Top 28 Universities and Colleges in Washington State: Rankings, Locations, and Opportunities

 

 Washington State boasts a rich landscape of higher education institutions, from world-class research universities to specialized technical schools. Whether you're looking for the best colleges in Washington State for STEM, liberal arts, or career training, this list of the top 28 universities and colleges in Washington has you covered. Each entry highlights the reason for its ranking, its location, and the unique opportunities it offers. Let’s dive into the top Washington State universities and colleges for 2025!

Why Study in Washington State?

Washington is a hub for innovation, natural beauty, and academic excellence. With top-tier schools like the University of Washington and Washington State University, students gain access to cutting-edge research and career opportunities in tech, healthcare, and more. The state’s diverse campuses—spanning urban Seattle to rural Pullman—cater to every learner. Ready to explore the best universities in Washington? Here’s our comprehensive list.

Top Universities and Colleges in Washington State

1. University of Washington (UW) - Seattle

• Reason: A globally recognized public research university, UW is a leader in academics and innovation, making it one of the top universities in Washington.
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Opportunities: With over 300 degree programs, students can explore fields like computer science and medicine. UW’s Seattle location offers internships with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. Learn more at UW’s official site.

2. Washington State University (WSU) - Pullman

• Reason: WSU excels in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and engineering, securing its spot among the best colleges in Washington State.
• Location: Pullman, WA (main campus), with branches in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett.
• Opportunities: Offers 200+ fields of study, hands-on research at its organic farm, and study abroad in 86 countries. Visit WSU’s website.

3. Gonzaga University

• Reason: This private Jesuit school shines in liberal arts and boasts a famous basketball team, making it a standout in Washington higher education.
• Location: Spokane, WA
• Opportunities: 53 majors, a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and strong career placement with companies like Deloitte. Check out Gonzaga’s site.

4. Seattle University

• Reason: A top private Jesuit university, known for sustainability and community engagement.
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Opportunities: 65+ majors, including business and nursing, with internships in Seattle’s booming economy. Explore more at Seattle University.

5. Whitman College

• Reason: A selective liberal arts college with exceptional alumni outcomes.
• Location: Walla Walla, WA
• Opportunities: Unique 3-2 engineering programs and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Visit Whitman College.

6. University of Puget Sound

• Reason: The only independent liberal arts college in Western Washington, offering personalized learning.
• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Opportunities: 50+ fields of study and connections to employers like Nike. Learn more at Puget Sound.

7. Western Washington University (WWU)

• Reason: A public university with a top environmental college and innovative programs.
• Location: Bellingham, WA
• Opportunities: 200+ programs and outdoor recreation near Bellingham Bay. Visit WWU.

8. Pacific Lutheran University (PLU)

• Reason: A private Lutheran school with a global focus and strong academics.
• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Opportunities: 44 majors and study abroad on all seven continents. Check out PLU.

9. Eastern Washington University (EWU)

• Reason: An affordable public university with a safe, welcoming campus.
• Location: Cheney, WA
• Opportunities: 135+ majors and research in a wildlife refuge. Explore EWU.

10. Central Washington University (CWU)

• Reason: A Hispanic-serving institution with top STEM and arts programs.
• Location: Ellensburg, WA
• Opportunities: 135+ majors and hybrid learning options. Visit CWU.

11. The Evergreen State College

• Reason: A public liberal arts school with a unique interdisciplinary approach.
• Location: Olympia, WA
• Opportunities: Customizable degrees and a focus on sustainability. Learn more at Evergreen.

12. Whitworth University

• Reason: A private Christian university blending faith and academic rigor.
• Location: Spokane, WA
• Opportunities: 100+ programs and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Visit Whitworth.

13. Seattle Pacific University (SPU)

• Reason: A private Christian school in an urban setting.
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Opportunities: 70 majors, including nursing, and accelerated master’s degrees. Check out SPU.

14. Northwest University

• Reason: A private Christian school with a supportive community.
• Location: Kirkland, WA
• Opportunities: 70+ areas of study and proximity to Seattle jobs. Visit Northwest.

15. Saint Martin’s University

• Reason: A private Benedictine school emphasizing leadership and ethics.
• Location: Lacey, WA
• Opportunities: Engineering and business programs with small classes. Learn more at Saint Martin’s.

16. Walla Walla University

• Reason: A private Adventist school focused on faith and service.
• Location: College Place, WA
• Opportunities: Engineering and nursing degrees in a tight-knit community. Visit Walla Walla.

17. Heritage University

• Reason: A private school serving underrepresented communities.
• Location: Toppenish, WA
• Opportunities: Teacher education and healthcare programs with scholarships. Check out Heritage.

18. City University of Seattle

• Reason: A private school offering flexible, career-focused education.
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Opportunities: Online degrees in business and tech with high graduate salaries. Visit CityU.

19. Cornish College of the Arts

• Reason: A private arts school fostering creativity.
• Location: Seattle, WA
• Opportunities: Degrees in visual and performing arts tied to Seattle’s arts scene. Learn more at Cornish.

20. DigiPen Institute of Technology

• Reason: A specialized school for game design and tech.
• Location: Redmond, WA
• Opportunities: Programs in computer science and animation near tech firms. Visit DigiPen.

21. Bastyr University

• Reason: A leader in natural health sciences.
• Location: Kenmore, WA
• Opportunities: Naturopathic medicine and nutrition degrees with clinical training. Check out Bastyr.

22. University of Washington - Bothell

• Reason: A smaller UW campus with personalized education.
• Location: Bothell, WA
• Opportunities: 55+ majors and strong financial aid. Visit UW Bothell.

23. University of Washington - Tacoma

• Reason: A UW campus focused on urban studies.
• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Opportunities: Business and social science programs in Puget Sound. Learn more at UW Tacoma.

24. Bellevue College

• Reason: A top public community college with bachelor’s degrees.
• Location: Bellevue, WA
• Opportunities: Healthcare and IT programs with transfer options. Visit Bellevue College.

25. Tacoma Community College

• Reason: A leading community college for workforce training.
• Location: Tacoma, WA
• Opportunities: Nursing and business degrees with university transfers. Check out Tacoma CC.

26. Spokane Falls Community College

• Reason: A respected community college with career programs.
• Location: Spokane, WA
• Opportunities: Applied bachelor’s degrees and arts pathways. Visit Spokane Falls.

27. Clark College

• Reason: A community college with strong technical programs.
• Location: Vancouver, WA
• Opportunities: Engineering and dental hygiene degrees with transfers. Learn more at Clark College.

28. Perry Technical Institute

• Reason: A private career college for hands-on training.
• Location: Yakima, WA
• Opportunities: Certificates in HVAC and IT with high job placement. Visit Perry Tech.

Conclusion: Finding Your Fit in Washington State

Washington State’s top colleges and universities offer something for everyone—whether you’re drawn to the research powerhouses of Seattle or the specialized training of Yakima. Keywords like "best universities in Washington," "Washington State colleges," and "higher education opportunities" reflect the diversity and quality of these schools. Explore the links above to find the perfect institution for your academic and career journey in the Evergreen State!