Washington State, known for its diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and picturesque coastlines, is also renowned for its higher education institutions. The state is home to many prestigious universities offering a wide array of programs. This guide highlights the best colleges in Washington, focusing on their annual cost, enrollment, SAT range, and most popular majors.
Western Washington University
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public institution located in Bellingham.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated in-state tuition and fees for WWU are $8,126, while out-of-state students pay approximately $24,540. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 14,000 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1080-1280.
Majors: Popular majors at WWU include Business, Education, and Social Sciences.
Whitman College
Whitman College is a private liberal arts college located in Walla Walla.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Whitman College are $54,444 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 1,475 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1280-1460.
Majors: The most popular majors at Whitman College include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
Seattle University
Seattle University is a private Jesuit institution located in Seattle.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Seattle University are $47,550 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 4,700 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1130-1320.
Majors: Popular majors at Seattle University include Business, Nursing, and Finance.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Spokane.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Gonzaga University are $45,140 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 5,300 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1190-1350.
Majors: Popular majors at Gonzaga University include Business, Nursing, and Mechanical Engineering.
University of Puget Sound
The University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts college in Tacoma.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for the University of Puget Sound are $53,760 annually. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 2,400 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1130-1350.
Majors: Popular majors at the University of Puget Sound include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian university located in Seattle.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Seattle Pacific University are $45,078 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 3,200 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1080-1290.
Majors: Popular majors at Seattle Pacific University include Business, Psychology, and Nursing.
Whitworth University
Whitworth University is a private Christian liberal arts institution located in Spokane.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Whitworth University are $45,250 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 2,300 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1070-1300.
Majors: The most popular majors at Whitworth University include Business, Health Professions, and Psychology.
Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University is a private university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated tuition and fees for Pacific Lutheran University are $44,880 per year. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 2,700 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1080-1300.
Majors: Popular majors at Pacific Lutheran University include Business, Nursing, and Biology.
Central Washington University
Central Washington University is a public university located in Ellensburg.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated in-state tuition and fees for Central Washington University are $8,072, while out-of-state students pay approximately $23,053. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 10,000 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 980-1190.
Majors: Popular majors at Central Washington University include Business, Education, and Social Sciences.
University of Washington Bothell
The University of Washington Bothell is a public university in Bothell, a suburb of Seattle.
Annual Cost, Enrollment, and SAT Range: The estimated in-state tuition and fees for the University of Washington Bothell are $11,390, while out-of-state students pay approximately $38,091. The undergraduate enrollment is approximately 5,800 students. The middle 50% SAT score range is 1020-1220.
Majors: The most popular majors at the University of Washington Bothell include Business, Computer Science, and Health Professions.
Self-Studying for the SAT
Lastly, it is important to consider the role of standardized tests, like the SAT, in college admissions. Colleges in Washington, like many nationwide, consider standardized test scores a significant factor in admissions. While many of these colleges have a wide range of accepted scores, improving your SAT score can boost your chances of acceptance and even merit-based financial aid. Self-studying for the SAT can be highly effective. Resources like the Official SAT Study Guide, online learning platforms, and SAT practice tests can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, focus their study efforts, and track their improvement over time. Remember, the key to a good SAT score is understanding the test, consistent study, and effective practice.
