The Best Online Colleges in Washington

Washington State University, established in 1890, is a land–grant university with more than 29,000 students. Some of its most popular degree programs include chemical engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, neuroscience and business. The university offers 200 programs of study in total.

Washington State University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online through its Global Campus. Online bachelor’s degrees include accounting, hospitality business management, criminal justice and human development. Online master’s degrees include special education, sports management, molecular biosciences and electric power engineering.

Online student resources include 24/7 technical support, academic advising, student services support and an online library with librarians available via live chat, email, text message, Twitter or over the phone.

Central Washington University, established in 1891, has more than 11,000 students and offers more than 150 majors spanning four academic colleges. The university first opened its doors as a teacher training school, but has since expanded to include programs in the arts, humanities, business, professional studies and science. Alongside its online campus, the university also has satellite campuses in Wenatchee, Edmonds, Yakima, Kent, Moses Lake, De Moines, Everett, Steilacoom and Puyallup.

Central Washington University offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through its Finish Line online platform. Bachelor’s degree options include law and justice, psychology, social services, professional and creative writing, sociology and information technology. Master’s degree offerings include special education, information technology, higher education, school administration and literacy.

Online student resources include 24/7 technical support, an online job board and an online library with librarians available via live chat, email or over the phone.

The University of Washington, founded in 1861, is among the oldest universities in the West Coast and home to one of the most prestigious and respected medical schools in the world. The university has more than 45,000 students enrolled in total and offers degrees in the fields of business, dentistry, education, engineering, law, medicine and much more.

The University of Washington offers bachelor’s, master and certificate programs online through its UW Online platform. Online bachelor’s degrees include integrated social sciences as well as early childhood and family studies. Online master’s degrees include aerospace engineering and pharmaceutical bioengineering. Available online certifications include Android application development and biotechnology project management.

Online student resources include academic advising and multiple online libraries with librarians available via 24/7 live chat, email, text message or over the phone.

Northwest University, established in 1934, is a Christian university affiliated with the Assemblies of God USA. The school first opened as a Bible Institute but has expanded to include a nursing school and academic colleges in the arts and sciences, social and behavioral sciences, education, business and management for a grand total of 70 programs of study.

Northwest University offers associate, bachelor’s, master and certificate programs online through its Online Campus. Online associate degrees include general studies. Online bachelor’s degrees include psychology, organizational management and public safety administration. Online master’s degrees include TESOL, international community development, and business administration. Available online certifications include ministry leadership.

Online student resources include an online job board, online writing assistance and an online library with librarians available via 24/7 live chat, email or over the phone.

City University of Seattle, established in 1973, is a nonprofit university with more than 7,600 students enrolled worldwide. The university has branches in several countries around the world, including Canada, China, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Greece and many other countries throughout the world.

City University of Seattle offers online associate, bachelor’s, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Online associate degrees include business and general studies. Online bachelor’s degrees include human services and computer science. Online master’s degree options include special education and information security. Online doctoral degree offerings include business administration and leadership. Available certifications include contemporary school leadership and administrator certification.

Online student resources include 24/7 live online technical support, online tutoring and an online library.

Founded in 1882, Eastern Washington University is located on 300 acres in Cheney. With close proximity to Spokane, the school provides students with several online undergraduate completion programs, master's degrees, and graduate certificates options.

Flexible and accelerated undergraduate completion programs in dental hygiene, health sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, for example, give students with two-year degrees and who are already employed in the field the opportunity to complete a four-year degree. Graduate programs in education, public health, social work, and dental hygiene are designed for students who wish to pursue degrees beyond their bachelor's. Eastern Washington University has the lowest tuition of any public institution in the state of Washington and participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange with 15 U.S. states and territories.

Heritage University, located in the homeland of the Yakima Nation, provides a multicultural, inclusive environment emphasizing student-centered education. The school admits students based upon their willingness and eagerness to learn rather than upon grades and test scores.

Heritage University offers online bachelor's and master's degrees in English. The undergraduate degree in English provides students with critical thinking and communication skills through a multicultural curriculum. The master of arts in English is designed for teachers or those who wish to teach at the secondary or post-secondary level as well as individuals who want to earn a Ph.D. Heritage University also has an educational administration post-graduate certificate available online.

Based in Port Angeles, Peninsula College serves the 3,600 miles of the North Olympic Peninsula, home to six Native American tribal reservations and an array of forests, mountains, watersheds, lakes, and rivers.

One of the predominantly undergraduate online schools in Washington, Peninsula College provides students with associate degrees in administrative office systems, business administration, computer application and information technologies, criminal justice, cyber security, homeland security and emergency management, hospitality and ecotourism, and multimedia communications. Peninsula College's online bachelor's degree in applied management is designed for students who already have associate degrees or prepares them for a master's degree in business administration. Students in the online bachelor of applied management program also have the opportunity to complete an internship as part of their coursework.