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Urban Colleges in Washington

47 schools in Washington. See our methodology.

The University of Washington-Seattle dominates Washington's urban education scene with 31,588 students and graduates earning $78,466 annually, placing it among the nation's top public research universities. This scale reflects the state's tech-driven economy, where Amazon and Microsoft headquarters create sustained demand for skilled graduates. Across Washington's 47 urban colleges, net prices span from $3,912 at community colleges to $42,033 at specialized institutions like DigiPen Institute of Technology. The range tells a story of accessibility and specialization working together. Technical colleges such as Perry Technical Institute achieve 76.9% graduation rates while feeding directly into Washington's aerospace and manufacturing sectors anchored by Boeing. Meanwhile, Gonzaga University maintains an 86.9% graduation rate in Spokane, proving that urban success extends beyond the Seattle metro area. Community colleges serve as important workforce pipelines, with institutions like Green River College in Auburn enrolling 4,573 students at just $12,447 net cost. The Washington College Grant program supports this accessibility mission across urban campuses. From Bellingham's Western Washington University welcoming 92.7% of applicants to Seattle's highly selective UW campus accepting fewer than half, these institutions collectively serve the state's economic centers while maintaining pathways for students across income levels.
47
Schools
$17,606
Avg. Net Price
$51,617
Avg. Earnings
48.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Washington

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 31,588 $13,485 83.7%
2 City-Midsize 196 $18,361 66.7%
3 City-Midsize 3,989 $10,017 62.3%
4 City-Midsize 1,539 $5,051 55.0%
5 City-Midsize 5,098 $36,371 86.9%
6 City-Small 1,523 $4,971 45.5%
7 City-Small 13,574 $18,680 65.5%
8 City-Small 4,573 $12,447 41.2%
9 City-Midsize 6,901 $11,289 33.5%
10 City-Small 2,372 $8,343 47.5%
11 City-Small 1,523 $35,506 81.0%
12 City-Small 2,692 $9,090 42.0%
13 City-Small 973 $23,292 76.9%
14 City-Small 1,032 $42,033 51.6%
15 City-Midsize 4,378 $10,627 38.3%
16 City-Small 2,417 $3,912 40.7%
17 City-Small 1,762 $10,733 39.6%
18 City-Midsize 4,114 $6,206 37.3%
19 City-Small 2,280 $9,608 36.4%
20 City-Large 2,792 $8,351 32.4%
21 City-Midsize 4,248 $9,321 32.8%
22 City-Midsize 1,613 $4,176 29.9%
23 City-Small 4,487 $10,123 31.2%
24 City-Midsize 4,699 $9,826 35.7%
25 City-Small 3,263 $7,755 34.0%
26 City-Small 2,539 $10,402 33.8%
27 City-Small 2,581 $6,116 33.6%
28 City-Large 1,091 $35,049 16.7%
29 City-Large 3,879 $6,329 31.4%
30 City-Large 1,495 $6,802 26.2%
31 City-Midsize 2,881 $7,402 30.4%
32 City-Large 4,117 $34,802 73.3%
33 City-Small 1,743 $8,222 25.0%
34 City-Large 2,073 $24,820 62.1%
35 City-Large 60 $41,429 88.9%
36 City-Midsize 1,631 $38,920 67.9%
37 City-Midsize 400 $31,193 60.8%
38 City-Small 1,254 $22,618 57.1%
39 City-Large 450 $28,460 52.7%
40 City-Midsize 150 $20,185 36.4%
41 City-Large 480 $39,060 52.0%
42 City-Midsize 296 $35,743 44.9%
43 City-Large 81
44 City-Small 129 $5,857
45 City-Midsize 36 $31,680
46 City-Large
47 City-Large

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Seattle different from other state flagship universities?

With 31,588 students and a 47.5% acceptance rate, UW-Seattle operates as both a major research institution and selective admissions university. Graduates earn $78,466 annually, reflecting strong connections to Washington's tech sector. The $13,485 net price provides relative affordability for a research university of this caliber.

How do Washington's technical colleges compare in graduation rates?

Perry Technical Institute leads with a 76.9% graduation rate, while Renton Technical College achieves 55.0% and Bellingham Technical College reaches 45.5%. These rates exceed many community colleges, reflecting focused career training programs that align with Washington's aerospace, healthcare, and technical industries.

Is DigiPen Institute worth its $42,033 net cost?

DigiPen graduates earn $79,878 annually, the highest among all Washington urban colleges, making it potentially worthwhile despite the steep price. The 51.6% graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of game development and computer science programs, while the 66.4% acceptance rate maintains selectivity.

What role do community colleges play in Washington's urban areas?

Community colleges serve 23,000+ students across major urban centers, with net costs ranging from $8,343 to $12,447. Bellevue College alone enrolls 6,901 students, while institutions like South Puget Sound provide affordable pathways in state capital Olympia. These colleges support workforce development and transfer opportunities.

How does location within Washington affect college costs and outcomes?

Seattle-area colleges generally command higher costs but deliver stronger earnings outcomes, with UW-Seattle graduates earning $78,466 versus $43,526 for Walla Walla Community College graduates. However, smaller cities like Walla Walla offer quality private education through Whitman College, where graduates earn $67,589.

Does Washington's job market influence college program success?

Absolutely. Tech-focused programs benefit from Amazon and Microsoft proximity, while technical colleges serve Boeing's aerospace needs and healthcare system demands. Graduate earnings range from $41,127 to $79,878, with higher-paying programs typically connected to the state's major industries and urban economic centers.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.