The Evergreen State offers a myriad of educational opportunities for college students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 87 colleges and universities in the state of Washington. These include six four-year public institutions, 34 public community and technical colleges, along with 33 independent four-year institutions.
The Washington’s Education Research & Data Center (ERDC) reveals more than 100,000 students have enrolled in undergraduate programs and over 25,000 students in graduate studies in 2017. The increasing number of post-secondary institutions offering distance learning have allowed students to set their priorities straight while pursuing a degree. More schools have expanded their academic offerings to venture into distance education. Students no longer have to struggle by working classes into their schedule. Neither will they need to postpone their pursuit of attaining a higher education because of work. Coursework, assignments, and other deadlines are completed through flexible online classes wherever the students are.
METHODOLOGY
Are you a prospective online college student who is on the hunt for the perfect online school? The researchers and writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com compiled the distance learning institutions offering top-quality degree programs and student services. Our 5 Top Online Schools in Washington are the ideal options for you as they do not only guarantee convenience, but also feature:
- Rigorous coursework that highlights intensive training, so that graduates emerge as skilled and competent professionals,
- An online learning platform that emphasizes ease of access to coursework,
- Online faculty who, in many cases, are also on-campus teachers,
- Full accreditation from organizations that help maintain academic excellence.
Learn more about our ranking process. Check out our Methodology Page.
Washington State University
Washington State University has been around for more than a century now. It was built as a land-grant college for the purpose of teaching agricultural and mechanic arts to the working class. Its first three courses of study offered were agriculture, engineering, and domestic science. At present, WSU stands as the second-largest university in the state with a student population of more than 31,000. Students can also enroll at other satellite campuses in Spokane, Everett, Vancouver, and the Tri-Cities. This public research university offers more than 200 programs for the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degrees. It is also one of the many doctoral universities in the nation recognized by the Carnegie Classification as a university with high research activity.
WSU has extended its academic excellence through its Global Campus since 1992. WSU Global Campus offers online courses and programs to help working adults earn their degrees. Undergraduate students may explore 19 majors in Business, Communication, Interdisciplinary, Science and Technology, and Social/Behavioral Science categories. Graduate students find 12 degrees in Agriculture, Business, Communication, Education, and Science and Technology. WSU Global Campus offers programs that are completely online. Career exploration is also available to help students choose a major, learn career development strategies or even prepare for Grad School. Certificate and teaching endorsements are also available at the Global Campus 100% online.
Location: Pullman, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
Transfer
- Application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- Current and planned course work (from previous college/ university)
- Writing portfolio for transfer applicants who have at least 60 credits
Graduate
- Application fee of $75
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- Residency information
- Official GRE/GMAT scores and dates
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
University of Washington
University of Washington is the flagship institution of the state. It was established in 1861 as the Territorial University of Washington to help the state’s developing economy. The university grew eventually and expanded its courses and buildings. In the present day, UW maintains two other campuses in Tacoma and Bothell, and operates one of the largest library systems in the world. It boasts of its performance and achievements in research and development. Its research in medicine, science, computer science and engineering is among the biggest in the nation. UW is classified as R1 Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Classification. There are over 47,000 students enrolled in its broad range of academic programs. These programs are arranged in 18 colleges and schools like Arts and Sciences, Built Environments, Business, Computer Science and Engineering, Dentistry, to mention a few.
Besides classroom learning, online and hybrid options are also available at UW. Online, weekend, and evening programs are delivered through UW’s Professional and Continuing Education department. Students can choose among its 17 fully-online programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. They receive the same experience and learning with the on-campus setting. Online degree programs vary from Early Care and Education, Integrated Social Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Library and Information to Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics. Certificate programs are also available online with the same guaranteed flexibility and convenience to students. Online courses may be run in a self-paced, group-paced or blended format that begins every quarter.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $80
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
- Official high school transcript must be provided on the application form (Coalition application)
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $80
- Personal statement
- Official high school transcript
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you’ve attended
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $80
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you’ve attended
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle was founded for the sole aim of helping working professionals work towards their goal in higher education. It started educating in 1973 and focused on courses that drive towards career advancement. This private, non-profit university serves over 2,000 students in its main campus and a good deal more in its international locations, such as Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam. Students can find more than 60 degree programs with fields of interest in business, education, computer and information systems, health and human services, leadership, and project management. Students can opt to take classes on-site, online, hybrid or through a performance-based format.
As one of the top online colleges in Washington, CityU delivers courses through the Blackboard system. Its wide-ranging online programs cover subjects in business and management, health and human services, computer and information systems, education and more. Students can pursue, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate degrees, endorsement and certificate programs entirely online. Transfer students have the opportunity to finish a baccalaureate degree in as little as 6 quarters if enrolled in specific programs. Students not only gain real-world experience but also get adequate support from CityU’s practitioner faculty; therefore, enhancing their professional skills.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- High school diploma or GED
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Northwest University
Northwest University is a faith-based, liberal arts university that first opened its doors in 1934. It was named as Northwest Bible Institute and later changed into Northwest College of the Assemblies of God. After several years, the school expanded and offered four-year curriculum and obtained its accreditation from both the American Association of Bible Colleges and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Today, NU admits more than 1,300 students, building a Christian community. Academic programs at NU include undergraduate, graduate, online and evening programs. They are structured in 7 colleges namely, Center for Leadership Studies, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Ministry, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Northwest University provides online programs that include certificates, endorsements, associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Just like all the other programs offered at NU, online programs are taught with faith-learning integration. Undergraduate programs cover subjects in Ministry Leadership, Psychology, Organizational Management, Business Management while graduate programs include International Community Development, Bible and Theology, Business Administration, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Education, and Ministry. Students can expect to get full access to campus facilities, career center, and even sporting events. Practically all faculty members at NU hold a terminal degree in their field. NU helps students prepare for professional function and job opportunities through its partnerships with leading companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Google.
Location: Kirkland, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- No application fee
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
Transfer
- No application fee
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- At least 20 semester credits or 30 quarter credits
Graduate
- No application fee
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- Current curriculum vitae or resume
- Essay/ writing sample
- Three references
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Central Washington University
Central Washington University is a public university originally founded to train future elementary and junior high teachers. The university has been operating for 128 years now and enrolls over 12,000 students each year. With 125 academic programs to choose from, Central has one of the widest selections among the universities in the state. Its 167 academic offerings are structured in seven colleges covering subjects from Accounting, Art, Business, Education, Humanities, to Science. To cater to students from all over the state, Central maintains other location centers in Des Moines, Lynwood, Moses Lake, Pierce County, Wenatchee, Yakima, Tacoma, and Sammamish.
Central extends its educational opportunities to students who have put off their degrees because of busy schedules. There are 12 bachelor’s degree completion and 10 graduate programs delivered completely online or in a blended format. Among its master’s degree programs, M.S. Information Technology and Administrative Management can be finished in as little as one year. Other majors included in the online programs are Aviation Management, Business Administration, Law and Justice, Professional and Creative Writing, Literacy, and more. Web conferencing, group interaction, collaborations, discussions, and peer reviews are available through Canvas. Students are supported by on-campus faculty members and program advisors through the online resource center.
Location: Ellensburg, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- At least 40 transferable quarter credits
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- Personal Statement (containing educational and professional objectives)
- Three letters of recommendation
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Washington state is one of the 16 members of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). This means colleges and universities in the state benefit from reciprocity agreements, reduced tuition, and professional student exchange programs. Washington’s higher education system has a lot to offer to its students. This includes affordable online programs that not only gives students convenience, but also provides a great opportunity to advance in their careers or improve their lives.
Students are given the freedom to study at their own pace and location, offering flexibility and in most cases, the cost of online programs is less expensive than the traditional on-campus ones. There are about 87 colleges and universities in Washington, but not all schools have established online education standards. So, before enrolling in one of your dream colleges, here’s a ranking of some of Washington’s dedicated online schools that offer low-priced programs.
METHODOLOGY
In coming up with the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Washington, we aim to assist prospective online students who are seeking to obtain an online degree in the most affordable way. These online schools take pride in the top-quality education that they deliver at a very low cost. They also offer eligible students opportunities for financial aid, grants, and scholarships.
Central Washington University
Central Washington University first opened its doors in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School. The school was formed to train teachers for elementary and junior high. Today, Central enrolls more than 12,000 students with academic interests of up to 167 offerings. Students can pursue bachelor’s and master’s programs at its campuses across the state, such as in Des Moines, Lynwood, Moses Lake, Pierce County, Wenatchee, Yakima, Tacoma, and Sammamish. This public university also provides online education and has been known to offer fully-accredited online programs.
Online students may choose from a variety of programs like Aviation Management, Business Administration, English Professional and Creative Writing, Athletic Administration, and more. Apart from giving high quality education, Central aims to provide a reasonable price for students. Tuition for undergraduate students from the state who study full time is only $2,002.15 per 10 to 18 credits. That is about $111 to $200 per credit. Non-resident undergraduate students pay $7,224.65 for 10-18 credits (approx. $401 to $722 per credit). In-state graduate tuition is $3,085.80 per 10 to 18 credits while out-of-state tuition is at $7,373.65 per 10 to 18 credits. Online students benefit from online advising and technical support which help them stay on track.
Location: Ellensburg, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- At least 40 transferable quarter credits
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/universities you have attended
- Personal Statement (containing educational and professional objectives)
- Three letters of recommendation
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Peninsula College
Peninsula College was established in 1961 for students who wanted to continue their education without having to commute to college centers far from the area. Its student population grew quickly which prompted the school to extend its facilities and expand its programs. This comprehensive community college serves more than 4,000 students in its main campus and extension sites in Forks and Port Townsend. It is known for being the only resident post-secondary institution on the North Olympic Peninsula. It offers 8 associate degree programs, certificate options and one bachelor’s degree program.
Distance learners also get the opportunity to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Management and other technical programs in Administrative Office Systems, Business Administration, Criminal Justice that lead to an associate degree. The tuition fee for these programs is at $141.76 per credit for resident undergraduate students while nonresident tuition is at $156.35 per credit.
Location: Port Angeles, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- No application fee
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
- Official high school transcripts
Transfer
- No application fee
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Washington University
Western Washington University was established as a normal school back in 1886. It had gone through a few name changes before it earned its university status. WWU started with 88 students and as it has expanded, so have the number of enrollees. Today, the school serves more than 16,000 students admitted in its comprehensive academic programs. Students choose from over 170 majors from Accounting to Urban Planning and Sustainable Development. They can also explore graduate programs with degrees in Master of Arts, Professional Accounting, Education, Music and Fine Arts.
WWU offers its only one doctorate degree in Clinical Audiology. WesternOnline helps give working professionals or those with busy schedules the opportunity to finish a degree without going to the campus. Online courses are flexible. They may run in a quarterly schedule or self-paced that do not require interaction. The school offers only one online bachelor’s degree in Human Services and has one of the lowest tuition costs in the state. Self-paced courses cost $160 per credit while term-based courses are at $265 per credit. The Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate program has been in the curriculum since 1992 and is also available fully online, hybrid or in-seat classes.
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- A non-refundable application fee of $60
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Official high school transcript
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
- Essay and activities list
Transfer
- A non-refundable application fee of $60
- A 2.00 cumulative transferable GPA
- At least 24 transferable quarter credits
- Official college transcripts
- Advanced Placement/ International Baccalaureate scores
- Essay
Graduate
- A non-refundable application fee of $60
- Official transcripts from every college and university you have attended
- A Statement of Purpose
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Washington State University
Washington State University has a long-standing history in the state’s education system. It was founded in 1890 as a land-grant college. WSU facilitated agricultural experiment stations and educated the working class on agriculture and mechanic arts. It had grown and expanded its curriculum, adding general arts and sciences. Today, this public research university is organized into 11 academic colleges with 240 programs to choose from. These programs lead to certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and cover academic areas from Agricultural Sciences, Business, Cultural Studies to Sport and Fitness. Students looking to get a degree but couldn’t find time to attend classes on campus may very well enroll in WSU’s Global Campus.
Global Campus offers 100% online programs in 12 certificate, 19 undergraduate, 12 graduate, and teaching endorsement levels. WSU delivers these programs with flexibility and affordability. Resident full-time students are charged with only $5,184.00 per 10 to 18 credits (approx. $288 to $518 per credit). Non-resident undergraduate tuition is $5,775.00 per 10 to 18 credits. Graduate students take advantage of a tuition rate of $595 per credit. Online students also benefit from WSU’s student support like tutoring, advising, tech support, and more.
Location: Pullman, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $50
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
Transfer
- Application fee of $50
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- Current and planned course work (from previous college/ university)
- Writing portfolio for transfer applicants who have at least 60 credits
Graduate
- Application fee of $75
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- Residency information
- Official GRE/GMAT scores and dates
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University was originally named as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy in honor of its founder. It has been operating since 1882 and focuses on education curriculum in its main campus. EWU has multiple campuses in Spokane and other areas across the state. It has gone through a few name changes and challenges but has grown quickly since the 1940s. Now, this public university educates more than 12,000 diverse student body “Eagles” in its six colleges. Students can choose from over 100 academic majors like Addiction Studies, Athletic Training, Business, Children’s Studies, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Exercise Science, to mention a few. EWU is known for its research facility in a national wildlife refuge and degree programs in industrial robotics and automation.
EWU offers plenty of online programs intended for students who want to take courses wherever and whenever they want to. Degree completion, accelerated graduate studies, certificate options, endorsements, and minors are all available at EWU online. Inexpensive tuition cost per semester starts at $327.14 per credit for resident students while non-resident students pay $1,203.70 per credit. Resident graduate tuition is $586.07 per credit while non-resident tuition is $1,360.71 per credit.
Location: Cheney, Washington
Admission Requirements:
Freshmen
- Application fee of $60
- Official SAT/ACT Scores
- Official high school transcripts
Transfer
- Application fee of $60
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- At least 40 transferable credits
Graduate
- Non-refundable application fee of $75
- Official transcripts from previous colleges/ universities you’ve attended
- GRE & GMAT Test Scores
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
