10 Best Colleges and Universities Near Spokane Valley, WA
Find out about the best colleges in Spokane Valley, Washington, and the surrounding communities. Get answers to common questions you may have about preparing for college.
Do you live in Spokane Valley, Washington? Perhaps you're wondering about the various colleges and universities in and around your community.
If so, keep reading. In this article, we'll provide a list of the best colleges in Spokane Valley and beyond. We'll also talk about some frequently asked questions regarding college and how to prepare for it.
Featured Colleges in Spokane Valley, WA
You may know that there are several colleges and universities near Spokane Valley. Most of these are located in Spokane. Let's talk about some of the top options.
1. Carrington College
Carrington College is a private school system headquartered in California. However, it has 17 locations across several western states. One of these is located in Spokane.
This school provides training programs in several healthcare related fields, including:
- medical assisting
- dental assisting
- massage therapy
- health studies
- pharmacy technology
Most of these programs must be completed in person, but a couple of them can be completed partially or entirely online.
2. Spokane Community College
Spokane Community College is a junior college in Spokane. It enrolls more than 9,000 students and belongs to the Community Colleges of Spokane district.
Degrees and certificates are available in a variety of fields. Some of these programs lead to transferable degrees, while others provide technical degrees or certificates leading to a career.
Students have the option to study online, in person, or in a hybrid format.
3. Washington State University - Spokane
Washington State University - Spokane is a public university focusing on health sciences. It enrolls around 1,700 students.
Students can pursue graduate, undergraduate, and professional programs in the following areas:
- nursing
- medicine
- pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
- education
- nutrition and exercise physiology
- speech and hearing sciences
Students complete these programs on campus and benefit from small class sizes.
4. Eastern Washington University - Spokane
Eastern Washington University is a public school headquartered in Cheney. However, it provides various programs at campuses in Spokane and other parts of the state.
Students attending school in Spokane can pursue healthcare-related programs at the Riverpoint Campus and SIERR building.
Additionally, various graduate and undergraduate programs in business, fine arts, technology, and more are available at the Catalyst Building, also located in Spokane.
5. Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a Catholic private school in Spokane. It is one of the largest four-year schools in the area with an enrollment of around 7,300 students.
Students can choose from a wide array of graduate and undergraduate degrees. Various professional certificate programs are also available.
Many of the school's graduate degrees can be completed online; otherwise, most students attend classes in person.
6. Great Northern University
Great Northern University is a private school in Spokane. It is a small Christian college devoted to spreading the word of God through liberal arts education.
The school offers several bachelor's degrees in areas such as:
- youth and family ministry
- Biblical and theological studies
- intercultural studies
- linguistics
- teaching English to Speakers of other languages
Degree programs are transfer-friendly and flexible, allowing students to customize their program with up to 24 electives.
7. Whitworth University
Whitworth University is a private school associated with the Presbyterian Church. Located in Spokane, it enrolls almost 2,600 students.
Students can choose from more than 100 bachelor's degrees alone. Master's and doctoral programs are also available.
Several flexible and career-focused programs are conveniently offered online.
8. Mukogawa Women's University - U.S. Campus
Mukogawa Women's University is a school for women headquartered in Japan; however, it has an international campus located in Spokane.
Various academic programs are available in a variety of fields. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are both available.
Most students attending this school are from Japan, participating in a study abroad program.
9. Park University
Park University is a private school headquartered in Missouri. It has numerous branch campuses throughout the U.S., including one at Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane.
This school provides multiple associate and bachelor's degrees, along with a few master's degrees, in an array of subjects and disciplines.
Most students study on-campus, though Park University also offers various online degree programs.
10. Spokane Falls Community College
Spokane Falls Community College is another member of the Community Colleges of Spokane district. It enrolls about 8,600 students.
This school offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs. Many associate degrees are transferable, and some applied bachelor's degrees are available as well.
Flexible hybrid and fully online classes are available for busy or nontraditional students.
What Is the Biggest School Near Spokane Valley, WA?
Spokane Community College is the largest college in the Spokane Valley area, enrolling more than 9,200 students. With around 8,600 students, Spokane Falls Community College is a close second.
How To Choose the Right College Near Spokane Valley, WA
When choosing a college, it's a good idea to compare several schools against each other so you can start to get an idea of what matters most to you.
Compare various factors such as available degree programs, cost, financial aid, location, class delivery (online or on-campus), student organizations, and more.
Determine which of these factors you consider priorities. This will give you a better idea of what you're looking for and help you rule out schools that don't align with your preferences.
Paying for Your Degree Near Spokane Valley, WA
College is expensive, but you may be able to receive need-based aid in the form of state and federal grants. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to ascertain what financial aid opportunities are available to you.
Have a military background? Perhaps you're currently on active duty. You may be able to receive tuition reductions and waivers through school military discounts or your GI Bill benefits.
You can also earn funds toward your education by participating in your school's work-study program, or if you receive tuition assistance as a benefit from your current employer.
Start Your Degree Near Spokane Valley, WA, Today
If you're ready to choose a college, check out each of the Spokane Valley-area schools discussed above to find out which one will work best for you.