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 68 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 355 students graduated with students earning 355 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 2023, 2,047 students graduated with students earning 1,177 Bachelor's degrees, 674 Master's degrees, and 196 Doctoral degrees.
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.
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.
Whitworth University offers 79 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 739 students graduated with students earning 558 Bachelor's degrees, 173 Master's degrees, and 8 Certificates.
Saint Martin's University offers 59 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city. In 2023, 435 students graduated with students earning 318 Bachelor's degrees, 93 Master's degrees, 15 Certificates, and 9 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 2023, 399 students graduated with students earning 343 Certificates, and 56 Associate's degrees.
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.
South Puget Sound Community College offers 65 degree programs. It's a small, public, two-year college in a small city. In 2023, 852 students graduated with students earning 810 Associate's degrees, and 42 Certificates.
Carrington College-Spokane offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city. In 2023, 177 students graduated with students earning 138 Certificates, and 39 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.
Big Bend Community College offers 68 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a remote town. In 2023, 430 students graduated with students earning 396 Associate's degrees, 24 Bachelor's degrees, and 10 Certificates.
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. In 2023, 43 students graduated with students earning 29 Associate's degrees, and 14 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.
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| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Whitman College Walla Walla, WA | 8 : 1 | 1,544 | |
|
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA | 26 : 1 | 55,620 | |
|
Gonzaga University Spokane, WA | 16 : 1 | 7,306 | |
|
Seattle University Seattle, WA | 14 : 1 | 7,182 | |
|
University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA | 10 : 1 | 1,914 | |