Best Online Colleges in Washington

by TBS Staff

Updated October 10, 2022

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Online schools in Washington offer programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.

Associate degree offerings include areas such as dental hygiene, addiction services, and child wellness. These programs provide students will the skills needed to obtain many entry-level positions.

Online colleges in Washington also offer bachelor’s degrees in English and applied management that are convenient and flexible for full–time or part–time students. Online schools in Washington provide comprehensive degrees that emphasize multiculturalism, critical thinking, and communication. They also provide students with skills necessary to succeed in professions across economic sectors.

Featured Online Schools

Programs offered by online colleges in Washington are designed for full–time students and professionals looking to continue their studies. Online courses are offered on the quarter and semester schedules. Online and on–campus tuition are usually the same, but in–state pricing is commonly offered to out–of–state distance learners. Students who complete their program online often save on campus housing and commuting expenses. Online schools in Washington provide an affordable alternative to other on–campus programs.

The Best Online Colleges in Washington

#1 Best Online Colleges in Washington

Washington State University

  • Pullman, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Those looking for an online college program should consider Washington State University. Enrollees at this public college can choose from 54 different programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. The school has a strong reputation for its academics and substantial experience in online education.

The academic and career advisors located at the Pullman campus are also available to assist online learners. Academic advisors and virtual job fairs help set degree-seekers up for long-term success. The school also helps facilitate internships to help students gain hands-on experience. Those who complete all program requirements receive an accredited degree upon graduation.

More information about which programs are available online and how to apply are available by contacting the school.

Washington State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,592

Online Bachelor's Programs: 20

Online Master's Programs: 12

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 13%

Admission Rate: 76%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$9,953
Out-of-state
$24,531
Retention Rate
79%
Admission Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
31,607
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#2 Best Online Colleges in Washington

Central Washington University

  • Ellensburg, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Central Washington University offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. Students can choose from 49 remote programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level at this public institution. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.

Academic and career service professionals based out of the Ellensburg campus are available to help online learners. These advisors facilitate career-planning events like virtual job fairs for interested degree-seekers. Students also gain first-hand experience in their field through internships. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.

Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.

Central Washington University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 10,718

Online Bachelor's Programs: 25

Online Master's Programs: 17

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 16%

Admission Rate: 85%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$6,318
Out-of-state
$21,999
Retention Rate
71%
Admission Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
11,658
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#3 Best Online Colleges in Washington

City University of Seattle

  • Seattle, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

For many online degree-seekers, City University of Seattle is an attractive choice. The private institution's 50 online degrees include offerings at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Distance learners benefit from the school's track record in online education and its strong academic reputation.

The school offers additional support to online learners through the academic and career services offices at its Seattle campus. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. Many students also gain hand-on field experience through the school's internship program. The degree that graduates receive upon completing their program is fully accredited.

Interested applicants can contact the school to learn more about online program options and admission requirements.

City University of Seattle at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 1,568

Online Bachelor's Programs: 17

Online Master's Programs: 16

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 96%

Admission Rate: Data not available

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$13,120
Out-of-state
$13,120
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,960
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
80% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#4 Best Online Colleges in Washington

Eastern Washington University

  • Cheney, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Eastern Washington University provides one of the best online college experiences available. Remote enrollees at this public college can choose from 63 online programs at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The school has a track record in academic success through online coursework.

The school's main campus in Cheney hosts academic and career services offices available to online learners. Degree-seekers connect with academic advisors and participate in virtual job fairs and career-planning events. Many programs include an internship, helping students gain experience in their field. Completing all requirements results in graduates receiving an accredited degree.

Ask the school directly for more information about online degree options and how to apply.

Eastern Washington University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 3,825

Online Bachelor's Programs: 33

Online Master's Programs: 16

Percent of Programs Offered Online: 44%

Admission Rate: 96%

Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available

Average Tuition
In-state
$6,543
Out-of-state
$24,074
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
12,410
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Best Online Colleges

Online Colleges in Washington Ranking Guidelines

We selected the online schools in Washington based on the quality of their programs, types of courses and degrees offered, and faculty strengths, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation, including a strong reputation for online degree programs.

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