Colleges in Washington

There are 69 accredited colleges and universities in Washington. They admit an average of 77% of applicants, and the average net price after aid is $16,090 per year. Compare acceptance rates, SAT/ACT scores, and net prices — and see your personal admission chances for free.

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By Admit Coach editorial · GPTKIDS LLC · Methodology · Updated August 2026

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Top Colleges in Washington

The most selective and highly ranked accredited universities in Washington. Click any school for its acceptance rate, SAT/ACT scores, net price, and a free admission-chance estimate.

UniversityLocationAcceptance Rate
Whitman CollegeWalla Walla, WA50%
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane, WA76%
University of Puget SoundTacoma, WA76%
University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell, WA92%
Seattle UniversitySeattle, WA76%
Whitworth UniversitySpokane, WA87%
Northwest UniversityKirkland, WA88%
Western Washington UniversityBellingham, WA91%
Pacific Lutheran UniversityTacoma, WA80%
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA42%
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle, WA91%
Saint Martin's UniversityLacey, WA76%
The Evergreen State CollegeOlympia, WA97%
Cornish College of the ArtsSeattle, WA70%
University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma, WA83%
Washington State UniversityPullman, WA85%
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg, WA90%
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney, WA92%
Great Northern UniversitySpokane, WA100%
Whatcom Community CollegeBellingham, WA90%
Spokane Falls Community CollegeSpokane, WA100%
Renton Technical CollegeRenton, WA100%
South Puget Sound Community CollegeOlympia, WA72%
Whitworth University-Adult Degree ProgramsSpokane, WA50%
Heritage UniversityToppenish, WA87%
Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland, WA100%
Seattle Central CollegeSeattle, WA100%
Columbia Basin CollegePasco, WA59%
Bates Technical CollegeTacoma, WA13%
Lower Columbia CollegeLongview, WA4%

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Most Affordable Colleges in Washington

Universities in Washington with the lowest average net price after grants and scholarships (federal College Scorecard data).

UniversityLocationAvg Net Price
Northwest Indian CollegeBellingham, WA$3,136
Grays Harbor CollegeAberdeen, WA$4,783
Spokane Community CollegeSpokane, WA$5,473
Bellingham Technical CollegeBellingham, WA$5,997
South Seattle CollegeSeattle, WA$6,004
Skagit Valley CollegeMount Vernon, WA$6,064
Bates Technical CollegeTacoma, WA$6,292
Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland, WA$6,817
Olympic CollegeBremerton, WA$7,172
Spokane Falls Community CollegeSpokane, WA$7,409
Lower Columbia CollegeLongview, WA$7,630
Renton Technical CollegeRenton, WA$8,296

Data from IPEDS & College Scorecard. Browse all 3,500+ universities →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many colleges are in Washington?

There are 69 accredited colleges and universities in Washington in Admit Coach's database, sourced from federal IPEDS data. They admit an average of 77% of applicants and cost about $16,090 per year after aid.

What is the best college in Washington?

Whitman College is the highest nationally ranked university in Washington. The best college depends on your major, budget, and admission chances, though. Admit Coach ranks all 69 Washington colleges by your personal fit using your GPA and test scores, not just national reputation.

What is the average cost of college in Washington?

The average net price — the real cost after grants and scholarships — at colleges in Washington is about $16,090 per year. Admit Coach shows net price by five income brackets for every school, so you see the estimate for your family's income bracket, not just the sticker price.

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