Colleges and Universities in Washington

Washington offers wide variety of postsecondary education opportunities.

Two major research universities: the University of Washington and Washington State University. And four branch campuses: UW Tacoma & UW Bothell; and WSU Vancouver & WSU Tri-Cities.  See a complete list of Colleges and Universities in Washington.

Four comprehensive institutions: Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College. Plus ten university centers, many of which are operated jointly by two- and four-year institutions. In addition, there are numerous teaching sites throughout the state.

Thirty-four public community and technical colleges offer a variety of educational programs including certificate programs, associate degrees, and some applied baccalaureate degrees. Find out more about the programs offered by visiting the website for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

Many independent colleges and universities provide top-quality postsecondary education opportunities to students in Washington. Among them are the 10 long-standing institutions that comprise the Independent Colleges of Washington. Other colleges operating in Washington are listed here.

Private career schools in Washington offer workforce development, job training, certificates, or degrees. The state's Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board has information on licensed programs and the Northwest Career Colleges Federation advocates for private career colleges and schools.

Online or Distance Learning Programs are available at most colleges and universities in Washington.  The state has established a formal partnership with Western Governors University, an online, nonprofit, competency-based university providing bachelor's and master's degrees in select programs with flat-rate tuition.
 

More Resources

Not sure where to start? 

Career Bridge is a one-stop, searchable database of education and training programs throughout Washington state where you'll find: the state's Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List; average earnings and employment outlook for your career choice; what you'll need to learn to get those jobs -- and where to go to get the training and education.

The site was created by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, a partnership of labor, business, and government dedicated to helping Washington residents obtain family-wage jobs, while meeting employers' needs for skilled workers.
 

Need help paying for college?

See our Paying for College pages for information on financial aid, scholarships, and more.