Best Colleges in Washington 2026

Washington state offers strong higher education options, with both public and private institutions earning top rankings. The University of Washington dominates with three campuses in the top five, reflecting the state's investment in public education. Among 20 qualifying schools, public institutions claim four of the top five spots, making Washington particularly attractive for cost-conscious students seeking quality education.

When comparing Washington colleges, students should evaluate graduation rates, faculty-to-student ratios, and career outcomes. The state's proximity to major tech employers creates valuable internship and job opportunities, especially for STEM programs. Location matters too, as students can choose between urban Seattle campuses and smaller community settings. Consider financial aid packages, as public schools typically offer lower tuition for state residents.

Schools Ranked

$57,688

Avg. Earnings

53.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

Top 25 Schools

College rankings
#	School	Graduation Rate	Median Earnings	Acceptance Rate	In-State Tuition
1	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	83.7%	$78,466	47.5%	$12,643
2	Faith International University Tacoma, Washington	66.7%	$51,006		$8,850
3	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	68.2%	$78,466	88.1%	$12,559
4	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	62.3%	$78,466	88.4%	$12,817
5	Renton Technical College Renton, Washington	55.0%	$49,782		$6,723
6	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	61.6%	$68,905	83.1%	$12,997
7	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	86.9%	$78,892	69.7%	$53,500
8	Bellingham Technical College Bellingham, Washington	45.5%	$49,748		$4,226
9	Cascadia College Bothell, Washington	41.2%	$54,133		$4,914
10	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	64.2%	$61,885		$33,027
11	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	65.5%	$62,569	92.7%	$9,286
12	Green River College Auburn, Washington	41.2%	$50,712		$4,580
13	Bellevue College Bellevue, Washington	33.5%	$56,310		$4,305
14	Lake Washington Institute of Technology Kirkland, Washington	39.8%	$50,669		$5,156
15	Walla Walla Community College Walla Walla, Washington	47.5%	$43,526		$6,513
16	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	81.0%	$67,589	47.7%	$61,492
17	Centralia College Centralia, Washington	45.8%	$43,140		$5,109
18	South Puget Sound Community College Olympia, Washington	42.0%	$45,039		$5,103
19	Highline College Des Moines, Washington	38.6%	$47,869		$4,623
20	Shoreline Community College Shoreline, Washington	32.4%	$52,009		$4,388
21	Perry Technical Institute Yakima, Washington	76.9%	$57,764
22	DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, Washington	51.6%	$79,878	66.4%	$37,400
23	Everett Community College Everett, Washington	38.3%	$45,434		$4,301
24	Edmonds College Lynnwood, Washington	33.2%	$48,144		$4,669
25	Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, Washington	40.7%	$41,787		$6,634