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.com

Best Four Year Universities in Washington

Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College offers 68 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a small city.

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.

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Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University offers 88 degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city.

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.

University of Puget Sound offers 60 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city.

Pacific Lutheran University offers 52 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

Northwest University
Kirkland, WA

Northwest University offers 46 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers 65 degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a midsize city.

Whitworth University
Spokane, WA

Whitworth University offers 80 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb.

University of Washington-Bothell Campus offers 55 degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large suburb.

Best Community Colleges in Washington

Perry Technical Institute offers 14 degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a small city.

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.

Academy of Interactive Entertainment offers 7 degree programs. It's a very small, private not-for-profit, two-year college in a large city.

Pima Medical Institute-Seattle offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a large city.

Pima Medical Institute-Renton offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city.

Summit Salon Academy offers 3 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city.

Carrington College-Spokane offers 9 degree programs. It's a very small, private for-profit, two-year college in a midsize city.

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List of all colleges in Washington

School Average Tuition Student Teacher Ratio Enrolled Students
Whitman College Logo Whitman College Walla Walla, WA
5/5
8 : 1 1,561
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Logo University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
3/5
26 : 1 56,997
Gonzaga University Logo Gonzaga University Spokane, WA
5/5
16 : 1 7,470
Seattle University Logo Seattle University Seattle, WA
5/5
14 : 1 7,189
University of Puget Sound Logo University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA
5/5
11 : 1 1,864