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Known to many as the Evergreen State, Washington State is nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. With over seven million residents, the state is the thirteenth largest state in American by population and the 18th largest state by land mass. Washington State is distinguished from Washington DC by using the word state to distinguish the two entities. The State of Washington is home to over 130 colleges, universities, and technical institutes. Private colleges in the state can be found in metro and suburban settings from Seattle to Walla Walla and from Toppenish to Redmond. Top ranked private colleges in Washington State include Gonzaga University, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, DigiPen Institute of Technology, Saint Martins College, and Whitman College.

2024 Best Private Colleges in Washington

History

Founded in 1859 as a seminary in Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College became a 4 year degree granting institution in 1883. Considered one of the best institutions for a liberal arts education, Whitman College is ranked 16th on Forbes' America's Best Colleges list. Whitman offers over 40 majors and 30 minors and boast a 9 to 1 student/teacher ratio.

Academics

Whitman College offers over 40 majors and 30 minors, along with the possibility of dual majors. 98% of the faculty at Whitman has PhDs, and the low student to teacher ratio guarantees a more personal educational experience.

Some majors offered:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Applicants to Whitman College are chose n based on several factors. The courses one takes, the their grades earned, the quality and depth of one's writing, extracurricular activities, recommendations from teachers, advisors or professors, and ones SAT or ACT scores will be factored into the final decision of an applicant's acceptance.

Financial aid is available to students. Interested students should seek out advice from the financial aid office in order to see what options are available.

Athletics

Whitman College is a member of the NCAA Division III, and the team mascot is known as the  “Fighting Missionary.

Enrollment

1,475

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Gonzaga University is a nonprofit private institution located in Spokane, Washington and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Enrollment at Gonzaga University is nearly seven thousand per year. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Psychology
The admissions process will begin with the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions officials. Either the SAT or ACT exam must be taken in order to apply to Gonzaga University. Scores between 24 - 28 on the ACT or 1110 - 1390 on the SAT are recommended to increase the chance of acceptance. GU accepts roughly 60% of students applying annually. Of those admitted, about 26% registered for enrollment. More information regarding admissions can be found here. The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $35,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's net price calculator to get a better idea of their cost of attendance. The cost of on-campus housing is about $4,800 per year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements. The GU Bulldogs participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, as part of the NCAA organization. Athletic programs that are available include:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Golf (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Rowing (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Soccer (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.gonzaga.edu to see additional information.

Enrollment

7,563

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Puget Sound is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Tacoma, Washington, which is a predominantly urban area. University of Puget Sound has an annual student enrollment of about two thousand.

Students may pick from several areas of study, including:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Education
  • Social Sciences

Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. The most common exam scores among applicants admitted to University of Puget Sound are between 26 - 30 on the ACT, or 1130 - 1340 on the SAT exam. 52% of those who apply are admitted to this school, of which 18 percent choose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

Tuition is approximately $43,000 per year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. The price of on-campus housing is about $6,100 per year. This school may offer financial aid for students who are eligible by way of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The mascot for University of Puget Sound is the "Loggers", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Available sports offered:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)

Contact information, tuition information, programs, and much more can be viewed on school's website at http://www.pugetsound.edu.

Enrollment

2,666

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Whitworth University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Spokane, WA, it resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The school's Presbyterian Church affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's mission. Whitworth University has an annual student enrollment of approximately 3,000. Areas of study offered at Whitworth University include:

  • Education
  • English Language And Literature
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to fill out an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. This school has an admissions rate of 48 percent of which only 16 percent decided to attend. More information on admissions can be found here. Tuition is approximately $35,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's tuition calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. School housing is available on-campus for students. The annual cost of housing is approximately $5,300. Students attending this school may be eligible for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Athletic programs are available at Whitworth University through the NCAA, allowing students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Available sports offered may include but not limited to:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Football (NCAA Division III)
  • Golf (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, financial aid information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at www.whitworth.edu.

Enrollment

2,776

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Seattle U. is a nonprofit private institution located in Seattle, WA and provides a large number of degree programs for students. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and mission that defines the school. Enrollment at Seattle U. is nearly 7,800 yearly.

Areas of study available at Seattle University include but are not limited to:

  • Legal Professions And Studies
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Education
  • Psychology

Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Students may provide either the ACT or SAT exam scores to be considered for admissions at Seattle U.. A score in a range of 1580 to 1890 on the SAT, or 24 to 28 for the ACT is usually submitted among admitted students. 71% of applicants are admitted to Seattle U., of which 20 percent choose to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found here.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $36,000, but may change yearly. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better understand their personal tuition costs. Student housing is available for students and costs around $9,900 annually. Students attending this school may be eligible for aid which is typically loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The Seattle U. Redhawks participate in a number of athletic programs, as part of the NCAA organization. Available sports offered may include the following:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)

Students who wish to get more about Seattle University can check out their website at http://www.seattleu.edu.

Enrollment

7,291

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

PLU, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the school resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The Evangelical Lutheran Church affiliation at the school is an important part of the history, education and vision that defines the school. Over three thousand students enroll at PLU annually.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs Pacific Lutheran University offers:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Communications And Journalism
  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences

The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and test scores, which are then reviewed by admissions staff. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1450 - 1820 on the SAT and in a range of 21 - 27 for the ACT exam is common among students admitted to this school. Pacific Lutheran University admits roughly 80% of applicants yearly. Of those applicants admitted, about 29% of students enrolled. More information regarding admissions can be found at plu.edu.

Tuition is approximately $34,000 per year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's price of attendance calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is approximately $4,900. PLU may offer financial aid for students who qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The Pacific Lutheran University "Lutes" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Available sports offered may include:

  • Baseball (NCAA Division III)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division III)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
  • Football (NCAA Division III)
  • Golf (NCAA Division III)

Students who wish to get more about Pacific Lutheran University can take a look at their website at http://www.plu.edu.

Enrollment

3,207

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

SPU, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Seattle, Washington, the school offers an urban setting for students to study in. The Free Methodist affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. SPU has a yearly student enrollment of nearly four thousand.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Psychology

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be required to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit test scores or other school records, which are then reviewed by the admissions staff. Students may submit either the SAT or ACT exam scores to be considered for admissions at SPU. A score in a range of 1550 - 1875 on the SAT, or 22 - 28 for the ACT is common among admitted students. Approximately 70% of all applicant were admitted at this school, with 23% of those accepted choosing to attend.

The cost of tuition is nearly $33,000 annually. Tuition prices may change for a variety of reasons, and that is why students should use the school's price of attendance calculator to get a better idea of their cost of attendance. On-campus housing is available for students and costs approximately $5,400 per year. Students enrolled at SPU may be eligible for aid which is generally loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The Seattle Pacific University "Falcons" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered may include the following:

  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
  • Gymnastics (NCAA Division II)

Students should visit the Seattle Pacific University website to see a complete list of areas of study, financial aid details, and more.

Enrollment

3,688

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Saint Martin's University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Lacey, WA, it resides in a suburban setting for students to study in. The Roman Catholic affiliation of this school is an important part of the history, education and curriculum that defines the school. Approximately a thousand students are enrolled per year at Saint Martin's University. Students can choose from a few areas of study, including:

  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
  • Engineering
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and standardized test scores, which are then reviewed by the admissions office. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1320 to 1660 for the SAT exam and between 19 to 25 for the ACT exam is common among students accepted to this school. 75% of those students that apply are accepted to Saint Martin's University, of which 43 percent choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here. The cost of tuition is approximately $30,000, but may change each year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their personal tuition costs. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is about $4,900. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of grants or student loans. The Saint Martin's University "Saints" have a number of intercollegiate athletic programs through participation in the NCAA. Sports available may include:
  • Baseball (NCAA Division II)
  • Basketball (NCAA Division II)
  • Track & Field (NCAA Division II)
Students may visit the website to see a complete list of areas of study, programs, admissions information, and more that is available at this school.

Enrollment

1,607

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Walla Walla University, a nonprofit private institution, offers an assortment of degree programs, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in College Place, WA, the campus offers a rural setting for students to study in. The school's Seventh Day Adventists affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's vision. Over 1,800 students enroll at Walla Walla University yearly. Areas of study offered at Walla Walla University include but are not limited to:

  • Public Administration And Social Services
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Education
  • Engineering
Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the admissions committee. The majority of students accepted to Walla Walla University have an SAT score within the range of 1380 to 1770, or an ACT score in a range of 19 to 26. Roughly 90 percent of all students that applied were accepted at Walla Walla University, with 54 percent of those accepted choosing to attend. More information from the admissions office can be found here. Undergraduate tuition is approximately $26,000 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. The cost of on-campus housing is approximately $3,500 per year. This school may offer financial aid for students who are eligible as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs. Contact information, admission forms, areas of study offered, and more may be viewed on school's website at www.wallawalla.edu.

Enrollment

1,854

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Northwest University is a nonprofit private institution located in Kirkland, Washington and provides a large number of program options for students. The school maintains an Assemblies of God Church affiliation, which is evident in the role it plays in program curriculums and daily life at the school. Enrollment at Northwest University is nearly a thousand yearly.

Students can select from many areas of study, including but not limited to:

  • Education
  • Theology And Religious Vocations
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Psychology
  • Communications And Journalism

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be asked to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit high school records and test scores, which are then studied by the admissions committee. Most common scores among applicants accepted to Northwest University are within the range of 19 to 26 on the ACT, or 1340 to 1720 for the SAT exam. An estimated 60 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 42 percent of those accepted choosing to enroll. More information regarding admissions can be found at northwestu.edu.

Tuition is approximately $26,000 per year, though it may vary based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's tuition calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

The Northwest University "Eagles" compete in a number of intercollegiate sports through participation in the NAIA. Athletic programs offered include:

  • Basketball (NAIA Division II)
  • Soccer (NAIA Division II)
  • Track and Field, Outdoor (NAIA Division II)
  • Track and Field, X-Country (NAIA Division II)
  • Volleyball (NAIA Division II)

To see a full list of programs offered, enrollment information, student services, and more, please visit the school's website at http://www.northwestu.edu.

Enrollment

1,321

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Enrollment

1,008

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Heritage University is a nonprofit private institution located in Toppenish, Washington and provides a large number of degree programs for students. About 1,300 students enroll at Heritage University per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Heritage University offers:

  • Education
  • Public Administration And Social Services
  • Health And Clinical Professions
  • Business And Marketing Studies
  • Biological And Biomedical Sciences
The school maintains an open enrollment policy, accepting any students that meet the basic requirements for admission. Submission of transcripts, test scores, and admissions essays may be required for certain programs. More information on admissions can be found at heritage.edu. Tuition is approximately $17,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to find what your personalized cost of attendance would be. This school may provide financial aid for students who are eligible as grants and loans. To see a full list of areas of study, programs, enrollment information, financial aid details, and more, please take a look at the school's website at heritage.edu to learn more.

Enrollment

980

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

About
Alderson-Broaddus College, a private four year institution located in Philippi, West Virginia, was established in 1932 through the merger of two institutions. The older of the two schools, Broaddus College, was founded in 1871 and named after a highly respected civil war Baptist minister.  The second school, Alderson Academy and Junior College, was founded by Emma Alderson in 1901, which grew in scope and offerings prior to the merger of the two schools. Both schools brought with them a Christian Baptist tradition which continues to this day. The school is the only institution in West Virginia to be included in the US News and World Report's list for “Great Schools, Great Prices” and 22nd on the list for America's Best Schools.

Academics
Alderson-Broaddus College offers degrees in variety of subjects through a liberal art curriculum. The school is known for its quality of education at an affordable price, rooted in the Baptist tradition. The school also provides a number of programs related to health, as well as a large selection of minors to help augment one's education. Alderson-Broaddus College is one of the finest institutions in West Virginia, and among the best in the southern region, with programs updated and reviewed regularly to ensure quality and relevance.

Programs offered include:
Communications
Accounting
Criminal Justice
Psychology
Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrollment at Alderson-Broaddus College may complete the online application in order to begin the process. Students must also provide standardized test scores and transcripts, which will be reviewed prior to a final decision regarding admissions.

Financial aid is available in the form loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Individuals in need of financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards.

Enrollment

911

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

City University of Seattle, located in Seattle, Washington, was founded in 1973 by Dr, Michael A. Pastore. The school is a four year non-profit institution providing certificates and degrees in a variety fields. The school offers degree through its main campus, partnerships with other schools in Washington and internationally, as well as through one of the top rated distance learning programs in the United States. The degrees offered through its international partnerships are considered some of the most influential in those regions, including China and Bulgaria among many others. The school enrolls over 7500 students annually, and has graduated over 40,000 students since its founding.

Academics

City University of Seattle offered programs resulting in certificates, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, master degrees and doctoral degrees. Students may choose from a variety of majors, and pursue academic or career interests as they see fit through the school's program offerings either on location, through distance learning, or through the campuses of partner schools. These programs are continually updated to remain current and taught by experienced professionals dedicated to imparting the best education possible to their students.

Programs offered at CityU include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrollment at City University of Seattle must complete the admissions application, be 18 years of age, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, students must meet the criterion of their desired program of study. Once the application is submitted, if the student meets the above requirements, he or she will be admitted. Students should meet with academic advisor to plan out one's education and focus, after which the student will register for courses prior to the start of each semester. Graduate level courses require students to have the prerequisite degree (i.e. a master's program will require a bachelor's degree, a doctoral program requires a master's degree) in order to be considered for admission.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. These awards are offered at the state and federal level, requiring a completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used to determine need, eligibility and awards. Students may be asked to provide additional information to ensure the accuracy of the FAFSA's student aid report prior to the disbursement of funds. This process is repeated every year. Scholarships may also be pursued through external sources, offering varying awards for a variety of reasons, each typically requiring a separate application.

Enrollment

2,113

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Top Ranked Degrees at Washington State Private Colleges

The State of Washington offers a vast array of employment opportunities ranging from high tech and consulting to manufacturing and service industries across the state. To support this diversity, private colleges and universities offer students hundreds of majors to choose from. Popular majors include traditional field such asnursing,engineering,biology,business,teaching, andmathto emerging areas of study. Cutting-edge degree programs offered by top-rated private colleges includesustainability studies,robotics,immunology,data modeling,toxicology,healthcare administration,computer engineering,hydrology,gerontology, andcytotechnology. In either case, a popular or niche degree can be used to step into a graduate degree program that suits your unique interests. As an example, a student earning an undergraduate degree in criminal justice may be interested in a masters degree inforensic scienceorcounterterrorismwhile a bachelor of science inmathcan lead you to a graduate degree inindustrial engineering,computer science, orlaw.

Finding Your College Match at Private Colleges in Washington State

Get your college search underway by investing energy into a personal analysis. This process will help uncover your unique priorities, skills, strengths, and attributes. The result will be a profile you can use to winnow down the list of colleges in your field of view and collect information from those schools using MatchCollege. The investment will pay dividends for years to come as you use higher education to advance your career and maintain agrowth mindsetyear over year after graduation.

List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Washington

There are 7 large private universities in our database for Washington. Follow the links below to get more details about each school.

Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities

The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.

4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study

The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.

Schools of Art, Music, and Design

Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Washington in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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