Best Online Colleges in Washington 2025

In the 2021-22 school year, 35,620 Washington students graduated with their bachelor's degrees. For students who want to earn their degrees but can't make it to campus, accredited online degrees are a great option.

Online college programs provide the flexibility for students to earn their degrees while also working and taking care of other responsibilities, like family. The best online colleges provide high-quality education in a convenient, easy-to-use online format.

Over a dozen colleges and universities in Washington offer online degrees. Keep reading to discover the best online colleges in Washington State.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Washington State

There are multiple online schools in Washington State for students who aren't able to make it on campus. We've highlighted some of the top schools below.

1. University of Washington

The University of Washington is a research university based in Seattle. It offers primarily online master's degrees but also a few online bachelor's degrees in fields like education, engineering, healthcare, and social sciences.

The online programs at the University of Washington allow students to access a world-class education while they work full-time or live outside of the Seattle area. Multiple financial aid options, like the last-dollar Husky Promise, are available, and 55% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,643

Out-of-State: $41,997

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $17,514

Out-of-State: $31,392

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 43%

Retention Rate: 95%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Washington State University

At Washington State University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business, English, natural sciences, and social sciences.

WSU, based in Pullman, WA, is consistently ranked among the best in the nation for its online programs. About 91% of students here receive financial aid, most being grants and scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $12,997

Out-of-State: $29,073

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,675

Out-of-State: $27,842

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public research

Accreditation: NWCCU

3. Whitworth University

Whitworth University offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business administration, education, and humanities. The Christian school is located in Spokane, WA.

These online programs are designed for working adults and allow students to continue their other work and family commitments. Multiple financial aid options are available, and 99% of students at Whitworth receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $13,560

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,924

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Nonprofit private religious

Accreditation: NWCCU

4. Western Washington University

A handful of undergraduate and graduate programs are available online through Western Washington University. Areas of study include educational leadership, human services, and multidisciplinary studies.

WWU, based in Bellingham, WA, has designed its online learning to be highly interactive and high quality. About 95% of students here receive financial aid to help pay for their coursework.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,286

Out-of-State: $27,853

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,167

Out-of-State: $25,285

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 91%

Retention Rate: 80%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NWCCU

5. Northwest University

Northwest University is a Christian school in Kirkland, WA. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields like business, leadership, ministry, and nursing.

These online learning experiences are engaging, personal, and tailored to each student's unique needs. Grants and scholarships are available, and 92% of online students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,652

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $16,450

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 71%

Institution Type: Nonprofit private Christian

Accreditation: NWCCU

6. Central Washington University

Students at Central Washington University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include business administration, English, psychology, and sociology.

CWU, based in Ellensburg, WA, offers students the flexibility and convenience they need to balance their studies with their work and family commitments. It offers numerous grants and scholarships, and 92% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $9,192

Out-of-State: $26,771

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $10,721

Out-of-State: $25,092

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 90%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NWCCU

7. Columbia College

Columbia College offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare. The private school is headquartered in Columbus, MO, but has a campus in Marysville and another in Oak Harbor, WA.

It was one of the first schools to offer online education and continues to provide resources to help online students navigate their programs and excel in their careers. Tuition for undergraduate online students is just $375 per credit, and 93% of students receive aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $24,326

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,200

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Private

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Eastern Washington University

Bachelor's and master's degrees are available online at Eastern Washington University. Areas of study include behavioral health, communication, healthcare, and public relations.

EWU, located in Cheney, WA, offers these programs so online learners can stay on track from the comfort of their homes. Roughly 97% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,353

Out-of-State: $25,892

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $12,698

Out-of-State: $28,043

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Retention Rate: 97%

Institution Type: Public

Accreditation: NWCCU

9. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is a private institution specifically geared toward working adults and nontraditional students. It offers online programs from the associate degree through the doctoral level in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.

The mission of CityU is to provide career-relevant education to busy professionals who want to advance their careers and compete in the global marketplace. The undergraduate tuition rate is $460 per credit hour, and 50% of students receive financial aid.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,589

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $12,167

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 22%

Institution Type: Private

Accreditation: NWCCU

10. Antioch University

Through Antioch University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Areas of study include communication, education, environmental science, and leadership.

Antioch University, a private school, is headquartered in Yellow Springs, OH, but has additional campuses, including one in Seattle. Tuition for online undergraduate degrees is $468 per credit and about 60% of students receive grants or scholarships.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $16,164

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $14,736

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: This institution did not admit full-time first-time undergraduate-level students in the cohort year; therefore, retention rate information was not reported.

Institution Type: Private

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

While there are many excellent online colleges in Washington, the great thing about online courses is that you aren't restricted to a school near you. Below, we've highlighted a few additional online colleges across the U.S.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas of study like criminal justice, humanities, natural sciences, and technology. SNHU is a private school in Manchester, NH, and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The school has been a pioneer in distance learning and offers a variety of support services to online college students. It charges $330 per credit for online undergraduate programs and accepts up to 90 transfer credits.

University of Massachusetts Global

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the University of Massachusetts Global. Areas of study include business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and psychology.

UMass Global, based in Aliso Viejo, CA, is a private online affiliate of the University of Massachusetts system. It's accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and charges $500 per credit for undergraduate degrees.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online college headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It offers bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs in fields like business, education, healthcare, and technology.

These flexible online programs are designed with working adults in mind and are completely self-paced. WGU is accredited by the NWCCU.

How We Rank Schools

We used the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to find colleges that fit the following criteria:

• Location: For our initial list, we focused on schools that are based in or have a campus in Washington State.
• Accreditation: All schools, both in Washington and out of state, are regionally accredited.
• Type: We focused on four-year public and nonprofit private schools.
• Online programs: We narrowed down our list by selecting schools with the best educational opportunities for distance learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Washington

Online college programs can be a great opportunity for busy students to still receive a quality education, but there can be downsides as well. We've gone over some common pros and cons below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Study on your schedule: Most online courses have set due dates, but allow you to complete the coursework at any time. This means you have the freedom to log in first thing in the morning or the middle of the night�whatever works for you.
• Work wherever you like: Because online programs are virtual, not only do you get to skip the commute, but you have the flexibility to work from home or while you travel the world.
• Stay on top of your other responsibilities: With the freedom to work whenever and wherever, you don't have to let your work or family responsibilities fall by the wayside.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Requires more self-discipline: Because you can work at your own pace, you need to have the self-discipline to get your coursework done on time.
• Reduced personal contact: Learning online can make it harder to connect with your professor and other students.
• You're at the whims of technology: Power outage? Wi-Fi being fussy? Child stepped on your laptop and busted the screen? If your technology stops working, you won't be able to access your courses as easily.

How To Choose an Online Degree Program in Washington

When choosing between the online colleges in Washington, there are several things you'll want to consider. First, whatever school you choose needs to be accredited, preferably regionally accredited.

Additionally, not every school offers every degree online. You'll need to find one that offers the type of degree and the major you're pursuing.

Other things to think about include:

• Admissions requirements: Most schools require a high school diploma or equivalent, but many have additional requirements.
• Pacing: You may be able to find accelerated or part-time programs, depending on the speed and intensity you want your program to be.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary greatly. Public schools usually, but don't always, have lower tuition rates.
• Financial aid: Many schools offer financial aid programs to help students pay for their education.
• Reputation: Reading reviews from current and former students can help you determine if a school is right for you.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Washington Cost?

Most online colleges in Washington charge between $400 and $600 to Washington residents. However, your final costs will depend on several factors, including financial aid.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Washington More Affordable

Two of the best ways to make online college more affordable are to choose a low-cost school and to apply for financial aid. There are many affordable online colleges in Washington.

All students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state aid and is required for many types of institutional aid as well. Below, we've listed a few additional resources to help you make your education more affordable:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Washington Scholarships & Grants

There are several financial aid programs that Washington residents can take advantage of to help them pay for their education. We've highlighted a few below.

Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) provides need-based financial aid to income-eligible resident students pursuing their higher education. Award amounts vary based on income, family size, and the school or program attended. There is no separate application; students just need to complete the FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $12,378 per year

Deadline: N/A

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships in high-demand trade, health care, or STEM fields and launch careers in Washington State.

Award Amount: Up to $22,500

Deadline: February 26, 2025

Passport to Careers

The Passport to Careers program helps students from foster care and unaccompanied homeless youth attend and succeed in college, apprenticeships, and pre-apprenticeship programs. There is no separate application outside of FAFSA.

Award Amount: Up to $2,000

Deadline: N/A

Top Majors for Washington Graduates

According to the NCES, the following are the most common fields for Washington graduates.

• Business: Business is always a common field of study. Many schools offer concentrations based on common career fields, like accounting, human resources, management, and marketing.
• Humanities: Humanities encompasses fields like English and literature, art, foreign languages, and cultural studies. They can open up a variety of career opportunities such as journalist, artist, museum curator, or teacher.
• Natural sciences and mathematics: Degrees in the natural sciences or in mathematics can lead to work directly in the field or jobs in academia or research.
• Social sciences and history: Social sciences include fields like anthropology, sociology, and political science. Careers in academia and research are common for scholars in these fields.
• Healthcare: At the bachelor's level, healthcare majors may include health sciences, healthcare administration, and nursing. Students may go straight into the workforce or may go on to graduate school to become doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and more.

FAQs About Accredited Washington Online Colleges

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

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Washington?

Most bachelor's degrees take four years of full-time study to complete. However, there are schools that offer accelerated online degrees in Washington that allow students to finish more quickly.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in Washington?

Eastern Washington University has the lowest tuition rate of the schools above. However, community colleges, which we did not factor into our rankings, often have low tuition rates as well.

What Is the Easiest Online University in Washington State To Get Into?

A few of the online colleges in Washington State, including Columbia College and Antioch University, have open admissions policies. This means that they accept all students who meet the minimum requirements, which is usually just a high school degree or equivalent.

Can You Go to the University of Washington Online?

As we mentioned above, you can go to the University of Washington online. Since they mainly offer graduate degrees online, you may want to look into other online colleges for earning a bachelor's degree.

Discover Online Degree Programs

Discover the online colleges in Washington by exploring the online degree programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and online options.