Online Colleges In Washington

Explore accredited online colleges in Washington to choose the right school. Explore college costs and find state-specific scholarships.
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Updated September 19, 2023

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Online Colleges in the State of Washington

According to U.S. News & World Report, Washington state ranks in the top ten for states with the most educated population. In addition, Washington's educational attainment projections reveal that over 70% of Washington jobs require postsecondary education by 2020. Due to the state's highly educated workforce, Washington professionals benefit from completing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Earning an online degree can mean increased salary potential and career options. Below is a ranking of the best and most affordable online colleges in Washington and resources on transfer credits, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

The best online colleges in Washington offer quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking of the top online colleges in Washington considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates. Availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affect rankings. These factors contribute to the program's overall accessibility and value.


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Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Washington's Top Affordable Online Colleges

#1 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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,368
Out-of-state
$14,993
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
58%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,369
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 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. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,658
Out-of-state
$13,658
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,812
Out-of-state
$11,812
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,052
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
83% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,703
Out-of-state
$4,891
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,325
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#4 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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$46,060
Out-of-state
$46,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$17,296
Out-of-state
$17,296
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
7,295
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#5 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.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$45,050
Out-of-state
$45,050
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,312
Out-of-state
$12,312
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
2,756
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
13% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Why Choose Washington for Online Higher Education?

Washington state colleges and universities currently have over 25,000 undergraduates completing all courses online. With over a hundred programs offered fully online, Washington colleges provide flexible and accessible options for growing groups, such as single parents and full-time workers. Members of these groups benefit from the ability to earn an online degree in Washington, arranging coursework around work or family obligations.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Cost of Attending an Online College in Washington

Students attending an online program in Washington may pay different tuition rates depending on their residency status. Washington state residents receive a small tuition discount at public institutions, while private schools charge a flat rate. To receive the in-state tuition rate, students must prove they have lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months, sever legal ties with their former location of residency, and demonstrate financial independence for at least one year. Students from neighboring states, such as Oregon or Idaho, may qualify for tuition reductions through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), which is discussed in more detail below.

In-state tuition

$7,782 – public, four-year institution
$3,771 – public, two-year institution

Out-of-state tuition

$28,849 – public, four-year institution
$6,565 – public, two-year institution

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2017

Washington residents pay slightly less than the national average for in-state tuition at four-year public universities. Two-year institutions and out-of-state residents at four-year public schools pay slightly above the national average.

Student earning online degrees in Washington may pay different tuition rates than students enrolled in an on-campus program. Some schools offer a discount for online students enrolling from out of state, but others do not.

Considering a Washington School as an Out-of-State Student

The majority of students enrolled in online colleges in Washington live in the state; however, out-of-state students can also benefit from the exceptional education available from Washington colleges and universities. Reciprocity agreements with neighboring states, which offer tuition discounts, and from the state's online graduate programs also aid out-of-state students. Non-residents considering an online program in Washington should also consider any licensing requirements that may apply to their profession, which varies by state.

Out-of-state undergraduate students studying exclusively online in Washington: 1,343

Out-of-state graduate students studying exclusively online in Washington: 1,899

Frequently Asked Questions for Washington's Online Schools

Prospective students considering online schools in Washington may wonder about transfer credits, applying with a GED, and financial aid options. The following section answers some frequently asked questions.

Do online credits cost more or less in Washington?

The cost of online credits varies depending on the institution. Public colleges and universities often charge less than private schools. Washington residents may also save on the cost of online credits at certain universities. Washington State University (WSU) and its online Global Campus, for example, charges part-time Washington resident students $507 per credit or $565 per credit for non residents.

Students attending online colleges in Washington may save on tuition over students attending in person. For example, at WSU full-time online Washington resident students pay $10,135 a year in tuition, while the same Washington residents attending courses on campus pay $10,268 per year.

Non residents save a significant amount by attending online. Full-time online WSU students from out of state pay $11,329 per year in tuition, while non residents enrolled full time in an on-campus program spend $24,504 per year.

Which Washington schools accept the most transfer credits?

Each online school in Washington sets its own guidelines for accepting transfer credits. At Central Washington University, for example, students can transfer up to 135 quarter credits, or the equivalent of 90 semester credits, toward a bachelor's degree. City University of Seattle also accepts 135 quarter credits toward an undergraduate degree. When applying to an online college in Washington with transfer credits, students must submit their transcript for review to determine how many credits apply toward their degree.

Not all credits automatically transfer. Many schools only accept credits earned at an accredited college or university, while some place limits on how many upper division credits apply toward a degree. Schools must also determine the course equivalency at their institution; some courses may not count if they have no equivalent class at the college.

Some institutions also grant credits for prior learning assessment, which can include military training, workplace experience, professional certifications, and examinations such as the Advanced Placement tests.

Will any online colleges in Washington accept a GED?

Most online colleges in Washington accept applicants who hold a GED instead of a high school transcript. Students who pass a GED exam earn the equivalency of a high school diploma, meeting the admission requirements for most colleges and universities. City U of Seattle, for example, accepts students with a GED, as does WSU. In most cases, students ask the testing agency which administered the GED to send proof of their passing score to the university during the admissions process.

Some students do not need to provide proof of a GED or high school transcript, including those with over one year of college credits. Depending on the program's admission guidelines, these students may simply need to provide college transcripts rather than proof of high school graduation. Homeschooled students can also apply to online colleges in Washington by submitting proof of their course of study in the form of a curriculum or academic resume.

How many academic terms per year do online colleges in Washington offer?

Some online colleges offer classes that start every few weeks or month, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Most of Washington's public colleges and universities that offer online classes use the institution's regular academic schedule, meaning students can start during any semester or quarter. WSU's Global Campus uses the semester schedule, for example, and online students enroll for fall, spring, or summer semester. At Central Washington, the online classes follow a quarter schedule, meaning students start in fall, winter, spring, or summer.

Due to academic schedules, many of the online schools in Washington do not offer courses starting every week or month. Prospective students can plan ahead, however, by researching the next class start date at their intended institution and completing their admission process in advance of the start date. Online schools may accept rolling admissions, meaning students can apply at any time to join the program, or set an admission deadline for each semester or quarter. Students needing an earlier start date may be able to enroll in an online college outside of Washington state and transfer the credits to their Washington program.

Which online colleges will accept FAFSA in Washington?

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for federal financial aid. Aid includes financial support through the Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and federal work study programs. Not all online colleges accept FAFSA; in order to qualify, the program must hold regional accreditation from an agency that holds approval from the U.S. Department of Education. Prospective students can look up qualifying colleges and universities in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

The best online colleges in Washington, including WSU's Global Campus, Central Washington University, City University of Seattle, and Western Washington University, hold regional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, all the schools ranked in our best online colleges in Washington list hold accreditation, meaning students can apply federal financial aid toward their degree.

Are there any free online classes I can take from Washington colleges?

Several Washington colleges offer free online classes, which are available to students in any state. Many operate as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These classes may incorporate live or pre-recorded lectures, assigned readings, discussion forums, and assignments. Students in Washington can take free online classes through several Washington colleges and universities.

For example, the University of Washington offers free online classes through multiple outlets, including UW Online, Coursera, and edX. Some of these courses base their content on information taught in the university's certificate and degree programs. The free online classes offered by the UW include courses on programming languages, cybersecurity, public speaking, and information technology. Depending on the format, students taking a free online course may be able to complete the class at their own pace, or the course may start on a certain date and involve a cohort of other learners.

Keep in mind that free online classes do not typically grant college credit, nor can they be applied toward a degree. In some cases, students may be able to complete a certification through taking these online classes if they pay a small fee.

How can I find the online program options at Washington's colleges?

With multiple online colleges in Washington, prospective students may look to a program's support services and other options to narrow down their choices. Many of the top online colleges in Washington offer tools and services for prospective students. UW Online, for example, offers bachelor's degree completion programs fully online, and WSU Global Campus provides multiple undergraduate and graduate degree options. These programs also provide online learner support, including academic advisors, tech support, and online tutoring.

Prospective students can identify the best online colleges in Washington, as well as the most affordable online colleges in Washington, by using our ranking. Visiting each school's online learning site also helps prospective students learn more about the degree options, student services, and online learning tools offered by each college.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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