Best Colleges in Washington

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Best Accredited Colleges

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
location Bellingham, WA
tuition $8679
acceptance_rate 10%
Founded in 1973, Northwest Indian College is the only accredited tribal higher education institution to serve reservation communities in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Over 2,300 students attend NWIC, many of whom pursue distance education powered by Canvas. Through telecourses and videoconferencing, distance learners can engage with their peers and instructors in real time at six satellite locations. Canvas also lets students access asynchronous coursework, prioritizing independent learning. Self-paced classes enable candidates to maintain full-time work schedules and take care of their families while pursuing their degree. NWIC students can earn undergraduate degrees through a hybrid program structure. Associate credentials cover technical fields like information technology and public/tribal administration. The college also offers bachelor's programs in native studies leadership, business management, and native environmental science. In the environmental track, coursework centers on marine sciences, ethnobotany, community education, and environmental policy. Candidates engage in experiential learning by completing place-based research projects and internships. NWIC charges per-credit tuition based on residency status.
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#3 Seattle University
location Seattle, WA
tuition $35581
acceptance_rate 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
location Pullman, WA
tuition $17885
acceptance_rate 62%
Washington State University was established in 1890, making it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the state. Over 30,000 students currently attend WSU, many of whom engage in online learning facilitated by Blackboard. Online baccalaureate offerings include sociology, integrated strategic communication, anthropology, and hospitality business management. Distance learners can also enroll in a fully online bachelor of data analytics program. Through a curriculum that synthesizes statistics and computer science, candidates develop the skills needed to evaluate complex data sets and apply findings to drive business decision-making. The school's graduate catalog contains online master's programs in software engineering, molecular biosciences, and health communication and promotion. WSU also offers a master of science in agriculture. Here, candidates can pursue a generalist track, delving into plant pathology, horticulture, and crop and soil sciences. Alternatively, they may choose the food science and management concentration, which prepares them for leadership positions in the food processing and distribution sector. Applicants who want to enroll in the agriculture program should possess a bachelor of science earned with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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#5 University of Puget Sound
location Tacoma, WA
tuition $40065
acceptance_rate 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
location College Place, WA
tuition $23940
acceptance_rate 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
location Bothell, WA
tuition $7657
acceptance_rate 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
location Kirkland, WA
tuition $19161
acceptance_rate 59%
Northwest University is a private liberal arts institution located in Kirkland. The school supports about 1,700 students annually and facilitates distance education through Moodle. At the undergraduate level, online programs include bachelor's tracks in ministry leadership, organizational management, and psychology. Licensed RNs can enroll in a degree completion pathway to earn their BSN in 18 months. Applicants need an active, unencumbered RN license in Washington. They must also possess at least 18 months of clinical nursing experience related to direct client care. NU provides fully remote master's degrees in clinical mental health counseling, international community development, and Bible and theology. The university also delivers a master of business administration program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This 39-credit curriculum allows learners to pick a project management or public safety administration concentration. Prospective MBA candidates who possess a 3.2 GPA or higher do not need to submit GMAT scores.
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#9 Pacific Lutheran University
location Tacoma, WA
tuition $24567
acceptance_rate 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
location Seattle, WA
tuition $4546
acceptance_rate 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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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.