The Evergreen State ranks among the most educated in the country. Washingtonians hold college degrees at a rate far above the national average, and the state is home to top schools like the University of Washington and Gonzaga University. Regardless of where you live, online learning has made it easier than ever to earn a degree in Washington.
Our guide to the best online colleges in Washington state includes information on top majors, career options, and state scholarships. You'll also find our ranked list of schools, which prioritizes academic quality and affordability.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Online Colleges in the State of Washington
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As of January 2024, Washington state ranks first in the nation for awarding need-based financial aid to college students.
10 Fast-Growing Careers in the State of Washington
Online colleges in Washington state prepare you to enter a competitive job market with many career options. Like many parts of the country, Washington expects continued growth in information technology and healthcare careers from 2022-2032. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports high salaries for various fields, including health services and computer and information systems.
This chart highlights fast-growing careers in Washington, along with average annual wages.
| Job | Projected Growth (2022-2032) | Annual Mean Wage in Washington (May 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | 45.1% | $143,620 |
| Information Security Analysts | 35.5% | $144,140 |
| Software Developers | 29.8% | $175,600 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 25.8% | $105,800 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 25.2% | $165,140 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 23.9% | $231,000 |
| Business Operations Specialists | 19.5% | $102,960 |
| Accountants and Auditors | 15.2% | $101,380 |
| General and Operations Managers | 14.9% | $157,840 |
| Registered Nurses | 13.4% | $115,740 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Washington's Job Market
If you're researching online colleges in Washington state with job-preparedness in mind, consider these four popular majors. These programs develop skills that can apply to many different career paths. Many majors also let you choose specializations, which can help you distinguish yourself on the job market.
Business Administration
A business administration major can prepare you for many different career paths since nearly all professional fields include some aspects of business. Many business programs feature concentrations in healthcare management and information systems.Computer Science/Information Technology
Computer science and IT are versatile fields that develop skills to apply in various roles and sectors. This major builds knowledge of computer systems and data management practices. You can often choose a specialization area, such as cybersecurity or artificial intelligence.Nursing
Nursing ranks among the most popular professional degrees since it prepares you to enter the healthcare industry immediately after graduation. A nursing degree builds skills in health promotion and care, training you to treat patients and assist doctors. Nursing degrees may also offer specializations in fields like oncology and pediatrics.Management
These degrees focus on strategies for business leadership and growth. Management programs give you the skills to organize businesses and use resources effectively. This major focuses on business skills alongside communication and team leadership, making it useful for many career paths.
What Is the Cost of College in Washington?
The cost of college in Washington varies by institution type and residency status (in-state or out-of-state). In-state students at public four-year schools pay slightly less than the national average, while out-of-state students pay slightly more. Private colleges in Washington typically charge more than the national average as well.
However, online students can lower costs by saving on room, board, transportation, and other living expenses. Online students can also pursue scholarships, grants, and loans to reduce the financial burden of their educational investment.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition and Required Fees in WA | Average Tuition and Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,006 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $30,444 | $28,297 |
| Private Four-Year | $42,339 | $35,248 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Colleges in Washington
Scholarships and grants provide funding for college that never needs to be repaid. This form of aid is often based on academic performance. Grants may be need-based and only consider your level of financial need.
These five scholarships can help you save on tuition at most of the online colleges in Washington state.
Washington State Opportunity Baccalaureate Scholarship
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program offers up to $22,500 in financial support if you're studying STEM or healthcare. To apply, you must hold Washington state residency, demonstrate financial need (family income not exceeding 125% of the state median), and enroll in at least three credits of courses each academic term.
College Bound Scholarship
The College Bound Scholarship is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible low-income students graduating from a Washington state high school. There is no separate application for this award, as eligible students are automatically enrolled, but to receive funding, a candidate must enroll in college within one year of graduating from high school, demonstrate income eligibility, and meet state residency requirements.
Washington College Grant
The Washington College Grant program provides funding for many kinds of education, including college, job training, and professional certification. To apply for this grant, you only need to complete the FAFSA (or the WASFA if you're an undocumented student). Depending on your financial need, you could receive funding for most or all of your college education; for example, an eligible student from a family of four making up to $120,500 can receive partial funding, while those making up to $78,500 can get a full award covering tuition.
American Indian Endowed Scholarship
Candidates with close ties to the Washington state American Indian community can receive up to $3,000 each year from this scholarship. To apply, they must hold Washington residency and demonstrate financial need. This award mainly serves upper-division undergraduates and graduate students, but anyone with a community connection can apply.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant offers funding for up to one year of college and a certificate in Washington state, along with up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies. To qualify, you must demonstrate financial need (at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) and maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Washington
Washington State officially ended its reciprocity agreements with neighboring states Oregon and Idaho in the 2000s. However, the state now participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), along with 14 other states and three U.S. territories. Members include neighbors Oregon and Idaho, along with other Western states, such as Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. If you live in a WUE state or territory, you may be able to attend participating public online colleges in Washington state while paying no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Washington
No — online colleges in Washington state are not always cheaper than in-person colleges, though this varies among schools. For example, during the 2023-2024 school year, Western Washington University charged $267 per credit for in-person courses and $165 per credit for self-paced online courses. However, Washington State University charged about the same price for online and in-person credits.
