Best Online Colleges in Washington

Colleges with online classes offer a flexible option to earn your degree while also balancing many of life's other responsibilities. Check out the most popular online programs of 2023 below.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 Northwest Indian College

Bellingham, WA

$8679

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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#2 Washington State University

Pullman, WA

$17885

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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#3 Northwest University

Kirkland, WA

$19161

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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#4 Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA

$16117

69%

Located in Bellingham, Western Washington University was founded in 1894 as a teacher training school. The institution now oversees comprehensive academic programs, enrolling more than 16,000 students each year. Western facilitates distance education through Canvas, offering individual online classes in synchronous and self-paced formats. Students who want to earn fully online credentials can choose from three options. Western offers a 30-credit TESOL certificate program that prepares candidates for English language teaching positions at home and abroad. For learners who reside on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, the university delivers a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies. Here, students design their own major with the guidance of a personal advisor. Western also facilitates a remote bachelor of human services program that helps students critically analyze social justice issues in their communities and abroad. Graduates are well-prepared to work as social services coordinators and nonprofit managers. Applicants need a minimum 2.75 GPA. As part of their application packet, prospective students must submit three response essays.

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#5 Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

$34085

87%

Based in Spokane, Gonzaga University enrolls about 7,500 students in its seven colleges. The institution powers distance education through Blackboard, providing seven entirely online master's programs. Options include organizational leadership, nursing, sport and athletic administration, and educational leadership. Learners can also enroll in a communication and leadership studies program, which prepares graduates for careers in public relations, digital marketing, and nonprofit management. Communication candidates can pick from six concentrations and can take their studies abroad to locations like Belgium and Italy. Additionally, Gonzaga delivers an online master's program in transmission and distribution engineering. Through a 36-credit curriculum, students learn to replace aging energy infrastructure and oversee large-scale solar and wind projects. Candidates typically earn their credentials in 2.5 years. To enroll, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit official school transcripts, two professional references, a current resume, and a 1-2-page letter of intent. Gonzaga charges tuition based on program type.

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#6 Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

$11393

52%

Located in Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a public research institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs across six colleges. Students can access remote learning opportunities through Canvas, including bachelor's degree completion tracks in interdisciplinary studies, dental hygiene, children's studies, and health sciences. Candidates can also earn bachelor's credentials in addiction studies, preparing for careers as prevention and detox specialists. The curriculum of this program is recognized by NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals; graduates are qualified to pursue professional certification. EWU offers online graduate programs in fields like education, social work, and business administration. The university also delivers a remote master of public health that teaches students to examine health determinants in relation to external influences (e.g., social and physical environment) and internal factors (e.g., genetic makeup). The 48-credit curriculum contains classes like health policy and law, combating health inequalities, and foundations in epidemiology. Candidates gain hands-on experience through internships and an applied research project. To enroll in the public health program, applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit a resume or CV, three references, and three essay responses.

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#7 University of Washington

Seattle, WA

$9443

84%

The University of Washington was established in 1861 -- about a decade after Seattle's founding -- to aid with the city's economic development. Today, UW is a renowned public research institution that serves over 47,000 students annually. Learners access online degrees through the Canvas platform, and undergraduate candidates can earn fully remote bachelor's credentials in early care and education and integrated social sciences. The latter track allows students to tailor the curriculum to match their interests and goals. At the graduate level, online programs cover areas like aerospace engineering, construction management, applied mathematics, and computational linguistics. Distance learners can also enroll in a master of sustainable transportation program. Totaling 43 quarter credits, this degree plan includes classes that cover livable communities and design as well as climate change and energy. Candidates round out their program with a research-focused capstone project. To enroll in a bachelor's degree completion pathway, applicants need to transfer in 75 quarter credits earned with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Prospective graduate students must display a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Distance learners pay per-credit tuition rates based on their program.

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#8 City University of Seattle

Seattle, WA

$15264

49%

City University of Seattle is a private school that operates within the National University System. Students can access individual asynchronous classes and fully online degrees through Blackboard. CityU delivers remote bachelor's programs in project management, information technology, and healthcare administration. Distance learners can also obtain a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and information assurance. The curriculum for this program totals 180 quarter credits and covers crucial competencies like applied criminology and enterprise risk assessment. Graduate students can pick from 12 online master's programs, like computer science, educational leadership, and professional accounting. CityU also facilitates a master of business administration program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. On top of core competencies, MBA candidates complete coursework in one of 10 emphasis areas. They may even design their own specialization to meet distinct career objectives. CityU does not maintain GPA requirements for incoming first-year students. However, transfer applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA. Graduate admission criteria differ by program, but typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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#9 Peninsula College

Port Angeles, WA

$6658

29%

Peninsula College is a public community college headquartered in Port Angeles. The school serves about 2,000 students and offers online undergraduate programs through Canvas. Distance learners can prepare for baccalaureate transfer by earning an associate of arts in general studies. The college also delivers career-focused technical degrees in fields like administrative office systems, multimedia communication, and homeland security/emergency management. Additionally, students can earn an associate of applied science in hospitality and ecotourism. The curriculum features 91-95 quarter credits and includes classes like event planning, accounting principles, and social media marketing. Learners round out their education by completing an internship with a company in their area. In addition to careers in tourism, graduates can pursue occupations related to general customer service and hotel management. Most students earn their degree in six quarters. PC also offers an online bachelor's degree completion track in applied management that covers foundational topics like legal environments of business and managerial accounting. Students also gain the research competencies needed to pursue graduate-level training. Applicants need an associate degree earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best online colleges in Washington?

Some of the best online colleges in Washington include the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Governors University, and Central Washington University. These institutions offer a wide range of online programs and have a strong reputation for quality education.

2. How do I choose the right online college in Washington?

When choosing an online college in Washington, consider factors such as accreditation, program offerings, faculty qualifications, student support services, and tuition costs. It's important to research and compare multiple institutions to find the one that best fits your educational goals and needs.

3. Are online degrees from Washington colleges respected by employers?

Yes, online degrees from reputable Washington colleges are generally respected by employers. It's important to choose an accredited institution and ensure that the online program you pursue aligns with your career goals. Employers value skills and knowledge gained through online education as long as the institution is recognized and accredited.

4. Can I transfer credits earned from an online college in Washington to another institution?

Transfer policies vary among institutions, but many online colleges in Washington have transfer agreements with other colleges and universities. It's important to check with the specific institutions involved to understand their transfer credit policies and requirements.

5. How much does online education in Washington cost?

The cost of online education in Washington varies depending on the institution and program. Tuition rates can range from a few hundred dollars per credit to over a thousand dollars per credit. Additionally, there may be additional fees for technology, course materials, and student services. It's important to review the tuition and fee structure of each institution you are considering.

6. Are there financial aid options available for online students in Washington?

Yes, online students in Washington are eligible for various financial aid options, including federal grants, loans, and scholarships. It's recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Additionally, some institutions may offer their own scholarships or tuition assistance programs specifically for online students.

7. How do online classes in Washington work?

Online classes in Washington typically utilize a learning management system (LMS) where students access course materials, participate in discussions, submit assignments, and interact with instructors and classmates. These classes are often asynchronous, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace within specified deadlines. Some courses may also include synchronous components, such as live lectures or virtual meetings.

8. What technology requirements do I need for online classes in Washington?

The technology requirements for online classes in Washington may vary depending on the institution and program. Generally, students will need a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop, and access to necessary software or applications. Some programs may have specific requirements for hardware or software, so it's important to review the technical requirements provided by the institution.

9. Can I receive support services as an online student in Washington?

Yes, online students in Washington typically have access to a range of support services, including academic advising, library resources, tutoring, career services, and technical support. Institutions strive to provide comprehensive support to online students to ensure their success and engagement in the online learning environment.

10. How long does it take to complete an online degree in Washington?

The time it takes to complete an online degree in Washington depends on various factors, including the program's length, the number of credits taken per term, and the student's individual pace. Some online programs offer accelerated options that allow students to complete their degrees more quickly, while others follow a traditional semester-based schedule. It's important to review the program requirements and consult with academic advisors to estimate the expected duration of your chosen online degree program.