Top Value Washington Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Washington that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top value Washington colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Washington Colleges
Perry Technical Institute
Established in 1939 by Harriet I. Perry as a lasting memorial to her late husband, Perry Technical Institute or commonly referred to as Perry Tech is a private educational institution located in Yakima, Washington. The school is known for training students who plan to become highly skilled professionals. With more than 700 students, Perry Tech offers 14 specialized technical training programs designed to equip students for a successful career in different industries. The programs include Agricultural & Diesel Equipment Technology, Business Technology & Accounting, Construction & Carpentry Technology, Electrical Technology, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) & Refrigeration Technology, Information Technology & Communication Systems, Medical Assistant, and Plumbing Technician. Named as ACCSC 2017 School of Excellence, the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) to offer certificate and associate degree programs. All students have access to different academic and student services such as First Aid/CPR Training, Job Placement, Advising and Counseling, and Learning Resource System.
Whitman College
As one of the best colleges in the city, Whitman College is a private residential liberal arts college situated in Walla Walla, Washington. It was established in 1859 as Whitman Seminary and in 1883, became a four-year, degree-granting college. Offering more than 60 majors and minors, Whitman is recognized as the second-best college in the State, and 18th in the West. Some of these programs are Biology, Geology, Politics, Classical Studies, Data Science, Creative Writing, Theater and Dance, Mathematics, and Oceanography. As an accredited institution of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the college allows its students to design their own mix of different fields of study as their majors with the approval of the Individually Planned Major Committee. In cooperation with the Center for Global Studies, Whitman Off-Campus Studies offers more than 80 semester- and year-long study abroad programs in over 45 countries.
University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Recognized among the best universities in the world, the University of Washington (UW) is one of the oldest public research universities in the United States. With 3 more campuses within the state, the university was established in 1861 on its main campus in Seattle, Washington. With more than 54,000 students yearly, the Seattle campus offers hundreds of degree programs housed under 18 schools and colleges which include College of Built Environments, Michael G. Foster School of Business, School of Dentistry, College of the Environment, The Graduate School, School of Medicine, School of Social Work, and Daniel J. Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. Some of these programs are Radiation Oncology, Pediatric Dentistry, Neuroscience, Medical Genetics, Industrial Engineering, Environmental and Forest Sciences, Construction Management, Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, and American Indian Studies. The university, a member of the Association of American Universities, also offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs that typically last from 1 to 3 years. With an accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, UW grants over 12,000 bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees every year.
The Salon Professional Academy - Onalaska
The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA) - Onalaska is an accredited beauty academy based in Onalaska, Wisconsin. Owned by the Big Dreams, LLC, the academy was first opened in 2006 in a 9,200-square-foot facility in Onalaska. With the mission to produce highly trained and well-prepared beauty professionals, TSPA Onalaska provides instruction and training in 6 areas namely 1800-hour Cosmetology, 1884-hour Cosmetology & Advanced Makeup, 600-hour Esthetics, 750-hour Massage Therapy, and 300-hour Nail Technology. Students may choose to purchase their own kit outside the academy to finish their programs which typically lasts from 3 to 14 months. Upon completion of the programs, graduates are trained and prepared for entry-level positions in their respective fields. TSPA is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges to offer diploma programs in the said areas.
Gonzaga University
Headquartered in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university classified as a National University by the Carnegie Foundation. Founded in 1887, the university belongs to the top 20% of national universities in the United States. With more than 7,000 students on its campus, Gonzaga houses 7 schools and colleges namely College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, School of Engineering & Applied Science, School of Nursing and Human Physiology, School of Leadership Studies, and School of Law. Through these schools and colleges, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate fields of study and 24 master’s and 5 doctoral degrees. It is also accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer online graduate degree programs such as Master's in Transmission & Distribution Engineering, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and Ph.D. in Leadership Studies through Gonzaga Online. Among 9 centers and institutes like the Center of Public Humanities and Institute for Hate Studies, the Center of Global Engagement provides international opportunities of more than 20 short-term and semester-long study abroad programs in different countries.
University of Puget Sound
The University of Puget Sound is a private national liberal arts college located in Tacoma, Washington that has an affiliation with the United Methodist Church since its founding in 1888. It is the only independent undergraduate liberal arts college in the region of Western Washington. Included on the list of Colleges That Change Lives, Puget Sound offers a four-year core curriculum grounded in the liberal arts that are centered in more than 50 undergraduate areas of study. With more than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer over 1,200 courses through 44 undergraduate and 4 graduate departments such as Art & Art History, Communication Studies, Gender & Queer Studies, History, Mathematics and Computer Science, Music, Philosophy, Politics & Government, and Science, Technology & Society. Students may also explore the list of over 130 college-approved study abroad programs in over 50 countries and apply through the college’s Office of International Programs. Puget Sound embraces and fosters civic engagement, social justice, and volunteering to its students and over 75 percent of them participate in community service programs which is among the highest participation rates in the United States.
Seattle University
Recognized as the largest independent university in the Northwest, Seattle University (SU) is a private Jesuit university based in Seattle, Washington. The university is among the 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and in more than 100 worldwide. With more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students, SU offers over 120 certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs across an extensive array of fields of study. Students enroll in 8 schools and colleges housed in the university namely Albers School of Business and Economics, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Science and Engineering, School of Law, School of New and Continuing Studies, and School of Theology and Ministry. As an accredited institution of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, SU offers more than 10 online programs like the Crime Analysis Certificate Program, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, and Master of Science in Business Analytics. Students can participate in the events and programs handled by the university’s centers and institutes like the Center for Environmental Justice & Sustainability, Center for Religious Wisdom & World Affairs, Indigenous Peoples Institute, and Institute for Catholic Thought & Culture.
University of Washington - Bothell Campus
The University of Washington (UW) Bothell is one of the satellite campuses of UW located in Bothell, Washington which is a shared campus with the Cascadia College. Officially founded in 1989, the campus ranks as the best public college that provides the highest return on investment. Home to over 6,300 undergraduate and graduate students, UW Bothell offers more than 55 areas of study across five schools namely School of Business, School of Educational Studies, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, School of Nursing & Health Studies, and School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM). As a unit of UW, it is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to confer certifications and bachelor’s degrees. The campus also has a strong learning management system called Canvas where students can access course content, submit assignments and projects, and collaborate with peers and instructors anytime and anywhere. Students also participate and work with over 375 community partners yearly with the mission to advance their knowledge and skills and to support the partners’ objectives.
BJ's Beauty & Barber College
BJ’s Beauty & Barber College is a small cosmetology school headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. It is proud to feature the Summit Salon Curriculum which helps students jumpstart their careers and get quickly employed upon graduation. With classes starting every 8 weeks, the college is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts & Sciences to grant diplomas. It offers 5 programs namely 1600-hour Cosmetology, 600-hour Manicuring, 600-hour Esthetics, 1000-hour Barbering, and 600-hour Teacher Training. The programs can be taken either in the day or night with full-time and part-time options which typically last for 20 to 67 weeks. BJ’s, together with its students, embraces community involvement the most through organizing events like Cuts For A Cure, Central Pierce Relay For Life, Homeless Connection, Look Good Feel Better Program, and Mountain View Community Center.
Pacific Lutheran University
Founded by a group of Norwegian Lutheran immigrants in 1890, Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private Lutheran university headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. It is among the top 20 universities in the West, and the best colleges for veterans. With roughly 3,100 students enrolled in more than 90 majors, minors, graduate, and professional programs, PLU is an accredited institution by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The university has 4 schools namely School of Business, School of Arts & communication, School of Education and Kinesiology, and School of Nursing, as well as 4 areas of study namely Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Programs. As the first American university to simultaneously offer Study Away classes on all seven continents, PLU allows students to attend off-campus short-term and semester- or year-long programs both locally and globally while earning credits towards their degrees. The university’s Center for Graduate and Continuing Education also offers courses and programs through Partnerships & Professional Development courses for in-service teachers and administrators, the Center for Continued Nursing Learning for nursing professionals, and Lifelong Learning opportunities for adults and industry professionals.
Washington State University
Washington State University, often called Washington State or WSU, is a public land-grant research university headquartered in Pullman, Washington. With additional campuses in Vancouver, Richland, Everett, and Spokane, WSU is among the oldest land-grant universities in the nation that was established in 1890. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations and nearly 150 nationally-ranked graduate and professional degree programs across 11 colleges. These include Agricultural, Human, & Natural Resource Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Engineering & Architecture, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Aside from on-campus programs, WSU also offers online certificates, teaching endorsements, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs which are considered among the best online programs in the United States. With a total enrollment of 20,000, WSU Pullman is the second-largest institution for higher learning in the state, after the University of Washington. As part of fostering global education, WSU students may choose from over 565 study abroad programs in more than 70 countries across all continents.
Whitworth University
Having an affiliation with the Presbyterian church, Whitworth University is a top-ranked private Christian university located in Spokane, Washington. Officially opened in 1883 as Sumner Academy, the university aspires to provide "an education of mind and heart" grounded in the liberal arts. Known as one of the top regional liberal arts colleges and universities in the West, Whitworth houses more than 3,000 students enrolled in over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to offer programs through 4 schools and colleges namely the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Continuing Studies. The programs under the School of Continuing Studies are designed for busy professionals as it offers flexible schedules like online, hybrid and in-person learning, evening classes, transfer-friendly degree options, reduced tuition rate, and accelerated, six-week courses. Students can also explore domestic and international off-campus programs offered through the Office of International Education which include May Term faculty-led programs and study abroad programs in partnership with academic organizations and consortia.
Paroba College
Paroba College is an accredited premier beauty school located in Everett, Washington. The college is housed in a 14,874 square feet facility that includes a public student spa & salon that provides full-service professional hair, nail, and skin services to the public. Known for its 3 days a week schedule, Paroba offers 7 basic and advanced beauty career training programs namely Barbering, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Advanced Esthetics, Master Esthetics, Hair Design, and Beauty Teacher Training. It is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences to offer certificate programs which typically range from 7 to 14 months to finish. Aside from the convenient and flexible schedule options, graduates are eligible to apply for a certification to become a licensed professional in Washington state. Students are also given academic and career counseling, employment, and job placement services throughout their entire stay in the college.
Cornish College of the Arts
Founded by Nellie Cornish in 1914, Cornish College of the Arts (CCA) is a private art college based in Seattle, Washington. With a total enrollment of 635, the college is known for its holistic approach to education which promotes discovery, experimentation, and innovation. With 10 academic departments namely Art, Dance, Design, Film, General Education and Humanities & Sciences, Integrative Arts, Interior Architecture, Music, Performance Production, and Theater, Cornish offers different majors and concentrations under each department. All students are required to take Humanities and Sciences courses during their first year while Visual Arts students are required to undergo the Foundations Program also during their first year in order to introduce them to various approaches to making and thinking. The college was accredited in 1977 by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and in 1995 by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Cornish also offers extension classes that are available to the public which include Ballet, Creative Dance, Jazz, Composition, Pilates, Life Studio, Graphic Design, and many more.
Western Washington University
Headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university with additional locations across Washington which include Anacortes, Bremerton, Everett, Port Angeles, and Poulsbo in partnership with other academic institutions. The main campus was founded in 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal School. WWU offers more than 151 majors, minors, and concentrations, as well as 40 graduate certificate and degree programs across 8 schools and colleges namely College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Graduate School, Huxley College of the Environment, and Woodring College of Education. With more than 16,000 students, the university also offers online courses, term-based programs, self-paced courses, and continuing education courses for current students and professionals. Aside from being the top master’s granting university in the Northwest, WWU earned a Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation as the university organizes community outreach programs like Compass 2 Campus, Multicultural Outreach Tour, and thousands of hours of community service. WWU is also known as one of the most sustainable and green campuses in the United States.
Seattle Pacific University
Established as the Seattle Seminary in 1891, Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university located in Seattle, Washington. Having an affiliation with the Free Methodist Church of North America, it was then renamed in 1915 to Seattle Pacific College. With more than 120 majors and minors and 40 graduate degree programs, SPU houses 7 schools and colleges namely College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Government & Economics, School of Health Sciences, School of Education, School of Psychology, Family & Community, School of Theology, and Seattle Pacific Seminary. The top undergraduate programs in terms of the student population are Psychology, Nursing, Business Administration, Computer Science, Physiology, Communication, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Integrated Studies, and Social Justice/Cultural Studies. With a total enrollment of 3,600, SPU has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1936. The university’s Continuing Professional Education program also provides courses and certificate programs in the fields of art, business, educational leadership, family involvement, music, science, social studies, and travel studies & enrichment.
Central Washington University
Founded as Washington State Normal School in 1891, Central Washington University (CWU) is a public, four-year university headquartered in Ellensburg, Washington. It has 8 University Centers across the state which include Des Moines, Lynnwood, Moses Lake, Yakima, Wenatchee, and Pierce County. Serving nearly 15,000 part-time and full-time students, CWU offers more than 135 undergraduate and 32 graduate degree programs across 7 schools and colleges. These include College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business, College of Education & Professional Studies, School of Education, College of Sciences, William O. Douglas Honors College, and School of Graduate Studies and Research. With more than 20 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, the university is ranked as one of the top universities in the United for online education affordability. The university’s Office of International Studies and Programs is also responsible for providing academic and support services to international students through Study Abroad & Exchange Programs, Asia University America Program, and University English as a Second Language program.
University of Washington - Tacoma Campus
Officially opened in 1990, the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma is a public university based in Tacoma, Washington. It is one of the satellite campuses of UW along with Bothell, and its main campus, Seattle. More than 5,300 students may choose from more than 70 majors, minors, and graduate degree programs across 7 schools. These include the School of Education, School of Engineering & Technology, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, Milgard School of Business, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership, School of Social Work & Criminal Justice, and School of Urban Studies. As a unit of UW, the Tacoma campus, along with some undergraduate and graduate programs, are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Aside from study abroad programs offered by the campus, students may also choose from study abroad programs offered by Seattle and Bothell campuses where they can earn credits towards their degrees while exploring new cultures and expanding their perspectives.
Saint Martin's University
Rooted in a Catholic, Benedictine tradition, Saint Martin's University is a private liberal arts university based in Lacey, Washington. It was established in 1895 by the monks of The Order of St. Benedict, and became a degree-granting academic institution in 1940. More than 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students enroll in nearly 100 majors and degree programs across 4 schools and colleges namely College of Education and Counseling, School of Business, The Hal and Inge Marcus School of Engineering, and College of Arts and Sciences. Aside from these, Saint Martin’s also provides pre-health majors, pre-professional programs, accelerated 4+1 programs, non-degree certificate options, and English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Named as one of the most transformative universities in the United States, the university is dedicated to fostering research and scholarship to its students through getting involved with the Center for Scholarship and Teaching, Scholars Day, and Fulbright Program. Saint Martin’s also values students’ academic excellence outside the university through partnerships with global academic institutions in offering study abroad programs.
Northwest University
As one of the best regional universities in the nation, Northwest University (NU)is a private Christian liberal arts university headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. Founded by the Northwest Ministry Network in 1934, the university has another campus in Salem, Oregon. With an accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the university offers more than 70 associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degree programs across 6 colleges and 2 centers. These are College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, College of Ministry, College of Nursing, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Center for Leadership Studies, and Creatio Center for Technology, Media, and Design. The university also offers nearly 20 online degree programs in the fields of Bible and Theology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Applied Research Psychology, Ministry Leadership, Business Management, and Nursing. NU also supports students who want to expand their knowledge and expertise abroad through establishing study abroad programs with partner academic institutions worldwide.
Alderson Broaddus University
Formerly known as Alderson Broaddus College, Alderson Broaddus University (AB) is a private independent liberal arts university based in Philippi, West Virginia. The university traces its roots back in 1932 during the union of two Baptist liberal arts academic institutions namely Broaddus College and Alderson Academy & Junior College. With more than 30 undergraduate and 4 graduate degree programs, AB is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The university houses 5 colleges namely College of Business, College of Education, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Medical Science, and College of Health, Science, Technology & Mathematics. Among its top majors are Biology, Nursing, Business Administration, Exercise Science, and Criminal Justice, while its graduate programs are Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Anatomy, Master of Education – Teacher Leader, and Executive Master of Science in Information Technology Administration. Aside from these, students and professionals may choose from 3 online degree programs namely Master of Education – Teacher Leader, RN to BSN, and School Health Nurse Program.
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