2024 Best Colleges in Washington

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.

Gonzaga University is a private, Roman Catholic institution that is open to students of all faiths. Residing along the Spokane River, it is less than half a mile to downtown Spokane, Wash. On campus, there are more than 95 active clubs for students to choose from. Intramural sports are very popular at Gonzaga, with more than 60 percent of the student body participating. The Bulldogs of Gonzaga are part of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. The men’s basketball team is the pride and joy of the university, and the team has returned the love by winning more than 90 percent of its games at the school’s McCarthey Athletic Center. At Gonzaga, students are required to live on campus during their first two years, but the university has stated that on-campus housing is not guaranteed for an entire college career. Students interested in outdoor pursuits can journey to the 100-acre Riverfront Park and go ice skating in the winter or check out the sky ride over the falls. They can also explore the Spokane River Centennial Trail, a 37-mile paved trail perfect for walking, running, skating, or biking.

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.

Washington State University is a public school that is committed to research. In addition to its campus in Pullman, the school has regional locations in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, as well as in Vancouver.

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.

Campus activities are a big part of student life at Whitman College, a liberal arts institution in the rural small town of Walla Walla, Washington. Students come out in droves for intramural sports - about 70 percent compete on some team - and Greek life. Though the school only has a handful of sororities and fraternities, about a third of the student body is involved in the Greek system. About 20 percent of students compete on the Whit varsity sports teams, all members of the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. If going Greek or playing sports isn’t your thing, there are more than 100 other student clubs and organizations to check out, too. The campus has an indoor rock climbing facility, where students can climb for fun or for course credit. Outdoor recreation lovers can also earn academic credits in unique courses such as glacier mountaineering, kayaking or wilderness skills. The student Outdoor Program coordinates just-for-fun recreation trips, too, like moonlight sea kayaking and whitewater rafting. Students at Whitman can also take advantage of the school’s western location by enrolling in the unique Semester in the West program, a three-month journey through Oregon, Nevada, California, Utah and Idaho in a converted horse trailer.

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

Founded in 1890, Whitworth University is a private institution. The school has 64.4% of its classes with fewer than 20 students, and the student-faculty ratio at Whitworth University is 11:1.

Founded in 1990, University of Washington Tacoma is a public institution.

Founded in 1893, Western Washington University is a public institution.