Best colleges in Washington
Cloudy with a Chance of Education
Packed full of Education in the Pac Northwest
Clear the clouds in your mind when you attend one of the 30+ colleges or universities.* From research universities to religious schools to even private career colleges, there’s a school for everyone. A degree in the high-tech industries like hydroelectric power, aerospace, and information technology will open many doors in the Pacific Northwest. You’ll also be happy to hear the recession didn’t hit the Evergreen State too hard, with companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Costco, and Starbucks all headquartered in the area and providing thousands of jobs daily. And with an above-average weekly wage of $1,044 and an unemployment rate lower than average, you’ll find many reasons to make the trip to the Washington.
During your educational career and after, you’ll be able to find plenty to do across the state of Washington. The beautiful, green scenery stretches across the Cascade Range and Olympic Mountains to the 3,000 miles of Pacific coastline, providing plenty of outdoor activities. From rock climbing, snowboarding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and sailing, you’ll have trouble fitting it all in. Besides the scenery, there are plenty of culinary delights, rich wine country, and an ever-growing arts and music culture. Cheer on the Super Bowl winning Seattle Seahawks or watch the fish get throw around at Pike Place market. Where else will you have the chance to bring your books to the beach, look over the water, and see the snow-capped mountains in the background? Here in Washington is where you’ll start the adventure of a lifetime.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*Bureau of Labor Statistics *experiencewa.comBest Four Year Universities in Washington
Whitman College offers 66 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2022, 337 students graduated with students earning 337 Bachelor's degrees.
A public, nonprofit institution that was founded in 1861 by Daniel Bagley and Arthur Denny as a research institution. The University of Washington has a total undergraduate enrollment of about 30,000. UW is located in an urban setting with a campus that covers just over 600 acres, and an academic calendar that operates on a quarter system. The University of Washington has a student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 which translates to large lecture-hall class formats, and smaller, condensed graduate programs.
Located in Seattle, Washington, The University of Washington is made up of three campuses including the flagship Seattle Campus, along with Bothell and Tacoma campuses. The school is known for its competitive public health, computer engineering, and business schools. The University of Washington has over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in both science and fine arts, which provides a range of opportunities depending on professional interests post-graduation. Washington residents should note that in-state students pay about half what out-of-state students pay for tuition and fees.
The University of Washington is known for its gothic campus architecture and annual cherry blossom festival that draws international acclaim. Beyond academics, The University of Washington’s Husky athletic teams competes in the PAC-12, with an annual football rivalry with Washington State University in the Apple Cup. UW students enjoy a picturesque gothic campus situated just north of bustling downtown Seattle, and within walking distance on the Burke Gilman Trail. Notable alumni include actress Anna Faris, actor Bruce Lee, and soprano saxophonist Kenny G. Notable alumni achievements include the invention of color television by Willard Greer, a 1927 UW graduate.
Gonzaga University offers 82 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 2,027 students graduated with students earning 1,143 Bachelor's degrees, 688 Master's degrees, and 196 Doctoral degrees.
Seattle University offers 222 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 2,348 students graduated with students earning 1,248 Bachelor's degrees, 625 Master's degrees, 299 Doctoral degrees, and 176 Certificates.
University of Puget Sound offers 57 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2022, 565 students graduated with students earning 435 Bachelor's degrees, 95 Master's degrees, and 35 Doctoral degrees.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers 54 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 2,021 students graduated with students earning 1,781 Bachelor's degrees, and 240 Master's degrees.
Pacific Lutheran University offers 63 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 718 students graduated with students earning 551 Bachelor's degrees, 148 Master's degrees, and 19 Doctoral degrees.
Whitworth University offers 75 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2022, 731 students graduated with students earning 563 Bachelor's degrees, 154 Master's degrees, and 14 Certificates.
Washington State University offers 366 degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a faraway town. In 2022, 8,733 students graduated with students earning 6,109 Bachelor's degrees, 1,149 Master's degrees, 799 Certificates, and 676 Doctoral degrees.
Seattle Pacific University offers 101 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2022, 1,278 students graduated with students earning 654 Bachelor's degrees, 312 Certificates, 243 Master's degrees, and 69 Doctoral degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Washington
Perry Technical Institute offers 14 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 423 students graduated with students earning 360 Certificates, and 63 Associate's degrees.
Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building offers 2 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a outlying rural area.
Pima Medical Institute-Renton offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 334 students graduated with students earning 274 Certificates, and 60 Associate's degrees.
Pima Medical Institute-Seattle offers 8 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2022, 304 students graduated with students earning 187 Certificates, and 117 Associate's degrees.
South Puget Sound Community College offers 62 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2022, 1,073 students graduated with students earning 1,022 Associate's degrees, and 51 Certificates.
Carrington College-Spokane offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 251 students graduated with students earning 218 Certificates, and 33 Associate's degrees.
Bates Technical College offers 130 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 315 students graduated with students earning 252 Associate's degrees, and 63 Certificates.
Everett Community College offers 98 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2022, 1,127 students graduated with students earning 1,033 Associate's degrees, and 94 Certificates.
Big Bend Community College offers 64 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2022, 452 students graduated with students earning 436 Associate's degrees, and 16 Certificates.
Shoreline Community College offers 116 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2022, 795 students graduated with students earning 727 Associate's degrees, and 68 Certificates.
Find local colleges in Washington
Top schools offering specific degrees in Washington
List of all colleges in Washington
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Whitman College Walla Walla, WA | 8 : 1 | 1,493 | |
|
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA | 25 : 1 | 52,319 | |
|
Gonzaga University Spokane, WA | 16 : 1 | 7,253 | |
|
Seattle University Seattle, WA | 14 : 1 | 7,121 | |
|
University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA | 10 : 1 | 2,023 | |