10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington 2025

Students who live in Washington can earn an online degree from one of the many affordable colleges located in the state. The best ones offer great financial aid options and low tuition rates.

Students who want to finish their higher education but can't make it on campus to learn can look for affordable online colleges. These degrees are often flexible and allow students to complete coursework at a time that works for them.

The cheapest colleges in Washington are a mix of private and public schools. Below, we've highlighted the most affordable online colleges in Washington.

List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington

The best online colleges in Washington combine affordability with quality. There are several online schools in Washington State, many of which are inexpensive colleges. We've highlighted the online schools that cost the lowest in Washington below.

1. University of Washington

The University of Washington is a public research institution in Seattle. It offers a few online bachelor's degrees and several online master's degrees in fields such as education, engineering, healthcare, and social sciences.

Tuition rates start at $231 per credit for online students. The university also offers several financial aid options to help students cover the cost of their online programs.

2. Western Washington University

At Western Washington University, students can earn a handful of bachelor's and master's degrees online. These programs are available in areas of study like human services, education, and multidisciplinary studies.

WWU, a public university, is located in Bellingham, WA. Tuition rates for undergraduate degrees start at $250 per credit for in-state students and $393 per credit for out-of-state students.

3. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University offers several online undergraduate and graduate programs. EWU is a public institution in Cheney, WA.

Online learning programs at EWU are available in fields such as behavioral sciences, business administration, education, and public relations. Tuition for bachelor's degrees starts at $268 per credit hour.

4. Columbia College

Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available online at Columbia College. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and human services.

Columbia College, a private school, is based in Columbia, MO, but has two campus locations in Washington State. Tuition for bachelor's programs is $375 per credit hour.

5. Northwest University

Northwest University is a private Christian school based in Kirkland, WA. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in fields such as business, ministry, leadership, and psychology.

Both associate degrees and bachelor's degrees have an online tuition rate of $415 per credit hour. Students can use grants and scholarships to help cover their tuition costs.

6. Antioch University

Students at Antioch University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, healthcare, liberal studies, and management.

The private school is based in California but has a campus in Seattle. Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $648 per credit hour.

7. Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, humanities, information technology, and social sciences. CWU is a public school in Ellensburg, WA.

In-state tuition is $482.06 per credit for undergraduate degrees. Out-of-state learners pay far more?1,689.34 per credit for distance education programs.

8. City University of Seattle

Undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through the City University of Seattle. Areas of study include business, computer science, information systems, and management.

The City University of Seattle, based in Seattle, is a private school. Undergraduate tuition is $495 per credit hour for online programs.

9. Whitworth University

Whitworth University is a private Christian school in Spokane, WA. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business, humanities, human services, and special education.

The tuition rate for online bachelor's degrees is $565 per credit hour. A number of scholarships are available to help undergraduate and graduate students cover the cost of their online courses.

10. Washington State University

Through Washington State University, students can complete undergraduate and graduate programs online. Areas of study for online education include computer science, education, healthcare, and social sciences.

Undergraduate in-state students pay a tuition rate of $583.90 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay slightly more, at $651 per credit.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the inexpensive online colleges listed above, our methodology was simple. We focused on:

Location: We only chose schools that are based in or have at least one campus in Washington.
Accreditation: All schools above hold regional accreditation, most through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This ensures that they offer a high-quality education.
Type: We specifically looked at four-year public or private nonprofit schools that offer online bachelor's degrees.

Once we compiled this list, we chose the 10 least expensive online schools.

How Much Does Online College in Washington Cost?

According to U.S. News, online tuition in Washington can range from $231 to over $500 per credit hour for in-state, undergraduate students. Tuition for graduate and out-of-state students is usually higher.

However, your final tuition rate will depend on several factors, including what financial aid your FAFSA form says you qualify for.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

There are many options for making an online degree affordable, like federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, tuition assistance, etc.

Scholarships and grants are some of the most useful tools for affording college, as they do not need to be paid back, and there are thousands of potential grants and scholarships. Students should work with their schools to find as many to apply for as possible.

Additionally, many companies will help their employees in completing a degree with tuition assistance. Students should also check with their employers to see if they offer such a program and if they qualify.

Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:

FAQs About Cheap Online Universities and Colleges in Washington

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about cheap accredited online schools in Washington.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Washington?

The cheapest online college in Washington is the University of Washington, which starts at $231 per credit for in-state undergraduate programs.

Is an Online Degree Program Worth It?

For many students, an online degree is worth it. These flexible programs allow you to finish your higher education in a format that has you complete your coursework on your own time without having to come to campus.

Are There Free Online Schools in Washington State?

While there are some cheap online schools in Washington State, none of them are inherently free. However, through financial aid, you may be able to increase the affordability of your programs and even cover your full tuition costs.

What Is the Easiest College Degree To Get Online?

The easiest online degree depends on what particular subjects you find easy. However, many students find online business, criminal justice, education, and humanities degrees to be relatively easy.

Are There Online Colleges That Offer Free Laptops?

While no online colleges in Washington offer free laptops for students to keep, WSU does offer laptops that students can rent. Additionally, several other colleges across the country offer free laptop programs, such as:

Dakota State University
University of Arkansas Grantham
University of Minnesota Crookston

Find Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees

Find the right affordable online program by exploring the best online colleges featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.