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Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington

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2023 Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington

33 Schools Ranked
$25,462 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$22,318 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You can choose a traditional brick and mortar school, or with the growth of online education, you can attend a school half-way across the country without even leaving your house. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school or bootcamp that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.

The Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington ranking is one of many tools that Course Advisor has developed to help you make your educational decision. This report analyzed 33 schools in Washington to see which ones offered the best bachelor's degree programs for students. Factors related to overall quality of the school, post-graduation earnings, average student debt, and more accumulated were considered when coming up with this list.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, Washington
$34,900 Average Tuition & Fees
$29,236 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found DigiPen Institute of Technology to be the best school for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Washington.

The average tuition and fees at Digipen is $34,900. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,236 in student loans.

Since Digipen is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

$12,196 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,619 Avg Student Debt

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend University of Washington - Tacoma Campus. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington list.

Students from Washington who attend UW Tacoma full time pay an average of $12,196 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $40,026. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW Tacoma accumulate an average of $18,619 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

UW Tacoma does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 21% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Washington - Tacoma Campus Report

$12,076 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,284 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Washington - Seattle Campus. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington list.

In-state students pay an average of $12,076 in tuition and fees if they attend UW Seattle full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $39,906. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW Seattle accumulate an average of $18,284 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at UW Seattle. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 13% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#4

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington
$4,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,569 Avg Student Debt

The excellent bachelor’s degree programs at Seattle Central College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best schools in Washington.

The average tuition and fees at Seattle Central is $4,670. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $21,569 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Seattle Central. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 69% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Seattle Central College

#5

Gonzaga University

Spokane, Washington
$48,470 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,118 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 33 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Gonzaga University landed the # 5 spot on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Gonzaga is $48,470. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $21,118 in student loans.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Gonzaga. In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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$11,950 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,547 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, University of Washington - Bothell Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $11,950 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend UW Bothell. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $39,780. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from UW Bothell accumulate an average of $17,547 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at UW Bothell. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 3% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Washington - Bothell Campus Report

#7

City University of Seattle

Seattle, Washington
$29,693 Avg Student Debt

City University of Seattle landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $29,693 in loans while pursuing their degree.

CityU does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

$4,609 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,655 Avg Student Debt

Lake Washington Institute of Technology came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington ranking.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LWTech is $4,609. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,146. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,655 in loans while pursuing their degree.

LWTech does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 75% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Lake Washington Institute of Technology

#9

Washington State University

Pullman, Washington
$12,417 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,489 Avg Student Debt

Washington State University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #9 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Wazzu is $12,417. Out-of-state students pay an average of $27,733. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,489 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Wazzu does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 28% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Washington State University Report

#10

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington
$8,685 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,810 Avg Student Debt

Central Washington University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

Students from Washington who attend CWU full time pay an average of $8,685 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $25,213. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from CWU accumulate an average of $22,810 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CWU. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 98% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#11

Seattle University

Seattle, Washington
$49,335 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,453 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Seattle University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

Seattle U does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $49,335. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,453 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Seattle U. During the 2019-2020 year, about 99% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#12

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, Washington
$55,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,751 Avg Student Debt

University of Puget Sound landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $55,670 to cover tuition and fees at Puget Sound. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Puget Sound accumulate an average of $21,751 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Read full report on University of Puget Sound

#13

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, Washington
$47,576 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,517 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #13, Pacific Lutheran University did quite well on this year’s best schools for students working on their bachelor’s degree.

If you want to attend PLU, expect to pay an average of $47,576 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $23,517 in student loans.

PLU does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 99% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Pacific Lutheran University

#14

Whitworth University

Spokane, Washington
$47,590 Average Tuition & Fees
$26,989 Avg Student Debt

Whitworth University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington list.

Whitworth does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $47,590. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $26,989 in student loans.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Whitworth. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 13% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Whitworth University Report

#15

Bellevue College

Bellevue, Washington
$4,057 Average Tuition & Fees
$22,105 Avg Student Debt

Bellevue College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington ranking.

Students from Washington who attend BC full time pay an average of $4,057 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,594. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $22,105 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at BC. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#16

Saint Martin's University

Lacey, Washington
$40,690 Average Tuition & Fees
$24,047 Avg Student Debt

Saint Martin’s University landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

Saint Martin’s does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $40,690. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,047 in student loans.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Saint Martin’s does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2019-2020 year, about 34% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Saint Martin’s University

#17

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, Washington
$35,646 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,778 Avg Student Debt

Seattle Pacific University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington ranking.

If you want to attend SPU, expect to pay an average of $35,646 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,778 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Some students may be able to take online classes at SPU. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 98% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#18

Whitman College

Walla Walla, Washington
$55,982 Average Tuition & Fees

Whitman College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington ranking.

Whitman does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $55,982. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid.

Full Whitman College Report

#19

Western Washington University

Bellingham, Washington
$8,703 Average Tuition & Fees
$20,511 Avg Student Debt

Western Washington University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #19 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WWU is $8,703. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $25,930. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $20,511 in loans while pursuing their degree.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at WWU. In 2019-2020 about 6% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Western Washington University Report

#20

Heritage University

Toppenish, Washington
$18,500 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,847 Avg Student Debt

Heritage University landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

The average tuition and fees at Heritage University is $18,500. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Heritage University accumulate an average of $19,847 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Heritage University does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 3% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Heritage University

$25,959 Avg Student Debt

Northwest University - College of Adult and Professional Studies did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #21 on the list.

By the time they get their bachelor’s degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $25,959 in student loans.

Northwest University CAPS does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 54% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Northwest University - College of Adult and Professional Studies Report

#22

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, Washington
$7,922 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,511 Avg Student Debt

Eastern Washington University landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best bachelor’s degree programs.

Students from Washington who attend EWU full time pay an average of $7,922 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $25,748. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,511 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Online courses are available at EWU, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 93% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Eastern Washington University Report

#23

Northwest University

Kirkland, Washington
$33,980 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,101 Avg Student Debt

Northwest University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #23 on the list.

The average tuition and fees at Northwest University is $33,980. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,101 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Northwest University does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2019-2020 about 32% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Northwest University Report

$34,316 Avg Student Debt

Whitworth University - Adult Degree Programs came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Schools in Washington ranking.

Bachelor’s Degree recipients from Whitworth University - Adult Degree Programs accumulate an average of $34,316 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Whitworth University - Adult Degree Programs does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 7% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#25

Clark College

Vancouver, Washington
$4,529 Average Tuition & Fees
$23,939 Avg Student Debt

Clark College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for students to get a bachelor’s degree. It came in at #25 on the list.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Clark College is $4,529. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,133. On average, bachelor’s degree students take out $23,939 in loans while pursuing their degree.

Clark College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2019-2020 about 97% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Clark College Report

Best Bachelor's Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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