. Learners can pursue an associate degree in carpentry to access lucrative entry-level positions in the construction industry. SCC offers six applied bachelor's programs designed to provide workplace skills in specific career areas, including dental hygiene, respiratory care, community health and education, and applied behavioral science. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in healthcare services management to access leadership roles in nursing homes and group medical practices. On top of an open admissions process, SCC offers affordable tuition rates, large tuition discounts for military veterans, out-of-state tuition waivers, and multicultural scholarships.
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#11 University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA $7536 64%
Bothell, WA $7536 64% Serving approximately 6,000 students, the University of Washington Bothell is dedicated to hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary research. UWB provides bachelor's programs in earth systems science, health studies, and community psychology. Students can pursue a business administration degree with concentration options in retail management, marketing, and management information systems. Alternately, students may select a bachelor's in elementary education leading to K-8 teacher certification. UWB's unique bachelor's program in science, technology, and society prepares students for careers as IT researchers and ethics specialists. Graduate candidates can select from 11 options, including a master's in nursing that emphasizes administrative leadership. Incoming freshman need a minimum 2.0 GPA and must submit ACT or SAT scores. Graduate admissions criteria vary by program, but typically consist of at least a 3.0 GPA. UWB offers merit scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.
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#12 North Seattle College Seattle, WA $3317 26%
Seattle, WA $3317 26% Founded in 1970, North Seattle College supports a diverse student population by offering affordable career training, academic transfer options, and continuing education programs. The college also facilitates dual enrollment opportunities for high school juniors and seniors through its Running Start initiative. In addition, NSC provides distance education options powered by Canvas. Learners who want to gain entry-level employment immediately after graduation can enroll in associate programs for real estate, pharmacy technician, and watch technology. They may also pursue the electronics program, which includes options in aviation, industrial power, and mechatronics. NSC offers applied bachelor's degrees in areas such as early childhood education and international business. Students can enroll in a four-year residential and commercial property management program which builds on foundational business and accounting skills. North Seattle maintains direct transfer pathways with the majority of four-year institutions in Washington State. All students benefit from affordable tuition and financial aid. The college dedicates distinct resources for undocumented individuals.
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#13 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA $7337 24%
Bellevue, WA $7337 24% Bellevue College serves more than 31,000 students, making it the largest institution in the Washington Community and Technical Colleges system. With the exception of enrollment into bachelor's programs and select technical associate tracks, Bellevue welcomes all learners through an open process. For students interested in professional and technical training, Bellevue offers associate degrees in radiation therapy, as well as network services and computing systems. The school delivers transfer-oriented programs in areas such as business, music, and math education. Learners can also enroll in one of five science tracks before transferring to a partner university. Bachelor's programs cover options in digital marketing, healthcare management, molecular biosciences, and interior design. By pursuing a data analytics degree, students can learn how to convert vast data sets into actionable information for businesses and organizations. In addition, Bellevue hosts an accelerated bachelor of nursing program for licensed RNs.
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#14 Highline College Des Moines, WA $8704 30%
Des Moines, WA $8704 30% Highline College was established in 1961 as the first community college in King County. Today, the school serves 17,200 students through its main campus in Des Moines and distance education programs. All learners can attend Highline by simply completing an online form, applying for financial aid, and registering for classes. Students can earn professional and technical credentials for digital forensic investigation and personal fitness training. Alternately, they may pursue transfer degrees in fields such as business, elementary education, and pre-nursing. Candidates may also pursue an associate of applied science in network security engineering, which prepares them to sit for Cisco certification exams. At the baccalaureate level, program options include integrated design, global trade and logistics, and youth development. The college also offers a bachelor's degree in respiratory care that synthesizes advanced coursework with clinical training. The only associate program that maintains admissions criteria is nursing, which requires applicants to display a minimum 3.0 GPA for prerequisite coursework.
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#15 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA $8674 58%
Tacoma, WA $8674 58% Created in 1990, the University of Washington Tacoma fosters economic development through community-engaged students and faculty. All undergraduate learners complete a cohort-based core curriculum and take classes in groups in order to facilitate engagement. Afterward, candidates pursue coursework in majors such as computer science and systems, biomedical sciences, and environmental sustainability. Learners can design their own major and concentration through the interdisciplinary arts and sciences program. UW Tacoma also offers a fully online bachelor's in criminal justice. At the graduate level, students can choose fields such as geospatial technologies, social work, and cybersecurity and leadership. UW Tacoma delivers a comprehensive nursing track that enables nurses with an associate degree to earn their bachelor's and master's concurrently. For doctoral candidates, the university provides a three-year educational leadership program that totals 96 credits. Freshman applicants must submit official high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. Graduate candidates typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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#16 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA $16117 69%
Bellingham, WA $16117 69% Located in Bellingham, Western Washington University was founded as a teacher training school in 1894. Today, the institution delivers a wide range of bachelor's and master's programs to over 16,000 students, with some classes available online through the Canvas platform. Undergraduate students can select from programs such as financial economics, community health, and American cultural studies. Those interested in county planning and environmental law can earn a bachelor's in urban planning and sustainable development. The college also offers a kinesiology program with concentrations in sport psychology, movement studies, and pre-healthcare professions. Among its nearly 50 graduate programs, WWU facilitates a business administration degree that features evening and/or weekend classes. Through the Institute for Global Engagement, students can find service-learning and study abroad opportunities. To enroll as a first-year learner, candidates need a minimum 2.0 GPA. They submit SAT or ACT scores and a personal statement detailing their personal growth and accomplishments.
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#17 Centralia College Centralia, WA $7617 34%
Centralia, WA $7617 34% The oldest two-year postsecondary school in Washington, Centralia College offers an array of affordable workforce-oriented and transfer programs. The institution operates an open and rolling admissions process that allows incoming students to enroll in most programs in any quarter. Through the Running Start initiative, high school juniors and seniors can access tuition-free college courses. Adult students benefit from financial support options such as the Opportunity Grant for low-income state residents. Centralia offers associate degrees in natural resources management, medical assisting, and diesel technology. The college also delivers an office management program, which trains students to successfully hire and supervise clerical staff. Additionally, students can pursue one of eight pre-professional programs in physical therapy, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and other fields. Although Centralia is a community college, it hosts four bachelor's programs, including a teacher education (K-8) degree that leads to initial state certification. This track requires 94-112 credits and operates in a hybrid format which combines once-per-week evening classes with online coursework.
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#18 South Seattle College Seattle, WA $8433 41%
Seattle, WA $8433 41% South Seattle College enrolls 15,000 learners every year, nearly half of whom are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary schooling. To support this diverse student population, SSC maintains a flexible admissions process and provides a variety of financial aid opportunities. All learners benefit from services such as one-on-one academic counseling, career guidance, and transfer pathways to state universities. Furthermore, as an Asian American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, SSC provides distinct resources to students from these communities. Students interested in professional and technical career training can choose from associate programs in subjects such as landscape architecture, culinary arts, and welding fabrication technology. SSC offers a 156-credit associate of aviation maintenance technology program, which full-time students complete over a span of 10 quarters. SSC provides three bachelor's programs, including a hospitality management degree. For learners interested in academic transfer opportunities, SSC provides associate credentials in public health, digital art and photography, and accounting.
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#19 Gonzaga University Spokane, WA $34085 87%
Spokane, WA $34085 87% Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit-affiliated higher education institution that serves over 7,500 students. The school's academic catalog includes bachelor's degrees in broadcast and electronic media studies, public relations, accounting, and criminology. Learners in the business administration program can pick from nine concentrations. Business students can also design their own interdisciplinary degree plan with the guidance of faculty mentors. Graduate students can choose from master's programs such as clinical mental health counseling, transmission and distribution engineering, and nursing (RN-to-MSN). The college's Ph.D. in leadership studies emphasizes individual leadership practices, as well as the roles leaders play in organizations and global systems. To meet the needs of working professionals, Gonzaga provides seven fully online graduate programs through Blackboard. Financial aid opportunities include the Daniel G. Brajcich Scholarships for business and accounting majors. As a selective institution, Gonzaga highly encourages undergraduate applicants to complete a personal interview if they display a GPA under 3.2 and score below 1150 on the SAT or 23 on the ACT. Transfer candidates need at least a 2.7 GPA.
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#20 Whitman College Walla Walla, WA $38144 88%
Walla Walla, WA $38144 88% Based in Walla Walla, Whitman College is one of the top private liberal arts institutions in the United States. The school maintains a holistic admissions process and offers comprehensive and diversified financial aid packages that include need-based scholarships and awards for fine arts students. Whitman provides over 48 undergraduate degree programs in fields such as geology, film and media studies, Latin American studies, and molecular biology. Students can enroll in a bachelor of global literature program that goes beyond the usual cultural, linguistic, and departmental boundaries. The college also offers a dual-degree program in partnership with the University of Washington. This five-year track enables candidates to earn a bachelor of arts in either biology or geography and a bachelor of science in oceanography. Whitman provides ample funding and conferencing opportunities to student researchers. Nearly half of learners participate in at least one semester of international studies. Programs cover areas such as public health in Chile and transnational migration in Morocco.
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#21 Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA $11393 52%
Cheney, WA $11393 52% Eastern Washington University, located in Cheney, offers comprehensive academic programming through its six colleges. EWU boasts the lowest in-state tuition price among public Washington universities. Bachelor's candidates can choose from over 71 majors, including international affairs, analytics, and urban and regional planning. For learners interested in health-related professions, EWU hosts a biology program with concentrations in pre-medicine/pre-dentistry or biotechnology. Learners may also opt for an addiction studies degree geared toward alcohol and drug prevention and treatment. The college provides graduate-level training in technical communication, public health, and dental hygiene. Students can earn a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders to qualify for speech-language pathologist positions. To help students cultivate the hands-on experience needed for professional success, EWU facilitates a variety of volunteer positions through community partners. Learners also benefit from internship guidance and study abroad opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best colleges in Washington?
Some of the best colleges in Washington include the University of Washington, Washington State University, Gonzaga University, Seattle University, and Western Washington University.
2. How do I apply to colleges in Washington?
To apply to colleges in Washington, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Each college may have specific requirements, so it's important to check their websites for detailed instructions.
3. What is the cost of tuition at Washington colleges?
The cost of tuition at Washington colleges varies depending on the institution and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. On average, tuition for in-state students ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 per year, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $25,000 to $35,000 per year.
4. Are there scholarships available for Washington colleges?
Yes, there are scholarships available for Washington colleges. Many colleges offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, or financial need. Additionally, there are external scholarships offered by organizations and foundations specifically for Washington students.
5. What majors and programs are offered at Washington colleges?
Washington colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs. Some popular areas of study include business, engineering, computer science, nursing, psychology, and environmental science. Each college has its own list of majors and programs, so it's best to explore their websites for specific details.
6. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a four-year college in Washington?
Yes, many four-year colleges in Washington accept transfer credits from community colleges. However, the transferability of credits depends on the specific courses and the policies of the receiving institution. It's recommended to consult with an academic advisor at both the community college and the four-year college to ensure a smooth transfer process.
7. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Washington colleges?
The student-to-faculty ratio at Washington colleges varies, but on average, it is around 15:1. This means that for every 15 students, there is one faculty member. Smaller colleges often have lower student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with professors.
8. Are there opportunities for internships and job placements at Washington colleges?
Yes, Washington colleges provide opportunities for internships and job placements. Many colleges have career centers that assist students in finding internships and connecting with potential employers. Additionally, the proximity to major cities like Seattle offers a wide range of internship and job opportunities in various industries.
9. What is campus life like at Washington colleges?
Campus life at Washington colleges is vibrant and diverse. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. There are also numerous events, sports teams, and cultural activities that contribute to a lively campus atmosphere. Each college has its own unique campus culture, so it's important to visit or explore their websites to get a sense of the specific campus environment.
10. Can international students apply to colleges in Washington?
Yes, international students can apply to colleges in Washington. The application process for international students may have additional requirements, such as proof of English language proficiency and obtaining a student visa. It's recommended for international students to contact the admissions offices of their desired colleges for specific instructions and support throughout the application process.