Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Washington

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus delivers one of the strongest value propositions for Liberal Arts and Sciences students in Washington, with a net cost of just $10,017 and median earnings of $30,228. This return on investment matters particularly in Washington's economy, where tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft increasingly value liberal arts graduates for their critical thinking and communication skills in product management and user experience roles. The state's 18 programs show dramatic cost variation, ranging from $10,017 to $38,920 in net price, while graduation rates span from 39.8% at Heritage University to 83.7% at UW-Seattle. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with four of the top five most affordable options being state institutions that benefit from Washington's solid state funding and the Washington College Grant program.

Programs

$10,017 – $38,920

Net Price Range

$29,768

Avg. Program Earnings

61.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$30,228	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
2	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$30,228	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
3	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$32,569	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
4	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$30,228	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
5	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$29,685	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
6	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$35,060	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
7	The Evergreen State College Olympia, Washington	$22,585	$23,558	$8,999	43.6%	74.4%
8	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$26,585	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
9	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820		$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
10	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715		$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
11	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992		$33,027	64.2%
12	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920		$59,900	67.9%	82.7%
13	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161		$36,035	63.5%	94.3%
14	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893		$19,920	39.8%
15	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506		$61,492	81.0%	47.7%
16	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371		$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
17	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091		$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
18	City University of Seattle Seattle, Washington	$35,049		$14,589	16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Tacoma Campus the best value for Liberal Arts students?

UW-Tacoma combines the lowest net cost at $10,017 with solid median earnings of $30,228, creating an strong return on investment. The campus maintains a respectable 62.3% graduation rate while accepting 88.35% of applicants. Students benefit from the University of Washington system's reputation and alumni network throughout the Pacific Northwest's major employers.

How do public university costs compare to private options for Liberal Arts programs?

Public universities in Washington average around $14,000 in net costs, while private institutions range from $23,992 to $38,920. The University of Puget Sound represents the highest net cost at $38,920, nearly four times more than UW-Tacoma's $10,017. However, some private schools like Whitworth University offer higher median earnings at $35,060, potentially justifying the premium over time.

Is the graduation rate difference significant between schools?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 39.8% at Heritage University to 83.7% at UW-Seattle, representing a 44-point spread. Most public universities maintain rates between 49.9% and 68.2%, while private institutions generally perform better. Whitman College achieves 81% despite its high selectivity, while The Evergreen State College's alternative curriculum correlates with a lower 43.6% completion rate.

Where do Liberal Arts graduates typically work in Washington's economy?

Liberal Arts graduates in Washington find opportunities across the state's major sectors, particularly in tech companies that value their analytical and communication skills. With median earnings ranging from $23,558 to $35,060, graduates often work in project management, user research, and business analysis roles at companies like Amazon and Microsoft. The healthcare sector and government positions in Olympia also provide stable career paths for humanities graduates.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Washington Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Under $20,000 in Washington

All Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs Best Colleges in Washington Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities in Washington

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.