Best Colleges in Seattle

Located north of downtown Seattle, the University of Washington is one of the oldest public universities on the West Coast. It is also a cutting-edge research institution, receiving significant yearly federal funding, and hosting an annual undergraduate research symposium for students to present their work to the community. The university has a highly ranked School of Medicine, College of Engineering and Michael G. Foster School of Business. Known as a commuter school, the university does not require freshmen to live on campus, but it encourages students who do to conserve energy and recycle. Students can join one of the 950-plus student organizations on campus, including about 70 sororities and fraternities. Nearly three-fourths of UW graduates remain in the state post-graduation.

Seattle University is a private institution that has a strong focus on its Jesuit mission. Most Seattle students volunteer through programs such as the Children’s Literacy Project, which allows them to tutor children in local schools.

A small Christian school, Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers more than 60 bachelor’s degree programs. Students at SPU can volunteer through the John Perkins Center, participate in about 50 campus clubs, and play Division II sports.

Founded in 1888, University of Puget Sound is a private institution.

Founded in 1990, University of Washington Tacoma is a public institution. The school has 33.5% of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at University of Washington Tacoma is 15:1.

Founded in 1890, Pacific Lutheran University is a private institution.

Founded in 1934, Northwest University is a private institution.

Bellevue College is a public institution.

Founded in 2000, Cascadia College is a public institution.

Clover Park Technical College is a public institution.