2027 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington

About

First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

Sort by:

View as:

Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	University of Washington-Seattle Campus	95	41.75	1,320 – 1,520	11784	62979	#1 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA As a large school, the University of Washington, Seattle has a 20 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. Many freshmen come from Washington, Oregon, and California. 95% will stay on after their first year. Computer Science is a commonly pursued program. First Year Retention Rate 95 % Acceptance Rate 41.8% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,520 Avg. Net Price $11,784 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
2	Gonzaga University	90	79.62	1,250 – 1,410	40117	66525	#2 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Gonzaga University Spokane, WA Named after the Jesuit Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Gonzaga University sits on a 152-acre campus alongside the Spokane River. The school has a first year retention rate of 90%. 85% will graduate within six years. Part of the West Coast Conference, top sports include Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. First Year Retention Rate 90 % 3.2% Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 1,250 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $40,117 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $66,525
3	Whitman College	89.23	40.16	1,320 – 1,500	37633	45594	#3 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Whitman College Walla Walla, WA Whitman College is a small liberal arts college located at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Founded in 1859, it now offers over 80 off-campus programs in around 40 countries. With a 10 to 1 student-faculty ratio and a 1 to 1 student-to-tree ratio, students will find it a cozy and earthy community....Read more First Year Retention Rate 89 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 40.2% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,500 Avg. Net Price $37,633 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,594
4	University of Puget Sound	87.91	72.41	1,220 – 1,410	43188	46802	#4 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA 99% of students attending the University of Puget Sound receive grant aid, averaging $35,179 each. 87% stay on after they finish their first year, and classes are small with a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1. Occupational Therapy/Therapist is a popular area of study. First Year Retention Rate 88 % 4.6% Acceptance Rate 72.4% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $43,188 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,802
5	University of Washington-Bothell Campus	86	86.4	1,050 – 1,370	10777	62979	#5 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA The University of Washington, Bothell accepts 86% of applicants – 23% enroll and 86% stay on after finishing their first year. Computer Science, Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are the most popular undergraduate programs. First Year Retention Rate 86 % Acceptance Rate 86.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $10,777 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
6	Seattle University	85.4	73.13	1,220 – 1,380	36948	64656	#6 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Seattle University Seattle, WA Based in Seattle, Seattle University accepted 73% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $60 for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students attending Seattle University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % 1.4% Acceptance Rate 73.1% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $36,948 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,656
7	Walla Walla University	85	60.4	1,050 – 1,270	25505	52840	#7 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Walla Walla University College Place, WA Walla Walla University is fairly selective, and 31% of accepted students enroll. Students experience a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 85% return to the school after completing their first year. Social Work, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are popular programs. First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $25,505 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
8	Northwest University	80.5	88.65	1,090 – 1,290	24251	50495	#8 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Northwest University Kirkland, WA Found in Kirkland, Northwest University accepted 89% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Northwest University will receive grant aid from the school. At Northwest University, there is a 80% first year......Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % 4.0% Acceptance Rate 88.7% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $24,251 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,495
9	Pacific Lutheran University	80.47	86.6	1,050 – 1,270	22299	52212	#9 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, WA Pacific Lutheran University’s motto is “Education for Lives of Thoughtful Inquiry, Service, Leadership, and Care.” Many students study Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business Administration and Management, and General. The school opened in 1894, where tuition was $1 per week....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 1.9% Acceptance Rate 86.6% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $22,299 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,212
10	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	80.47	82.95	920 – 1,220	13898	62979	#10 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, WA The University of Washington, Tacoma campus sits in the historic Union Station District, with views of Mount Rainier and the Port of Tacoma. The school offers up to Doctor's degrees and follows a quarter academic schedule....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 0.6% Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 920 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $13,898 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
11	Washington State University	79.99	86.1	990 – 1,280	18171	53510	#11 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Washington State University Pullman, WA One of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Washington and the West, Washington State University is a Doctoral/Research Universities—Extensive school. There are 150 programs to choose from – Psychology, General is a popular one....Read more First Year Retention Rate 80 % 2.2% Acceptance Rate 86.1% SAT Score 990 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $18,171 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,510
12	Western Washington University	79.2	93.71	1,070 – 1,340	24338	45272	#12 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Located in Bellingham, Western Washington University accepts 94% of applicants and requests $70 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 90% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 79 % 0.3% Acceptance Rate 93.7% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $24,338 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,272
13	Whitworth University	78	89.78	1,090 – 1,340	27605	49510	#13 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Whitworth University Spokane, WA Whitworth University’s motto is “Education of Mind and Heart.” The most common majors and programs include Business Administration and Management, General, Biological and Physical Sciences, and Elementary Education and Teaching. 78% of students return after completing their first year, and 70% will graduate within 6 years. First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 1,090 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $27,605 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,510
14	Northwest College of Art & Design	77	65.98	--	14818	27505	#14 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Northwest College of Art & Design Tacoma, WA Located in Tacoma, Northwest College of Art & Design accepted 66% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 29% of students at Northwest College of Art & Design will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 66.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $14,818 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,505
15	Saint Martin's University	74.38	93.45	970 – 1,240	29116	57998	#15 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA Located in Lacey, Saint Martin's University accepted 93% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 99% of students attending Saint Martin's University will receive institutional grant aid. 74% of students......Read more First Year Retention Rate 74 % 14.4% Acceptance Rate 93.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $29,116 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,998
16	Seattle Pacific University	73	93.01	1,040 – 1,320	25232	51496	#16 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Seattle Pacific University Seattle, WA The motto of Seattle Pacific University is “Engaging the Culture, Changing the World.” It’s a private institution, affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, offering 75 programs. Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Business/Commerce, General, Psychology, and General are popular options....Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 0.9% Acceptance Rate 93.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,232 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,496
17	Eastern Washington University	72	85.26	990 – 1,100	14767	46469	#17 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA Found in Cheney, Eastern Washington University accepted 85% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 70% of students attending Eastern Washington University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 72 % 7.2% Acceptance Rate 85.3% SAT Score 990 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $14,767 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,469
18	DigiPen Institute of Technology	71.9	90.26	1,160 – 1,410	41779	58771	#18 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington DigiPen Institute of Technology Redmond, WA The DigiPen Institute of Technology has 7 areas of study available to students, with a focus on computer science, music, animation, and similar fields. A private for-profit university, it also has campuses in Singapore and Spain. The school's DigiPen Academy has a Youtube and adult education program dedicated to STEM fields. First Year Retention Rate 72 % 5.6% Acceptance Rate 90.3% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $41,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,771
19	The Evergreen State College	71.1	97.47	1,060 – 1,340	18350	34774	#19 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA Based in Olympia, The Evergreen State College accepted 97% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 78% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 71% and around 40% of students will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 97.5% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $18,350 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,774
20	Central Washington University	70	90.61	950 – 1,170	19898	49398	#20 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA Located in Ellensburg, Central Washington University’s acceptance rate is 91% and requests $60 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 74% of students attending Central Washington University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 70 % Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $19,898 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,398
21	Faith International University	67	100	--	25165	52989	#21 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Faith International University Tacoma, WA Based in Tacoma, Faith International University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 80% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. They are given $2,325 on average. The first year retention rate is 67%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $25,165 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,989
22	Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education	57.14	86.9	--	34897	50495	#22 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland, WA Based in Kirkland, Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education accepts 87% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 12% of students at Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education currently receive institutional grant......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % 8.6% Acceptance Rate 86.9% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $34,897 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,495
23	Heritage University	57	100	--	15563	47001	#23 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Heritage University Toppenish, WA Located in Toppenish, Heritage University accepted 100% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 87% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 57% and around 24% of......Read more First Year Retention Rate 57 % Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,563 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,001
24	Northwest Indian College	55	0	--	4048	29768	#24 2027 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Washington Northwest Indian College Bellingham, WA First Year Retention Rate 55 % Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $4,048 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,768