In the following ranking, we identify the top 20 best affordable colleges in Washington for bachelor’s degrees. The state is known for its rainy weather, beautiful landscapes, and, of course, Starbucks, but it is also a fantastic place to earn a undergraduate degree. In many areas, the quality of education is just as high as the East Coast, but the cost of living is lower. Although the public schools in the University of Washington System are among the most popular choices for students seeking a low-cost bachelor’s in Washington, the state is also home to a number of nationally recognized and top-ranked private colleges and faith-based institutions of higher education.
Methodology
Identifying the features that make up a “best value” school can be difficult, mainly because not all students are looking for the same thing in their academic experiences. However, we stuck to the basics, including tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates to offer prospective students a list of colleges and universities that balance the scales of quality and cost. To get our initial list of schools, we conducted a search for the colleges in Washington offering bachelor’s degrees using the College Navigator tool at the National Center for Education Statistics. We then awarded points based on the following three metrics based on affordability, class size, and student success.
Average Cost of Attendance
Although this ranking is based on affordability and it is natural to want to choose the cheapest school on the list for the sake of saving money, it is critical that you also consider what the school has to offer in terms of majors, concentrations, extracurriculars, internships, and opportunities for research, among other features. For this article, we ranked tuition and awarded points based on how much it would cost for an on-campus, in-state student to complete one full year, according to NCES data. We also provided tuition rates for out-of-state students for your reference only.
Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
A school’s student-to-faculty ratio is a useful way to determine the size of its classes and, ultimately, its learning environment. For instance, large state universities with high student-to-faculty ratios may not be able to offer the opportunity for students to develop close relationships with their peers and faculty members, while small private colleges with low student-to-faculty ratios are known for offering academic support and opportunities for mentoring and individualized studies. Although there are pros and cons to each, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities that reported the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES based on the following ranges.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we looked at each school’s graduation rate as reported from NCES as a measure of student satisfaction and success. In most cases, colleges and universities that report high graduation rates are doing something right. In other words, students are happy with the quality of their education and choose to remain at these institutions, complete their program requirements, and earn their degree. On the other hand, low graduation rates may be a red flag, and these institutions might be lacking in one or more areas that cause students to leave prematurely and earn their degree elsewhere. This could be anything from failing to offer academic support, employing inexperienced faculty, or charging too much money for their degrees. For this reason, we determined that schools with the highest graduation rates and, therefore, the highest levels of student success would earn the highest number of points as indicated below.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Colleges in Washington
20. Whitworth University
Spokane, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Spokane, Whitworth University is a private Christian liberal arts college. Established in 1890, Whitworth University is one of the most affordable colleges in Washington and an institution of higher education affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The school confers more than 100 low-cost undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 3,000 students through its School of Education, School of Business, School of Continuing Studies, and College of Arts and Sciences. Popular best-value majors include the natural sciences, psychology, elementary education, biology, business, and computer science. Each program integrates faith and learning and provides many opportunities for students to engage in service, practicum experiences, internships, and research. Student life for athletes at Whitworth consists of intramural sports, outdoor recreation programs, group fitness, and the Whitworth University Recreation Center, home to a three-court gymnasium, a bouldering area, a climbing wall, an indoor track, powerlifting stations, cardiovascular stations, and circuit training.
In-State Tuition: $43,640
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,640
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 79 percent
19. Gonzaga University
Spokane, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Gonzaga University, a private Roman Catholic university in Spokane, is one of 28 member schools that make up the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Established as Gonzaga College in 1887 by the Society of Jesus, GU boasts the second-highest graduation rate in the West. Approximately 93 percent of graduates are either pursuing higher degrees or employed after completing a program at GU. The school offers a best-value liberal arts-based, Jesuit-inspired tradition of action and reflections that allows students to develop the whole person: spirit, body, and mind. Students may choose from areas of study such as broadcast and electronic media studies, Catholic studies, engineering, environmental studies, human physiology, Native American studies, teacher education, public relations, and visual literacy. Outside of the classroom, this best-value college in Washington is home to more than 140 clubs and organizations, including those related to leadership development, student publications, government, outdoor activities, and resources for veterans, transfer students, and working adults.
In-State Tuition: $43,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,210
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 86 percent
18. Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Seattle Pacific University, founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist Church of North America, is a private Christian university nestled on a 43-acre campus in Seattle. With 69 tip-value majors and 55 minors, students looking for a low-cost degree in Washington receive expert faculty instruction in a wide range of fields. SPU’s newest programs include economical majors in criminal justice, the life sciences, mechanical engineering, social justice and cultural studies, and politics, philosophy, and economics as well as minors in leadership studies, information studies, and film studies. More than 30 master’s degrees, six doctoral programs, and seven graduate certificates are also available. Among SPU’s outstanding facilities are a gymnasium, three coffee shops, one of the finest small theaters in the region, a four-story study center and library, and two cutting-edge science buildings. Students may also choose to explore off-campus by hopping on a bus for a quick 10-minute ride to downtown Seattle.
In-State Tuition: $42,939
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,939
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 68 percent
17. Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Pacific Lutheran University is a high-value university in Washington affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Located in the Parkland neighborhood of Tacoma, PLU integrates the liberal arts with professional studies for a comprehensive education that prepares students for lives of thoughtful care, leadership, service, and inquiry. Students can choose from more than 40 affordable areas of study, and they benefit from hands-on learning experiences that include lab work, internships, research, and more. Popular inexpensive majors at PLU include the biological and biomedical sciences, education, health professions, social sciences, and business. The school is saturated with diverse goals, lifestyles, perspectives, and ideas, and PLU encourages students to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations as well as its NCAA Division III athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $42,436
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,436
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
16. Saint Martin’s University
Lacey, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Located in Lacey, Saint Martin’s University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Founded as an all-boys boarding school by Benedictine monks in 1895, the school is home to a functioning Benedictine monastery in addition to its more traditional college campus. Approximately 35 percent of SMU’s student body are first-generation college students, and the school awards more than $20 million in scholarships and grants to undergraduates, making it one of the most affordable colleges in Washington. In terms of academics, SMU offers pre-professional pathways, pre-health majors, 4+1 programs, certification preparation programs, and more. Notable areas of undergraduate study include business, computer science, psychology, and biology as well as mechanical and civil engineering, elementary education, and criminal justice. SMU’s real-life experiences, state-of-the-art facilities, and small student-to-faculty ratio work together to prepare students to serve, live, and think with their hearts in their chosen fields of study.
In-State Tuition: $37,356
Out-of-State Tuition: $37,356
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
15. Walla Walla University
College Place, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Students looking for affordable colleges in Washington may consider Walla Walla University, a private institution of higher learning that offers technical, professional, and liberal arts programs in College Place. Founded in 1892, the school operates five campuses across the Pacific Northwest, and it is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. WWU features outstanding professors, hands-on learning, personalized attention, and small classes. All areas of study are grounded in the liberal arts philosophy, providing students with a well-rounded and broad-based education. Economical majors are available in areas such as theology, product design, international communication, humanities, forensic psychology, engineering, business administration, biblical languages, and aviation technology and management. Campus life is comprised of student clubs and organizations, athletics and intramural sports, year-round events and traditions, campus ministries, community services, and student missions.
In-State Tuition: $28,035
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,035
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
14. Heritage University
Toppenish, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Heritage University is a private four-year institution of higher learning located in Toppenish. Established in Spokane by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) in 1907, the school offers more than 25 affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees to fewer than 1,000 students. Top-value programs include nursing, business, education, social work and youth services, and teaching English as a second language. Approximately 95 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid, making Heritage University one of the most affordable colleges in Washington. Outside of the classroom, Heritage University offers a well-balanced student experience through a number of co-curricular and extracurricular activities that serve as professional and leadership development opportunities. Although Heritage University is not connected with any one particular denomination, it does main the educational virtues of the SNJM and a respect for local cultures.
In-State Tuition: $17,914
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,914
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Graduation Rate: 31 percent
13. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
The University of Washington-Tacoma is a satellite campus of the University of Washington System. Located in downtown Tacoma, the school is one of the most affordable colleges in Washington, conferring low-cost undergraduate majors in fields such as interdisciplinary arts and sciences, urban studies, environmental science, and social work as well as criminal justice, engineering, information technology, nursing, business, and education. In addition to offering rigorous academic programs, UW Tacoma is recognized for enrolling one of the most diverse campuses in the nation. UW Tacoma also provides more than 60 registered student organizations that allow students to develop leadership and communication skills, including community service, athletic, religious, gaming, political, cultural, and social clubs.
In-State Tuition: $11,261
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,642
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
12. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
The University of Washington-Seattle is a public research university that was founded in 1861. The school also operates campuses in Tacoma and Bothell, encompassing more than 20 million square footage of space and more than 500 buildings, including conference centers, stadiums, laboratories, museums, art centers, lecture halls, the UW tower, and one of the largest library systems in the world. UW is comprised of 18 schools and colleges that offer cheap undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 46,000 students. Popular affordable majors at UW include psychology, communications, and economics as well as biochemistry and molecular biology, political science and government, and finance. In addition to being an inexpensive college in Washington, UW is also known as an international hub for research activity, investing nearly $1.4 billion annually in research alone. Reuters also recognizes UW among the most innovative public universities in the nation.
In-State Tuition: $11,207
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,588
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 84 percent
11. University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
The University of Washington-Bothell is a four-year research university and one of three campuses that make up the University of Washington System. Established in 1990, UW Bothell is not only one of the most affordable colleges in Washington, but it is also the largest branch campus and the fastest-growing four-year institution of higher learning in the state. UW Bothell is comprised of five schools: Nursing and Health Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Educational Studies, Business, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Cheap degree programs at UW Bothell include communications, psychology, computer science, business and accounting, and nursing. Students have plenty of opportunities to explore off-campus, including visiting the 365-acre St. Edwards State Park, browsing a local farmers’ market, or hopping on the campus transit hub that connects to 10 stops and more than 400 local areas.
In-State Tuition: $11,138
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,519
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
10. Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Established in 1893 as the state-funded New Whatcom Normal School, a private school of teaching for women, Western Washington University is a comprehensive public university located in Bellingham and one of the most affordable colleges in Washington. The northernmost institution of higher education in the contiguous U.S., WWU offers an array of cheap undergraduate and graduate degrees to more than 15,000 students, and notable low-cost programs include environmental science, plastics and composites engineering, and journalism. WWU is approximately 95 percent undergraduate, meaning students have plenty of opportunities to work on research projects with faculty members. A unique feature of WWU is its location; students are not only surrounded by mountains and water but also just a short bus or train ride from both Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Student life is comprised of a unique food culture, a live music scene, and an urban community in a natural setting as well as spirited Vikings athletic teams.
In-State Tuition: $8,126
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 68 percent
9. Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1891 as Washington State Normal School, Central Washington University is a low-cost college in Washington located just 110 miles east of Seattle in Ellensburg. CWU confers more than 300 affordable majors, minors, and specializations, including more than 125 cheap degree programs. Small classes taught by experienced faculty allow undergraduate students to work closely with their professors and to engage in various research projects. Popular areas of study by enrollment include business, criminal justice and safety studies, psychology, elementary education, social science research methods, accounting, and logistics and supply chain management. Outside of the classroom, there are countless things to do at CWU, including grabbing a cup of coffee at one of the on-campus coffee shops, taking a spin class at the Recreation Center, relaxing under a 100-year old tree near the SURC, enjoying the latest exhibit at the Museum of Culture and Environment, or taking a walk through the Sarah Spurgeon Art Gallery.
In-State Tuition: $8,072
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,053
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
8. The Evergreen State College
Olympia, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Founded in 1967, The Evergreen State College is a progressive, public liberal arts and sciences college located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Olympia. This affordable Washington college is unique in that it allows students to explore more than 60 fields of study and encourages undergraduates to forge their own pathways. Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees are available with no specific prerequisite classes. Students are not required to declare a major and instead may design a program based on their individual interests and goals. Those looking for a more traditional approach to a college education can choose one of Evergreen’s predesigned Paths of Study, sequences of programs in a broader subject area that are planned out for the next four years. Evergreen benefits from and supports global and local communities in terms of service, environmental stewardship, diversity, and social justice. According to Evergreen, approximately 90 percent of graduates are either pursuing graduate studies or are working within one year of earning their degree.
In-State Tuition: $7,746
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,262
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
7. Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Eastern Washington University is a public institution of higher education located on a 300-acre campus in Cheney. Founded in 1882, EWU also operates a campus in Spokane and enrolls more than 12,600 students, 43 percent of whom are first-generation college students. EWU offers more than 150 cheap degree programs, including in-demand disciplines such as urban planning, children’s studies, cybersecurity, and biotechnology. Outside of the classroom, EWU has recently undergone many structural changes, including a new Recreation Center, home of a fitness center, sports courts, climbing wall, and NHL-size ice hockey rink. The school’s location in Cheney is just 20 minutes from various parks, mountains, and lakes, allowing students plenty of opportunities to embrace the Pacific Northwest’s active spirit. In terms of affordability, EWU awards $135 million in financial aid each year, and 72 percent of applicants receive a financial aid package. Approximately 47 percent of students graduate from EWU debt-free.
In-State Tuition: $7,323
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
6. Yakima Valley College
Yakima, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Founded as Yakima Valley Community College in 1928, Yakima Valley College is a two-year community college in Yakima, Washington that offers low-cost degree pathways in fields such as the arts and humanities, business, healthcare, social sciences and education, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At the baccalaureate level, students may pursue a cheap Bachelor of Applied Science in a variety of academic disciplines, including business management, dental hygiene, teacher education, and information technology networking with an emphasis on system administration. In addition to its main campus in Yakima, YVC also operates a location in Grandview as well as three learning centers. Students have many opportunities to get involved by joining a club or organization devoted to interests such as art, transfer support, wine and agribusiness, cultural awareness, STEM, dance, medicine, business, cars, gaming, and more.
In-State Tuition: $5,163
Out-of-State Tuition: $5,638
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 30 percent
5. Bellevue College
Bellevue, Washington
Points: 6
School Website
Bellevue College is one of the most affordable colleges in Washington. Enrolling more than 37,000 students each year, BC is the largest school of the 34-institution Washington Community and Technical Colleges System and the third-largest university in the state. BC offers cheap bachelor’s degrees through its college as well as through partnerships with Washington State University, the University of Washington, and Eastern Washington University. Students may pursue economical associate, bachelor’s, and certificate programs in a number of academic, professional, and technical subjects. Low-cost degree programs include healthcare management and leadership, information systems and technology, radiation and imaging sciences, interior design, nursing, digital marketing, and applied accounting.
In-State Tuition: $3,778
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,144
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
4. Northwest University
Kirkland, Washington
Points: 7
School Website
Northwest University, located near Seattle in Kirkland, is a private Christian liberal arts university that offers more than 70 low-cost majors and academic programs. Established in 1934, NU is a nonprofit institution that offers economical associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at its main campus as well as online. Top-value degree programs available range from intercultural studies, business administration, and environmental science to youth and family ministries, worship and music studies, and pastoral ministries. Sitting on 56 acres of trees and rolling greens overlooking Lake Washington, the campus offers students the safety and beauty of Kirkland while being just 10 minutes from all that Seattle has to offer. Surrounded by companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsft, NU is conveniently located in one of the nation’s most vibrant economies. NU is ranked among the most affordable private Christian universities on the West Coast as well as a “best value school” by U.S. News & World Report and Money magazine.
In-State Tuition: $31,540
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,540
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Graduation Rate: 55 percent
3. Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Points:7
School Website
Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a public research university located in Pullman, that also operates campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, Everett, and online. WSU is the oldest land-grant institution of higher education in the West, and it enrolls more than 29,000 students each year, making it the second-largest university in the state behind the University of Washington. This affordable Washington university is comprised of 11 colleges that foster scholarly achievement, and students can choose from 96 undergraduate majors, 80 master’s degrees, 64 doctoral programs, and four professional degrees. Inexpensive courses are taught by renowned professors, and students have many opportunities to get involved in more than 600 study-abroad programs in nearly 50 countries as well as creative projects, laboratory research, fieldwork, and more. WSU is home to more than 400 registered student organizations with more than 11,000 members, four student centers that build an appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity, more than 6,000 intramural sports players, and six Pac-12 Conference intercollegiate sports for men and nine for women.
In-State Tuition: $11,584
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,820
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
2. Faith International University
Tacoma, Washington
Points: 7
School Website
Faith International University is an evangelical Christian university and seminary located in Tacoma. Established in 1969 as Faith Evangelical Lutheran Seminary, this affordable college in Washington enrolls around 400 students each year in economical bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. At the undergraduate level, FIU confers four inexpensive Bachelor of Arts degrees, and students may choose to major in business, leadership, education, or religion. Students may also benefit from the school’s unique Life Coach International Institute that provides two face-to-face courses for four hours per day, five days per week as well as a life coaching webinar that leads to different levels of International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification.
In-State Tuition: $7,875
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,875
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent
1. Green River College
Auburn, Washington
Points: 7
School Website
Established in 1963, Green River College is ranked as the best affordable college in Washington for a bachelor’s degree. Located on a campus surrounded by forests in Auburn, GRC also operates satellite campuses in Kent and Enumclaw. GRC’s academic options emphasize a rigorous curriculum, opportunities for networking, and experiential learning. The school is nationally known for its teacher preparation, science, and mathematics programs, and students may pursue bachelor’s degrees in software development, network administration and security, marketing and entrepreneurship, and forest resource management as well as early childhood education, court reporting and captioning, applied management, and aeronautical science. At GRC, students will find comprehensive support services, small class sizes, state-of-the-art equipment and buildings, and online, evening, and day classes.
In-State Tuition: $4,053
Out-of-State Tuition: $4,482
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Most In-Demand Careers in Washington for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?
The Employment Security Department of Washington State provides an Occupations in Demand (OID) list that provides job descriptions, educational requirements, salary information, employment trends, and resources to help future workers explore various careers. According to the ESDWA, the top 10 in-demand industries based on employment projections as well as each occupation’s average annual growth rate from 2017 to 2022 include:
- Other Information: 5.10 percent
- Information: 3.57 percent
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 2.89 percent
- Transportation and Warehousing: 2.83 percent
- Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities: 2.76 percent
- Construction: 2.71 percent
- Software Publishers: 2.66 percent
- Education Services: 2.39 percent
- Professional and Business Services: 2.31 percent
- Education and Health Services: 2.26 percent
What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Washington?
Understanding the labor market is a critical component of selecting a college or university for your bachelor’s in Washington. Therefore, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to determine average wages across all occupations, industries, and regions throughout the state. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage for all jobs in Washington was $59,410 as of May 2018, the most recent data available. The top five highest-paying jobs were anesthesiologists, obstetricians and gynecologists, and psychiatrists followed by surgeons and physicians.
However, since we wanted to focus on affordable bachelor’s colleges in Washington, we felt it was important to provide information specifically for undergraduates. In other words, the following are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Washington that an undergraduate can pursue either with a bachelor’s alone or after earning a bachelor’s and gaining additional licensure, certification, experience, or training.
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers: $237,150
- Computer and Information Systems Managers: $159,290
- Marketing Managers: $155,580
- Architectural and Engineering Managers: $154,620
- Natural Sciences Managers: $153,600
- Advertising and Promotions Managers: $148,530
- Training and Development Managers: $144,400
- Compensation and Benefits Managers: $143,180
- Sales Managers: $140,700
- Financial Managers: $136,480
What are the Best Schools in Washington for Bachelor’s Recipients?
As you narrow down your list of prospective colleges in Washington, think about the big financial picture. After all, college is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime, so it is important to ensure you are getting the most bang for your educational buck. Therefore, we have compiled salary information for the top five best schools for your return on investment (ROI) below, ranking them in order from the highest ROI to the lowest ROI. The ROI is calculated based on each school’s 20-year net ROI, or the amount a student will earn over 20 years after graduating. We also provided salary figures for both early- and mid-career pay based on the cost of an in-state, on-campus student pursuing a bachelor’s degree without financial assistance, according to data from PayScale.
- 1. University of Washington-Bothell Campus
– 20-Year Net ROI: $609,000
– Early Career Pay: $58,200
– Mid-Career Pay: $104,100 - 2. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
– 20-Year Net ROI: $555,000
– Early Career Pay: $59,900
– Mid-Career Pay: $111,800 - 3. Gonzaga University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $415,000
– Early Career Pay: $56,300
– Mid-Career Pay: $108,000 - 4. Washington State University
– 20-Year Net ROI: $410,000
– Early Career Pay: $54,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $102,200 - 5. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
– 20-Year Net ROI: $375,000
– Early Career Pay: $55,600
– Mid-Career Pay: $85,800
Not only do students in Washington enjoy fantastic value for the education they are receiving, but they are also located amongst beautiful coastlines, stunning mountain ranges, and thriving cities. All three campuses of the University of Washington System make our list for the highest ROIs in the state, and the school is known for producing several notable alumni, including the legendary Bruce Lee. UW’s rival, Washington State University, also ranks on our list of the best investments for your money and offers more than 200 areas of study, including academic options in neuroscience, chemical engineering, architecture, and agriculture. Regardless of the institution you choose, we hope that our list of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Washington for bachelor’s degrees serves as a helpful resource as you make your decision.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 20 best affordable colleges in Washington for bachelor’s degrees for 2020.
Other Rankings of Interest:
10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington
25 Best Affordable Online Business Administration Degree Programs (Master’s)
40 Best Affordable One-Year Accelerated Master’s Degree Programs
50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
25 Best Affordable Online Mathematics/ Statistics Education Degree Programs (Master’s)
25 Most Affordable Master’s of Statistics Degrees
20 Best Affordable Online Colleges for Computer Networking Degree
10 Most Affordable Law Schools in the United States
15 Best Affordable Animation Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
40 Best Affordable Pre-Med Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
15 Best Affordable Film Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns