Best STEM Colleges in Washington

The Pacific Northwest, specifically Seattle, has been a hub of technological innovation for years. To meet the demands of this field, the state of Washington is home to many STEM colleges with financial aid opportunities to draw in students.

Several colleges and universities in the state offer high-quality STEM degrees. Keep reading to discover the best STEM colleges in Washington.

Top STEM Colleges in Washington

Several colleges and universities in Washington, both large and small, offer excellent STEM degree programs. With the right combination of assistance, you may be able to earn a free online STEM degree. Below, we've featured some of the best colleges in Washington for STEM.

1. University of Washington (UW)

The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington. It has one of the largest research budgets in the country and pursues research in various STEM fields, including oceanography and applied physics.

The university offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in STEM areas like:

• aerospace engineering
• marine biology
• mechanical engineering
• physics

2. Washington State University (WSU)

Washington State University is a public research university in Pullman, Washington. It pursues research in a broad range of STEM areas, including agriculture, food science, veterinary medicine, and clean energy.

Undergraduate and graduate STEM fields at WSU include:

• agricultural biotechnology
• electrical engineering
• environmental engineering
• human nutrition and food systems

WSU offers many of its degree programs online and with the right financial aid, students may be able to secure free STEM degrees online or in person.

3. Seattle University

Seattle University is a private Jesuit university in Seattle, Washington. It's widely known for its research and efforts in environmental sustainability.

The university offers undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in STEM fields such as:

• computer science
• environmental science
• marine and conservation biology
• mathematics

4. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit university in Spokane, Washington. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as strong engineering and nursing programs.

Other STEM degrees at Gonzaga University include:

• biology
• data science
• neuroscience
• public health

5. Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College is a public liberal arts college in Olympia, Washington. It's known for allowing students to self-design their undergraduate degrees but offers a few master's degrees as well.

The university offers STEM fields of study like:

• botany
• computer science
• food systems
• microbiology

6. Western Washington University (WWU)

Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, Washington. It hosts research institutes and labs through several of its colleges, including its engineering school, environment school, and social sciences school.

Undergraduate and graduate students can earn degrees in STEM fields such as:

• energy studies
• geophysics
• kinesiology
• statistics

7. Central Washington University (CWU)

Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington. It leads research in several STEM fields, including geology, ecology, primate behavior, and wine quality.

CWU offers degrees in STEM areas like:

• environmental geological sciences
• information technology
• primate behavior and ecology
• public health

The university offers many degree programs online, making it a great choice for affordable online STEM degrees.

8. Pacific Lutheran University (PLU)

Pacific Lutheran University is a private Lutheran university in Parkland, Washington. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs.

College students at PLU can earn STEM degrees in fields such as:

• computer science
• earth science
• nursing
• psychology

9. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian university in Seattle, Washington. It offers bachelor's and master's programs with a strong liberal arts base.

STEM majors at SPU include:

• electrical engineering
• food and nutritional sciences
• mechanical engineering
• physics

10. Whitworth University

Whitworth University is a private Christian university in Spokane, Washington. It offers various undergraduate and graduate programs on a sprawling campus.

Students can earn STEM degrees in fields such as:

• applied physics
• bioinformatics
• human-computer interaction
• mathematics

11. Saint Martin's University

Saint Martin's University is a private Benedictine university in Lacey, Washington. Its enrollment sits at just under 2,000 students, offering a more intimate setting for students.

STEM fields at Saint Martin's include:

• information technology
• mechanical engineering
• nursing
• psychology

12. University of Puget Sound

The University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts college in Tacoma, Washington. It primarily offers undergraduate programs but offers some graduate programs as well.

The university offers degrees in STEM areas like:

• computer science
• environmental studies
• neuroscience
• science, technology, health, and society

13. Bellevue College

Bellevue College (BC) is a public college that only offers undergraduate programs. This includes associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, certificates, and high school completion programs.

STEM fields available at Bellevue College include:

• artificial intelligence
• data management and analysis
• life sciences
• molecular biosciences

14. Edmonds College

Edmonds College is a public community college in Lynnwood, Washington. It mainly offers associate degrees but offers some bachelor's degrees too.

The college offers degrees in STEM areas such as:

• aerospace
• astronomy
• horticulture
• oceanography

15. Northwest University

Northwest University is a private Christian university in Kirkland, Washington. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, with strong business and nursing programs.

STEM fields available at Northwest University include:

• biology
• computer science
• environmental science
• exercise science

FAQs About STEM Colleges in Washington

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about STEM colleges in Washington.

What Financial Aid Options are Available for STEM Students?

STEM students looking for financial aid should fill out their Free Application for Student Aid. This is how the U.S. Department of Education determines what federal and state programs you're eligible for.

Many scholarships and grants are available specifically to STEM students. Check out the scholarship finder at CareerOneStop to find scholarship and grant opportunities.

What Are the Career Prospects for Graduates of STEM Programs?

The career prospects for graduates of STEM programs depend on what program you completed and what career you want to pursue. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for STEM occupations is expected to increase by 10% over the next ten years.

Which Washington School Has the Best STEM Program?

According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Washington generally ranks highest for STEM programs in Washington State, followed by Washington State University. However, WSU has the best online STEM degree programs.