Colleges in Washington
Washington State is home to one of the most valuable university ecosystems in the country, anchored by the University of Washington in Seattle. With Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and a thriving startup scene as neighbors, UW graduates have some of the best direct-to-industry pathways available anywhere. Washington State University in Pullman rounds out the public system with strong agriculture, engineering, and pharmacy programs.
Top Colleges in Washington by Enrollment
| School | |
|---|---|
University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA · Public | View → |
Washington State University Pullman, WA · Public | View → |
Western Washington University Bellingham, WA · Public | View → |
Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA · Public | View → |
Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA · Public | View → |
University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA · Public | View → |
Gonzaga University Spokane, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA · Public | View → |
Seattle University Seattle, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA · Public | View → |
Whitworth University Spokane, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Whitman College Walla Walla, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Walla Walla University College Place, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
City University of Seattle Seattle, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, WA · For-Profit | View → |
Heritage University Toppenish, WA · Private Non-Profit | View → |
Frequently Asked Questions — Colleges in Washington
How many colleges are in Washington?
Washington has 29+ bachelor's degree-granting colleges and universities. UW is the #1 feeder school to Amazon and Microsoft combined, making it the most direct pipeline to Big Tech employment of any public university in the US.
What is the cheapest college in Washington?
Average net prices at Washington colleges range from under $10,000/year at some public schools for in-state students to over $35,000 at private institutions. Use the DecideMyCampus search to filter WA schools by net price and find the most affordable option for your income level.
What is the best public university in Washington?
University of Washington is widely considered the flagship public university in Washington. However, "best" depends on your major, budget, and priorities. Use DecideMyCampus to compare all WA public schools by graduation rates, earnings, and cost.
Do Washington colleges offer in-state tuition?
Yes — public universities in Washington offer significantly lower tuition for residents. In-state tuition savings can be $10,000–$25,000 per year compared to out-of-state rates. The DecideMyCampus school pages show both in-state and out-of-state tuition costs.
College Cities in Washington
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