Best Colleges in Washington

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Serving approximately 6,000 students, the University of Washington Bothell is dedicated to hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary research. UWB provides bachelor's programs in earth systems science, health studies, and community psychology. Students can pursue a business administration degree with concentration options in retail management, marketing, and management information systems. Alternately, students may select a bachelor's in elementary education leading to K-8 teacher certification. UWB's unique bachelor's program in science, technology, and society prepares students for careers as IT researchers and ethics specialists. Graduate candidates can select from 11 options, including a master's in nursing that emphasizes administrative leadership. Incoming freshman need a minimum 2.0 GPA and must submit ACT or SAT scores. Graduate admissions criteria vary by program, but typically consist of at least a 3.0 GPA. UWB offers merit scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Founded in 1970, North Seattle College supports a diverse student population by offering affordable career training, academic transfer options, and continuing education programs. The college also facilitates dual enrollment opportunities for high school juniors and seniors through its Running Start initiative. In addition, NSC provides distance education options powered by Canvas. Learners who want to gain entry-level employment immediately after graduation can enroll in associate programs for real estate, pharmacy technician, and watch technology. They may also pursue the electronics program, which includes options in aviation, industrial power, and mechatronics. NSC offers applied bachelor's degrees in areas such as early childhood education and international business. Students can enroll in a four-year residential and commercial property management program which builds on foundational business and accounting skills. North Seattle maintains direct transfer pathways with the majority of four-year institutions in Washington State. All students benefit from affordable tuition and financial aid. The college dedicates distinct resources for undocumented individuals.

Bellevue College serves more than 31,000 students, making it the largest institution in the Washington Community and Technical Colleges system. With the exception of enrollment into bachelor's programs and select technical associate tracks, Bellevue welcomes all learners through an open process. For students interested in professional and technical training, Bellevue offers associate degrees in radiation therapy, as well as network services and computing systems. The school delivers transfer-oriented programs in areas such as business, music, and math education. Learners can also enroll in one of five science tracks before transferring to a partner university. Bachelor's programs cover options in digital marketing, healthcare management, molecular biosciences, and interior design. By pursuing a data analytics degree, students can learn how to convert vast data sets into actionable information for businesses and organizations. In addition, Bellevue hosts an accelerated bachelor of nursing program for licensed RNs.

Highline College was established in 1961 as the first community college in King County. Today, the school serves 17,200 students through its main campus in Des Moines and distance education programs. All learners can attend Highline by simply completing an online form, applying for financial aid, and registering for classes. Students can earn professional and technical credentials for digital forensic investigation and personal fitness training. Alternately, they may pursue transfer degrees in fields such as business, elementary education, and pre-nursing. Candidates may also pursue an associate of applied science in network security engineering, which prepares them to sit for Cisco certification exams. At the baccalaureate level, program options include integrated design, global trade and logistics, and youth development. The college also offers a bachelor's degree in respiratory care that synthesizes advanced coursework with clinical training. The only associate program that maintains admissions criteria is nursing, which requires applicants to display a minimum 3.0 GPA for prerequisite coursework.

Created in 1990, the University of Washington Tacoma fosters economic development through community-engaged students and faculty. All undergraduate learners complete a cohort-based core curriculum and take classes in groups in order to facilitate engagement. Afterward, candidates pursue coursework in majors such as computer science and systems, biomedical sciences, and environmental sustainability. Learners can design their own major and concentration through the interdisciplinary arts and sciences program. UW Tacoma also offers a fully online bachelor's in criminal justice. At the graduate level, students can choose fields such as geospatial technologies, social work, and cybersecurity and leadership. UW Tacoma delivers a comprehensive nursing track that enables nurses with an associate degree to earn their bachelor's and master's concurrently. For doctoral candidates, the university provides a three-year educational leadership program that totals 96 credits. Freshman applicants must submit official high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement. Graduate candidates typically need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

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.

The oldest two-year postsecondary school in Washington, Centralia College offers an array of affordable workforce-oriented and transfer programs. The institution operates an open and rolling admissions process that allows incoming students to enroll in most programs in any quarter. Through the Running Start initiative, high school juniors and seniors can access tuition-free college courses. Adult students benefit from financial support options such as the Opportunity Grant for low-income state residents. Centralia offers associate degrees in natural resources management, medical assisting, and diesel technology. The college also delivers an office management program, which trains students to successfully hire and supervise clerical staff. Additionally, students can pursue one of eight pre-professional programs in physical therapy, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and other fields. Although Centralia is a community college, it hosts four bachelor's programs, including a teacher education (K-8) degree that leads to initial state certification. This track requires 94-112 credits and operates in a hybrid format which combines once-per-week evening classes with online coursework.

South Seattle College enrolls 15,000 learners every year, nearly half of whom are the first in their families to pursue postsecondary schooling. To support this diverse student population, SSC maintains a flexible admissions process and provides a variety of financial aid opportunities. All learners benefit from services such as one-on-one academic counseling, career guidance, and transfer pathways to state universities. Furthermore, as an Asian American Pacific Islander Serving Institution, SSC provides distinct resources to students from these communities. Students interested in professional and technical career training can choose from associate programs in subjects such as landscape architecture, culinary arts, and welding fabrication technology. SSC offers a 156-credit associate of aviation maintenance technology program, which full-time students complete over a span of 10 quarters. SSC provides three bachelor's programs, including a hospitality management degree. For learners interested in academic transfer opportunities, SSC provides associate credentials in public health, digital art and photography, and accounting.

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.

Based in Walla Walla, Whitman College is one of the top private liberal arts institutions in the United States. The school maintains a holistic admissions process and offers comprehensive and diversified financial aid packages that include need-based scholarships and awards for fine arts students. Whitman provides over 48 undergraduate degree programs in fields such as geology, film and media studies, Latin American studies, and molecular biology. Students can enroll in a bachelor of global literature program that goes beyond the usual cultural, linguistic, and departmental boundaries. The college also offers a dual-degree program in partnership with the University of Washington. This five-year track enables candidates to earn a bachelor of arts in either biology or geography and a bachelor of science in oceanography. Whitman provides ample funding and conferencing opportunities to student researchers. Nearly half of learners participate in at least one semester of international studies. Programs cover areas such as public health in Chile and transnational migration in Morocco.

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.