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NCAA Division I Colleges in Washington

5 schools in Washington. See our methodology.

Washington's five Division I colleges show stark contrasts in both cost and outcomes. The University of Washington-Seattle stands out with a net price of just $13,485 despite its highly selective 47.52% acceptance rate, while private options like Gonzaga University cost $36,371 but deliver an 86.9% graduation rate. These schools directly serve the state's tech-heavy economy, with graduates earning between $57,897 and $78,892 annually. Students benefit from the Washington College Grant program, which helps offset costs at both public institutions like Washington State University in Pullman and private schools in expensive Seattle. Eastern Washington University offers the most accessible entry point at 96.12% acceptance, though its 47.2% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face. The earnings potential aligns well with Washington's job market, where major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing actively recruit from these programs.
5
Schools
$22,430
Avg. Net Price
$71,886
Avg. Earnings
70.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

NCAA Division I Colleges in Washington

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 31,588 $13,485 83.7% 47.5%
2 21,583 $14,401 61.6% 83.1%
3 5,098 $36,371 86.9% 69.7%
4 6,517 $13,091 47.2% 96.1%
5 4,117 $34,802 73.3% 85.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Seattle such a strong value?

With a net price of $13,485 and graduates earning $78,466 annually, UW-Seattle offers strong return on investment. Its 83.7% graduation rate combined with a selective 47.52% acceptance rate creates a competitive environment that produces high-earning graduates for Washington's tech industry.

How do private college costs compare to public options in Washington?

Private schools like Gonzaga University ($36,371) and Seattle University ($34,802) cost about 2.5 times more than public options. However, Gonzaga's 86.9% graduation rate is the highest among all five schools, potentially justifying the premium for students who complete their degrees.

Does the Washington College Grant help with these costs?

Yes, the Washington College Grant significantly reduces net prices shown here, especially at public institutions. The program helps explain why UW-Seattle costs just $13,485 net despite Seattle's high cost of living, making quality education accessible to state residents.

Where do graduates from these schools typically find work?

Washington's major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing actively recruit from these programs. Graduate earnings ranging from $57,897 to $78,892 reflect the state's strong job market in technology, aerospace, and healthcare sectors concentrated around Seattle and Spokane.

Is Eastern Washington University worth considering despite its lower graduation rate?

Eastern Washington's 96.12% acceptance rate makes it highly accessible, and its $13,091 net price is the lowest among all five schools. While the 47.2% graduation rate requires careful consideration, graduates still earn $57,897 annually in Washington's economy.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.