2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Washington

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Whitman College	1561	38.15	1,330 – 1,480	41601	45594	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 9 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 Undergraduates 1,561 Acceptance Rate 38.2% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $41,601 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,594
2	Gonzaga University	5281	81.69	1,220 – 1,390	40295	66525	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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 93%. 85% will graduate within six years. Part of the West Coast Conference, top sports include Basketball, Baseball, and Soccer. Undergraduates 5,281 Acceptance Rate 81.7% SAT Score 1,220 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $40,295 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $66,525
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus	40754	39.15	1,310 – 1,510	11023	62979	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 40,754 Acceptance Rate 39.2% SAT Score 1,310 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $11,023 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
4	Seattle University	4103	77.03	1,150 – 1,370	37103	64656	#4 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Seattle University Seattle, WA Based in Seattle, Seattle University accepted 77% 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 Undergraduates 4,103 Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,150 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $37,103 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $64,656
5	University of Puget Sound	1594	72.25	1,200 – 1,390	42301	46802	#5 2026 Best Colleges in Washington University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA Found in Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound’s acceptance rate is 72%. Undergraduates have to pay $65 to apply. About 99% of students at the University of Puget Sound will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 1,594 Acceptance Rate 72.3% SAT Score 1,200 – 1,390 Avg. Net Price $42,301 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,802
6	University of Washington-Bothell Campus	5472	90.6	1,080 – 1,370	10013	62979	#6 2026 Best Colleges in Washington University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, WA Located in Bothell, the University of Washington-Bothell Campus’s acceptance rate is 91% and charges $60 for undergraduate applications. About 33% of students attending the University of Washington-Bothell Campus will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 86% of students continued studying......Read more Undergraduates 5,472 Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,370 Avg. Net Price $10,013 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
7	Whitworth University	1939	86.77	1,100 – 1,340	27491	49510	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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, Psychology, General, and Elementary Education and Teaching. 77% of students return after completing their first year, and 75% will graduate within 6 years. Undergraduates 1,939 Acceptance Rate 86.8% SAT Score 1,100 – 1,340 Avg. Net Price $27,491 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,510
8	Pacific Lutheran University	2446	78	1,070 – 1,290	23841	52212	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 2,446 Acceptance Rate 78.0% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $23,841 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,212
9	DigiPen Institute of Technology	1016	67.2	1,190 – 1,410	40015	58771	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,016 Acceptance Rate 67.2% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $40,015 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $58,771
10	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	4207	82.52	970 – 1,220	11290	62979	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,207 Acceptance Rate 82.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $11,290 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $62,979
11	Seattle Pacific University	1776	83.39	1,070 – 1,310	26155	51496	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 77 programs....Read more Undergraduates 1,776 Acceptance Rate 83.4% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $26,155 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,496
12	Walla Walla University	1238	60.4	1,050 – 1,270	26001	52840	#12 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Walla Walla University College Place, WA Walla Walla University is fairly selective, and 30% of accepted students enroll. Students experience a 13 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 84% return to the school after completing their first year. Social Work, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are popular programs. Undergraduates 1,238 Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,050 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $26,001 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,840
13	Western Washington University	13752	93.25	1,110 – 1,330	22096	45272	#13 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Western Washington University Bellingham, WA Located in Bellingham, Western Washington University accepts 93% of applicants and requests $70 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 89% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 13,752 Acceptance Rate 93.3% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $22,096 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,272
14	Northwest University	695	80.97	1,020 – 1,320	25917	50495	#14 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Northwest University Kirkland, WA Found in Kirkland, Northwest University accepted 81% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 99% of students attending Northwest University will receive grant aid from the school. At Northwest University, there is a 83% first year......Read more Undergraduates 695 Acceptance Rate 81.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $25,917 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $50,495
15	Washington State University	14346	87.97	1,020 – 1,260	18155	53510	#15 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Washington State University Pullman, WA Found in Pullman, Washington State University’s acceptance rate is 88% and requires $70 for undergraduate applications and $75 for graduate applications. About 83% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. At Washington State University, there is a 79% first year retention rate and 37% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 14,346 Acceptance Rate 88.0% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $18,155 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,510
16	Saint Martin's University	1210	89.8	940 – 1,170	22779	57998	#16 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Saint Martin's University Lacey, WA Located in Lacey, Saint Martin's University accepted 90% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requires unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 83% of students attending Saint Martin's University will receive institutional grant aid. 65% of students......Read more Undergraduates 1,210 Acceptance Rate 89.8% SAT Score 940 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $22,779 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $57,998
17	Central Washington University	10033	90.61	950 – 1,170	15558	49398	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 88% of students attending Central Washington University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 10,033 Acceptance Rate 90.6% SAT Score 950 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $15,558 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,398
18	The Evergreen State College	2303	96.38	1,080 – 1,290	18480	34774	#18 2026 Best Colleges in Washington The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA Based in Olympia, The Evergreen State College accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 75% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid. The college’s first year retention rate is 73% and around 31% of students will......Read more Undergraduates 2,303 Acceptance Rate 96.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,290 Avg. Net Price $18,480 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,774
19	Eastern Washington University	6951	94.37	990 – 1,120	13786	46469	#19 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA Found in Cheney, Eastern Washington University accepted 94% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require $60 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 73% of students attending Eastern Washington University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,951 Acceptance Rate 94.4% SAT Score 990 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $13,786 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,469
20	Cornish College of the Arts	502	70.46	--	40164	27580	#20 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Cornish College of the Arts Seattle, WA Undergraduates 502 Acceptance Rate 70.5% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $40,164 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $27,580
21	Northwest College of Art & Design	150	76.32	--	20185	51847	#21 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Northwest College of Art & Design Tacoma, WA Located in Tacoma, Northwest College of Art & Design accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. Approximately 20% of students at Northwest College of Art & Design will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more Undergraduates 150 Acceptance Rate 76.3% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $20,185 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $51,847
22	Heritage University	783	75.96	--	11934	47001	#22 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Heritage University Toppenish, WA Located in Toppenish, Heritage University accepted 76% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. About 92% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. The college’s first year retention rate is 84% and around 29% of......Read more Undergraduates 783 Acceptance Rate 76.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $11,934 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,001
23	Faith International University	196	89.36	--	18361	52989	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Faith International University Tacoma, WA Undergraduates 196 Acceptance Rate 89.4% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $18,361 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,989
24	Northwest Indian College	696	0	--	9875	29768	#24 2026 Best Colleges in Washington Northwest Indian College Bellingham, WA Undergraduates 696 Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $9,875 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $29,768