Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024
Small colleges in Washington are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Washington 2024
- Whitman College
- Evergreen State College
- University of Puget Sound
- Seattle Pacific University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- City University of Seattle
- Walla Walla University
- Whitworth University
- Saint Martin's University
- Evergreen State College
- Whitman College
- University of Puget Sound
- Seattle Pacific University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Walla Walla University
- Whitworth University
- City University of Seattle
- DigiPen Institute of Technology
- Saint Martin's University
- Saint Martin's University 95%
- Northwest University 94%
- Seattle Pacific University 91%
- Whitworth University 91%
- Pacific Lutheran University 89%
- University of Puget Sound 83%
- Evergreen State College 74%
- DigiPen Institute of Technology 66%
- Whitman College 48%
- South Seattle College 32 to 1
- Bellingham Technical College 22 to 1
- Clover Park Technical College 19 to 1
- Evergreen State College 17 to 1
- North Seattle College 17 to 1
- Skagit Valley College 17 to 1
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology 16 to 1
- Yakima Valley College 15 to 1
- Grays Harbor College 14 to 1
- Peninsula College 14 to 1
- Whitman College $58,622
- University of Puget Sound $57,626
- Pacific Lutheran University $50,928
- Whitworth University $48,990
- Saint Martin's University $42,220
- Seattle Pacific University $37,158
- DigiPen Institute of Technology $36,100
- Northwest University $35,000
- Walla Walla University $31,758
- Heritage University $19,500
- University of Puget Sound $37,307
- Pacific Lutheran University $32,116
- DigiPen Institute of Technology $29,740
- Walla Walla University $27,105
- Seattle Pacific University $19,764
- Northwest University $19,188
- Antioch University Seattle $19,128
- Saint Martin's University $15,312
- Whitworth University $12,816
- Evergreen State College $12,021
- Renton Technical College
- Grays Harbor College
- Yakima Valley College
- South Seattle College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Heritage University
- Whatcom Community College
- North Seattle College
- Centralia College
- Renton Technical College
- Bellingham Technical College
- Grays Harbor College
- Yakima Valley College
- Whatcom Community College
- Centralia College
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- South Seattle College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Antioch University Seattle
- Whitman College 48%
- DigiPen Institute of Technology 66%
- Evergreen State College 74%
- University of Puget Sound 83%
- Pacific Lutheran University 89%
- Whitworth University 91%
- Seattle Pacific University 91%
- Northwest University 94%
- Saint Martin's University 95%
- Antioch University Seattle 3 to 1
- City University of Seattle 6 to 1
- Heritage University 8 to 1
- Renton Technical College 9 to 1
- Whitman College 9 to 1
- Northwest University 9 to 1
- University of Puget Sound 9 to 1
- Whitworth University 10 to 1
- DigiPen Institute of Technology 10 to 1
- Pacific Lutheran University 11 to 1
- Bellingham Technical College $3,102
- Spokane Falls Community College $3,102
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology $3,102
- Whatcom Community College $3,527
- Renton Technical College $3,882
- Skagit Valley College $3,917
- Peninsula College $3,927
- Grays Harbor College $3,928
- Wenatchee Valley College $4,458
- Centralia College $4,458
- Heritage University $10,020
- City University of Seattle $11,812
- Evergreen State College $12,021
- Whitworth University $12,816
- Saint Martin's University $15,312
- Antioch University Seattle $19,128
- Northwest University $19,188
- Seattle Pacific University $19,764
- Walla Walla University $27,105
- DigiPen Institute of Technology $29,740
Colleges and Universities in Washington
Of the 40 public options, the University of Washington in Seattle is the largest. Roughly 40,000 students attend classes in fields like nursing, education, biology, and computer science. This public research institution is also affordable, charging about $11,000 for tuition. In fact, none of the public schools in Washington exceed $12,000 in price. This includes community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities, making Washington a uniquely affordable place to earn your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Find college admissions consultants in your state.
Washington also has 24 private institutions. Of those, nine are religious. The most widely known of these, Catholic university Gonzaga enrolls roughly 7,000 students, at a cost of $40,000, in areas such as religious studies, engineering, and law. Central Washington University (CWU) is a smaller public school, serving just over 12,000 students, and has a tuition of $8,000. With 15% of its population being Hispanic, CWU is now recognized as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution. Washington health professions also have the opportunity to receive funding for loan repayment through Washington’s Health Professional Loan Repayment Program.
Set in the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers ocean beaches and lush forests. In fact, over half the state is covered in forests, earning Washington its nickname as The Evergreen State. Viewers atop the Space Needle in Seattle can take in the sights of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and both the Cascades and Olympic mountain ranges. In addition, prospective students can choose from over 60 higher education institutions in the state.
Check out the top higher education programs and find an affordable degree in Washington.
What are Washington’s Colleges & Universities?
- 5 Research Universities
- 42 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 32 Public Colleges & Universities
- 15 Private Colleges & Universities
- 8 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 27 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 35 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 33 Community Colleges
- Best Online Colleges
Washington’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Washington is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 27 small colleges in Washington. The list below of the 30 best small colleges in Washington. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Washington 2023
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
48%
Graduation
90%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1383/31
Career Outlook for degree at Whitman College
Cost of Degree: $58,622Expenses: $16,420Starting Salary: $59,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitman College known for?
Whitman College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Literature
- Engineering
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
41%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1100/25
Career Outlook for degree at Evergreen State College
Cost of Degree: $8,750Expenses: $18,271Starting Salary: $36,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Evergreen State College known for?
Evergreen State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
76%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1280/29
Career Outlook for degree at University of Puget Sound
Cost of Degree: $57,626Expenses: $17,944Starting Salary: $59,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Puget Sound known for?
University of Puget Sound’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Physics
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Mathematics
- Literature
- Political Science
- Anthropology
Most Influential Alumni
- #8 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
65%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/23
Career Outlook for degree at Seattle Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $37,158Expenses: $18,579Starting Salary: $54,200Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Seattle Pacific University known for?
Seattle Pacific University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Business
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
72%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1338/28
Career Outlook for degree at Pacific Lutheran University
Cost of Degree: $50,256Expenses: $14,976Starting Salary: $53,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Pacific Lutheran University known for?
Pacific Lutheran University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Literature
- Religious Studies
- History
- Biology
- Economics
- Business
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024 #24 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
60%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1286/28
Career Outlook for degree at DigiPen Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $35,900Expenses: $18,344Starting Salary: $82,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is DigiPen Institute of Technology known for?
DigiPen Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Business Management Bachelor's Programs
- #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #17 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
Tuition + fees
$14K
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at City University of Seattle
Cost of Degree: $13,558Starting Salary: $53,400What is City University of Seattle known for?
City University of Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$32K
Graduation
63%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Walla Walla University
Cost of Degree: $31,758Expenses: $12,717Starting Salary: $50,900Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Walla Walla University known for?
Walla Walla University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Biology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
76%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/23
Career Outlook for degree at Whitworth University
Cost of Degree: $48,990Expenses: $17,323Starting Salary: $48,000Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whitworth University known for?
Whitworth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1052/21
Career Outlook for degree at Saint Martin's University
Cost of Degree: $42,220Expenses: $17,840Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Saint Martin's University known for?
Saint Martin's University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Literature
- Medical
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #7 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
42%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Peninsula College
Cost of Degree: $4,439Starting Salary: $33,100What is Peninsula College known for?
Peninsula College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Wenatchee Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,968Expenses: $14,186Starting Salary: $36,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wenatchee Valley College known for?
Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for degree at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $4,710Starting Salary: $47,200What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology known for?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$19K
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Antioch University Seattle
Cost of Degree: $19,410Starting Salary: $41,800What is Antioch University Seattle known for?
Antioch University Seattle’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Washington 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024 #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Washington 2024 #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Career Outlook for degree at Northwest University
Cost of Degree: $35,000Expenses: $13,848Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Northwest University known for?
Northwest University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Nursing
- Political Science
- Literature
- History
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #10 Best Community Colleges in Washington 2024 #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Spokane Falls Community College
Cost of Degree: $3,928Starting Salary: $34,900What is Spokane Falls Community College known for?
Spokane Falls Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Skagit Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,748Expenses: $13,610Starting Salary: $36,100Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Skagit Valley College known for?
Skagit Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Centralia College
Cost of Degree: $4,891Expenses: $20,982Starting Salary: $35,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Centralia College known for?
Centralia College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
28%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at North Seattle College
Cost of Degree: $5,058Starting Salary: $43,200What is North Seattle College known for?
North Seattle College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
42%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Whatcom Community College
Cost of Degree: $4,982Expenses: $22,389Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Whatcom Community College known for?
Whatcom Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
45%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Heritage University
Cost of Degree: $19,500Starting Salary: $36,800What is Heritage University known for?
Heritage University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
45%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Clover Park Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,979Starting Salary: $37,900What is Clover Park Technical College known for?
Clover Park Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
31%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellingham Technical College
Cost of Degree: $4,095Starting Salary: $48,100What is Bellingham Technical College known for?
Bellingham Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
34%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for degree at South Seattle College
Cost of Degree: $4,865Starting Salary: $43,600What is South Seattle College known for?
South Seattle College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
27%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Yakima Valley College
Cost of Degree: $4,998Expenses: $13,067Starting Salary: $36,800Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yakima Valley College known for?
Yakima Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$5K
Graduation
39%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Grays Harbor College
Cost of Degree: $4,605Starting Salary: $32,400What is Grays Harbor College known for?
Grays Harbor College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$6K
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Renton Technical College
Cost of Degree: $5,784Starting Salary: $43,000What is Renton Technical College known for?
Renton Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Washington’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in North Dakota and Michigan.