Introduction: Welcome to Seattle – A Hub of Higher Education
Seattle is known for several things, including their beautiful evergreen forests, picturesque mountains, and outdoor recreation. It’s known as the best city in the Pacific Northwest. Beyond scenery and leisure, Seattle is also a booming tech hub in the United States. Seattle features some of the best colleges in the state of Washington.
If you’re seeking higher education, you also have several options for colleges in Seattle. There are about six four-year nonprofit colleges and universities in Seattle. You can also pursue colleges and universities in nearby cities.
Higher Education Landscape: Exploring Colleges and Universities in Seattle
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Featured Programs
| Acceptance rate | 48% |
| Graduation rate | 83% |
| Average in-state tuition | $12,645 |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $41,997 |
| Total student enrollment | 60,081 |
The University of Washington is one of the best colleges in Seattle, Washington, offering over 180+ majors. It’s the largest higher learning institution in the state, enrolling no less than 60,000 students each year. UW’s top majors include public affairs, education, healthcare, aviation, and business.
UW is among the best schools for students who want to participate in a competitive learning environment. According to student and alumni reviews, UW offers the same level of rigor as Georgetown and Yale.
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
| Acceptance rate | 85% |
| Graduation rate | 75% |
| Average tuition | $18,540 |
| Total student enrollment | 7,172 |
Seattle University is a top-tier private Jesuit school that prioritizes individualized learning experiences. SeattleU offers diverse academic programs, from the arts and science to business and technology. Yet, their most popular majors are nursing and law.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA
| Acceptance rate | 91% |
| Graduation rate | 67% |
| Average tuition | $12,655 |
| Total student enrollment | 2,428 |
| Acceptance rate | 91% |
Another globally competitive private university in Seattle is Seattle Pacific University. SPU is mostly known for its ethnic diversity and denominational affiliation. The university emphasizes a holistic education integrating faith, academics, and service. Beyond that, SPU is proud of its tight-knit campus community full of extracurriculars.
Antioch University-Seattle
Seattle, WA
| Acceptance rate | 79% |
| Graduation rate | 54.2% |
| Average in-state tuition | $19,260 |
| Total student enrollment | 779 |
Antioch University is one of the most progressive private universities in the United States. The Seattle campus is renowned for its innovative education approach and commitment to social, environmental, and economic justice. The Antioch Seattle building is one of the most modern yet sustainable buildings nationwide.
Antioch is one of the most expensive Seattle area colleges. Nevertheless, they offer excellent financial aid services to help students reduce educational costs.
Bastyr University
Kenmore, WA
| Acceptance rate | 94% |
| Graduation rate | 84.5% |
| Average tuition | $29,820 |
| Total student enrollment | 742 |
Are you looking to study alternative medicine? You can consider Bastyr University, a private university specializing in acupuncture and East Asian medicine programs. The university is located only 13 miles from Seattle.
The university’s faculty consists of leading experts in their fields. They are dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education grounded in both traditional wisdom and cutting-edge research.
Bellevue College
Bellevue, WA
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 39.8% |
| Average in-state tuition | $4,159 |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $9,838 |
| Total student enrollment | 19,134 |
Bellevue College, the largest among Washington Community and Technical Colleges, is renowned as the third-largest institution of higher education in the state. It’s mostly known for embracing accessibility and inclusivity with an open admission policy.
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA
| Acceptance rate | 100% |
| Graduation rate | 38.7% |
| Average tuition | $19,933 |
| Total student enrollment | 6,427 |
The top answer for “What colleges are in Seattle for online learning?” is City University of Seattle. City U is a private university founded by a group of business leaders and educators. To make education more accessible, City U is focused on providing nontraditional students opportunities to pursue higher education with less hassle.
Cornish College of the Arts
Seattle, WA
| Acceptance rate | 71.1% |
| Graduation rate | 55.1% |
| Average tuition | $40,038 |
| Total student enrollment | 455 |
If you’re looking for the best arts universities in Seattle area, Cornish College of the Arts should be at the top of your list. This private institution is designed solely for artists, citizens, and innovators. For 110 years, the college has been inspiring artistic excellence.
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA
| Acceptance rate | 94.3% |
| Graduation rate | 59.3% |
| Average tuition | $26,182 |
| Total student enrollment | 723 |
Northwest University is a private university located only 20 minutes away from Seattle. Renowned for its Christian ethos, the university also excels in digital gaming, nurturing talent in this vastly growing field.
University of Puget Sound
| Acceptance rate | 82.7% |
| Graduation rate | 76.2% |
| Average tuition | $31,155 |
| Total student enrollment | 1,712 |
Despite its distance from Seattle, we’ve included the University of Puget Sound on the list for good reasons. Puget Sound is a top-searched school for Seattle students seeking a progressive liberal arts education. Beyond liberal arts, the university is also applauded for its academic offerings in healthcare and education.
Why Choose Seattle? Discovering the Benefits of Studying in The Emerald City
Beyond the quality of the universities and colleges in Seattle WA, the city also offers a great living experience as one of the fastest growing cities in the US. Seattle offers the best of both worlds for students, from scenic views and leisure activities to career and networking opportunities. Seattle provides a holistic environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
There are more than just 4 year colleges in Seattle. Each part of the city offers different experiences.
- Downtown: offers a bustling urban experience.
- Capitol Hill: blends college vibes with creative energy.
- Fremont: perfect for students who want to experience a quirky culture.
- Ballard: best place to take a break from the city
- International District: the hub for some of the best food in Seattle.
Finding the Right College: Exploring Programs and Campus Life in Seattle
There are several colleges in Seattle, each offering distinct learning experiences. It’s important to look beyond the school’s academic programs and evaluate each school’s campus life, extracurricular activities, support services, and overall community.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best art college in Seattle, enroll at the Cornish College of the Arts. This school is located in Capitol Hill, which blends college life and creative energy, attracting students interested in the arts, music, and activism.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the best schools in Seattle for business opportunities, consider those in or near downtown Seattle.
Here are quick tips for narrowing down the perfect school:
- Create a list of colleges
- Know what you want and need from the college experience
- Tour college campuses
- Compare tuition and financial aid packages
- Compare the advantages and disadvantages of each college
Conclusion: Empowering Your Educational Journey in Seattle
Seattle offers dynamic learning experiences, with colleges and universities located in different city areas. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling urban energy of Downtown or the creative vibes of Capitol Hill, there’s a college for you.
However, if you don’t find a college within the city but still want to experience Seattle, consider its surrounding areas. With colleges like Northwest University in Kirkland or Bellevue College in Bellevue, you can still enjoy the proximity to Seattle while experiencing a slightly different pace of life.