The Evergreen State ranks among the most educated in the country. Washingtonians hold college degrees at a rate far above the national average, and the state is home to top schools like the University of Washington and Gonzaga University. Regardless of where you live, online learning has made it easier than ever to earn a degree in Washington.
Our guide to the best online colleges in Washington state includes information on top majors, career options, and state scholarships. You'll also find our ranked list of schools, which prioritizes academic quality and affordability.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in the State of Washington
#1 Best Online Colleges in Washington
Bates Technical College
- Tacoma, WA
- 2 years
- Online + Campus
Students from all walks of life can select from a broad array of affordable programs at Bates Technical College. This Tacoma-based public school offers a quality education that can help you achieve your academic and career objectives.
Bates offers a variety of industry-relevant programs both online and on campus. The college's offerings span a variety of disciplines, including business, education, STEM, and the trades. With a total online enrollment of 867, Bates offers two remote degree options and boasts a graduation rate of around 37%.
The annual tuition rate for in-state undergraduates is about $5,370 while out-of-state students pay around $14,990. About 67% of learners at the institution receive some form of financial aid, demonstrating the institution's commitment to supporting students financially. About 4% of enrollees take out loans, and the average financial aid package is approximately $7,420.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Best Online Colleges in Washington
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Catering to working professionals, City University of Seattle (CityU) prioritizes quality education at reasonable prices. With a wide selection of online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, the private institution's virtual programs can help students at all stages of their educational journeys build career-relevant skills and knowledge.
With remote degree options covering subjects like business, education, nursing, public health, and social work, CityU provides a comprehensive range of options for distance learners. The school's 54 online degree programs enroll a total online student body of 1,704.
The university's annual tuition rate for undergraduates is about $13,660, while graduate degree-seekers pay approximately $11,810. CityU enrollees pay the same tuition rates regardless of residency.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Online Colleges in Washington
Lower Columbia College
- Longview, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A public community college located in Longview, Lower Columbia College (LCC) offers associate degrees and certificates in many subjects. The school's online programs provide a challenging education that helps prepare learners to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year college.
LCC hosts an assortment of degree paths in areas like the liberal arts, business, education, healthcare, and social work, along with community education and high school completion programs. The college's three online degree programs enroll a total of 2,219 students. LCC maintains a graduation rate of around 28%.
In-state students can expect to pay about $3,700 in annual tuition, while out-of-state students pay approximately $4,890. LCC reports that 81% of its attendees receive some type of financial aid. The average amount of aid awarded is around $5,930, and about 13% of learners use loans to pay for part or all of their educational costs.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Best Online Colleges in Washington
Gonzaga University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For students seeking affordable programs, Gonzaga University in Spokane offers a diverse range of options at every level. Regardless of your status as an undergraduate, graduate student, or lifelong learner, the private Catholic institution's programs deliver a rigorous course of study that can lead to new opportunities.
Gonzaga offers online degrees at the graduate level only. These programs span a variety of disciplines such as business, education, nursing, and theology. Approximately 11 degrees are available remotely, with a total online enrollment of 6,925. With a graduation rate of around 88%, it is clear that the university succeeds in helping a significant number of students earn their degrees in a timely manner.
Gonzaga's annual undergraduate tuition rate is about $46,060. Graduate tuition costs around $17,300 a year. Both in-state and out-of-state enrollees pay the same prices. According to Gonzaga, 100% of its students receive financial aid, indicating that the university provides effective financial aid counseling.
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Best Online Colleges in Washington
Whitworth University
- Spokane, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Graduate and undergraduate students can benefit from Whitworth University's affordable online programs, which are available in a variety of fields. Based in Spokane, this private Presbyterian-affiliated institution provides a robust liberal arts education that prepares learners to pursue diverse careers or further study.
Whitworth's offers an assortment of online degree options in fields like business, education, public health, social work, and the humanities. The school's graduation rate of around 77% attests to the university's commitment to student success.
The same tuition prices apply to both in-state and out-of-state learners at Whitworth. Annual tuition rate for undergraduates is about $45,050, while graduate degree-seekers pay a much lower rate of approximately $12,310. Whitworth reports that all of its students are able to receive some form of financial aid.
Percent Online Enrollment
13%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric -- affordability -- accounts for 60% of our formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
As of January 2024, Washington state ranks first in the nation for awarding need-based financial aid to college students.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in the State of Washington
Online colleges in Washington state prepare you to enter a competitive job market with many career options. Like many parts of the country, Washington expects continued growth in information technology and healthcare careers from 2020-2030. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also reports high salaries for various fields, including health services and computer and information systems.
This chart highlights fast-growing careers in Washington, along with projected job growth and annual salary rates.
Fast-Growing Careers in Washington State
| Job |
Projected Growth, 2020-2030 |
Annual Mean Wage in Washington, May 2023 |
| Nurse Practitioners |
51% |
$145,400 |
| Information Security Analysts |
48% |
$148,090 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists |
43% |
$106,420 |
| Software Developers |
37% |
$159,990 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers |
30% |
$207,390 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
27% |
$152,880 |
| General and Operations Managers |
22% |
$144,420 |
| Business Operations Specialists |
20% |
$96,850 |
| Accountants and Auditors |
17% |
$97,120 |
| Registered Nurses |
16% |
$111,030 |
Source: BLS, Projections Central
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Washington's Job Market
If you're researching online colleges in Washington state with job-preparedness in mind, consider these four popular majors. These programs develop skills that can apply to many different career paths. Many majors also let you choose specializations, which can help you distinguish yourself on the job market.
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Business Administration
A business administration major can prepare you for many different career paths since nearly all professional fields include some aspects of business. Many business programs feature concentrations in healthcare management and information systems.
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Computer Science/Information Technology
Computer science and IT are versatile fields that develop skills to apply in various roles and sectors. This major builds knowledge of computer systems and data management practices. You can often choose a specialization area, such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.
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Nursing
Nursing ranks among the most popular professional degrees since it prepares you to enter the healthcare industry immediately after graduation. A nursing degree builds skills in health promotion and care, training you to treat patients and assist doctors. Nursing degrees may also offer specializations in fields like oncology and pediatrics.
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Management
These degrees focus on strategies for business leadership and growth. Management programs give you the skills to organize businesses and use resources effectively. This major focuses on business skills alongside communication and team leadership, making it useful for many career paths.
Cost of Living in Washington State
The cost of living in Washington ranks higher than the national average. The Seattle metro area is particularly expensive, driving up the state's average cost of living.
If you're attending one of the many online colleges in Washington state, you may be able to save money on secondary expenses like transportation. Online college can also help you attend school in a more expensive part of the state without having to relocate.
Average Cost of Living in Washington State
| Cost of Living Category |
Average Cost Per Month |
| Housing |
$1,600 |
| Groceries & Food |
$392 |
| Transportation |
$828 |
| Medical Care |
$212 |
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator, using data for 1 adult without children
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Colleges in Washington
Scholarships and grants provide funding for college that never needs to be repaid. This form of aid is often based on academic performance. Grants may be need-based and only consider your level of financial need.
These five scholarships can help you save on tuition at most of the online colleges in Washington state.
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program offers financial support if you're studying STEM or healthcare. To apply, you must hold Washington state residency, demonstrate financial need, and enroll in at least three credits of courses each academic term.
The College Bound Scholarship is open to any student graduating from a Washington state high school. To apply for this award, a candidate must enroll in college within one year of graduating high school, demonstrate income eligibility, and meet state residency requirements.
The Washington College Grant program provides funding for many kinds of education, including college, job training, and professional certification. To apply for this grant, you only need to complete the FAFSA (or the WAFSA if you're an undocumented student). Depending on your financial need, you could receive funding for most or all of your college education.
Candidates with close ties to the Washington state American Indian community can receive up to $2,000 each year from this scholarship. To apply, they must hold Washington residency and demonstrate financial need. This award mainly serves upper-division undergraduates and graduate students, but anyone with a community connection can apply.
The Opportunity Grant offers funding for one year of full-time college enrollment in Washington state, along with $1,000 for textbooks and other school supplies. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Washington
Washington State officially ended its reciprocity agreements with neighboring states Oregon and Idaho in the 2000s. However, the state now participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), along with 15 other states. Members include neighbors Oregon and Idaho, along with other Western states, such as Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. If you live in a WUE state, you may be able to attend online colleges in Washington state while paying no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Washington
Are online courses in Washington cheaper than in-person courses?
No — online colleges in Washington state are not always cheaper than in-person colleges, though this varies among schools. For example, during the 2023-2024 school year, Western Washington University charged $267 per credit for in-person courses and $165 per credit for self-paced online courses. However, Washington State University charged about the same price for online and in-person credits.
What is the most affordable college in the state of Washington?
The most affordable online colleges in Washington state are Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College. Operating as part of the same community college district, the two schools offer an annual tuition rate of around $4,060 for the 2023-2024 school year.
What is the best online college degree to get in the state of Washington?
The best online degree in Washington state matches your personal and professional interests. However, if you're most interested in a high-paying, fast-growing career, majors related to business administration, information technology, and healthcare are usually safe choices.
How long do you have to live in Washington to get in-state tuition?
You must live in Washington for at least 12 consecutive months to get in-state tuition. You'll also need a Washington state driver's license or ID, voter registration, and a Washington bank account. If you own a vehicle, you must also register it in Washington.
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