Best colleges in Seattle

The Road to Emerald City

Gloomy weather can't hold Seattle back

Despite the rainy weather, Seattle shines as one of the fastest growing cities in the country with plenty to offer incoming students. Home to 2 major universities, 9 colleges, and an unemployment rate well below the national average, Seattle is a great college city. Thanks to the presence of Microsoft and Amazon, "The Emerald City" is a popular destination for IT professionals with abundant career options after graduation. Not a techie? No worries. Seattle also has a great job market for healthcare, aerospace, marine technology and fashion.

Located in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle has plenty to offer besides a healthy economy. The city is home to a vibrant performing arts scene, prides itself on the "foodie" mindset, and carries two professional sports teams: the Seahawks and the Mariners. Nature lovers can't get enough, being just a quick trip away from several National Parks. Located on the Puget Sound, Seattle is a popular tourist destination for cruise ships, festivals and outdoors adventures. If you're looking for a prosperous, walkable city that's a stone's throw from nature, look no further; Seattle could be your new dream home.

Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the US*www.seattle.gov *Wikipedia, "Seattle Culture" *U.S. Census Bureau *www.visitseattle.org

Best Four Year Universities in Seattle

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.

Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University offers 223 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 2,409 students graduated with students earning 1,127 Bachelor's degrees, 785 Master's degrees, 308 Doctoral degrees, and 189 Certificates.

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University of Puget Sound offers 58 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 588 students graduated with students earning 460 Bachelor's degrees, 72 Master's degrees, and 56 Doctoral degrees.

Pacific Lutheran University offers 60 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 771 students graduated with students earning 579 Bachelor's degrees, 173 Master's degrees, 17 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Certificates.

University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers 55 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 1,851 students graduated with students earning 1,645 Bachelor's degrees, and 206 Master's degrees.

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers 65 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 1,780 students graduated with students earning 1,438 Bachelor's degrees, 326 Master's degrees, and 16 Doctoral degrees.

Seattle Pacific University offers 104 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 989 students graduated with students earning 582 Bachelor's degrees, 222 Master's degrees, 136 Certificates, and 49 Doctoral degrees.

DigiPen Institute of Technology offers 9 degree programs. It's a small, private for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 235 students graduated with students earning 219 Bachelor's degrees, and 16 Master's degrees.

Cornish College of the Arts offers 14 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 74 students graduated with students earning 74 Bachelor's degrees.

Faith International University offers 26 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 88 students graduated with students earning 56 Bachelor's degrees, 25 Master's degrees, and 7 Doctoral degrees.

Best Community Colleges in Seattle

Pima Medical Institute-Renton offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 225 students graduated with students earning 178 Certificates, and 47 Associate's degrees.

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city. In 2023, 185 students graduated with students earning 102 Certificates, and 83 Associate's degrees.

Bates Technical College offers 136 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 355 students graduated with students earning 323 Associate's degrees, and 32 Certificates.

Shoreline Community College offers 95 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a large suburb. In 2023, 769 students graduated with students earning 712 Associate's degrees, and 57 Certificates.

Everett Community College offers 101 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 1,238 students graduated with students earning 1,141 Associate's degrees, and 97 Certificates.

List of all colleges in Seattle

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Logo University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
3/5
26 : 1 55,620
Seattle University Logo Seattle University Seattle, WA
5/5
14 : 1 7,182
University of Puget Sound Logo University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA
5/5
10 : 1 1,914
Pacific Lutheran University Logo Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA
5/5
16 : 1 2,737
University of Washington-Bothell Campus Logo University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA
3/5
28 : 1 5,809