Best Colleges In Washington

Overview

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus was founded in 1854 by the Territorial Governor Isaac Stevens and local prominent citizens. The first classes started in 1861. Since then it has become a multi-campus university with the main campus is on 703 acres in Seattle, Washington. The other campuses are in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell. It is a cutting-edge research university and one of the oldest public institutions on the West Coast. Overall, it is a commuter school.

Features

Between all the campuses, The University of Washington – Seattle Campus has over 31,000 undergraduate students and 14,600 graduate students. These students are pursuing 100s of degrees or degree combinations. Inside the classroom, students have large classes. Only 37% of their classes will have less than 20 students. The student-faculty ratio is 21 to 1. Outside the classroom, students can join over 500 student organizations including over 50 Greek organizations. Top programs include:

• Social Sciences
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Business
• Marketing
• Engineering

Notables

University of Washington-Seattle Campus has a world class academic medical center that trains practitioners and researchers alike. Top alumni include Chris DeWolfe, co-creator of Myspace and Irv Robbins, cofounders and namesake of Baskin-Robins Ice-cream chain.

Overview

Whitman College was founded in 1882 in Walla Walla, Washington. Whitman College is named after pioneers Marcus and Narcissa Whitman who ran a mission to teach cayuse Indians to read and write in their native tongue, supported Oregon Trail travelers and killed by Indians in the Whitman Massacre of 1847. It is in a rural area near the Blue Mountains in the southeastern corner of Washington State. Today, Whitman has 117-acre campus and 22,000 acres of other land holdings in forms of 88-off campus programs, farms and retreat centers in Washington and Oregon.

Features

The college prides itself on remaining independence from sectarian and political control. Today, it serves just under 1,500 students and chooses to remain small so that the student-faculty ratio remains 9 to 1. Whitmans has 45 departmental majors and partners with area schools to complete 3-2 programs so that students can gain a bachelor and master’s degree at completion. Outside the classroom, students can join 100 student clubs – including a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. Over 70% are involved in sports, Greek or other organizations. But remember, all students must take comprehensive examinations in their majors to graduate. Top majors include:

• Biology
• Psychology
• Economics
• Political Science
• Business

Notables

Walla Walla, Washington is one of the best small towns in America and one of the friendliest places to live. It has a mild climate – so there is plenty to do outdoors year-round. It is known for wheat fields, sweet onions and wine. However, it is a “road trip” location. It takes 3 hours to Spokane, four to Portland and 5 hours to Seattle. But if you are content on the campus, you can always enjoy the 1 to 1 student-to-tree ratio to support green initiatives.

Overview

The University of Washington Bothell was founded in 1996 in response to the growing populations in North King and Snohomish Counties. The campus property is next to and sometimes shares some resources with Cascadia College. However, a point of pride is that the university is on 128 acres overlooking protected wetlands and the cascades. Due to the growth rate, it has become the fastest growing four-year public university in Washington State.

Features

Today, over 5,000 students study over 45 undergraduate and 14 graduate degree programs in this area. Average class size is 27. There are hundreds of local businesses to do your internship. Over half the student population will graduate with no debt. Top programs include:

• Nursing
• Business & Accounting
• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Communications

Notables

There is plenty to do in North King County and a campus transit Hub that will connect you with 10 routes that stop in over 400 areas in nearby areas. The University suggests going to St. Edwards State Park with over 365 acres of natural landscapes or vising a local farmers market. However, these are not the only places to find adventure but it is nice to have so much close to the campus.

Overview

Gonzaga University was founded in 1881 by Father Joseph Cataldo for $926 in hard silver dollars. He was able to purchase 320 acres of land and water that the local community considered just an old piece of gravel near the falls in Spokane, Washington. By 1887, classes began with just a few students. However, it has grown tremendously. Today, Gonzaga University is a private, co-ed institution. The campus is still by the water, with about 131 acres of land.

Features

Gonzaga University focuses on educating over 7,500 students annually. Over 5,000 of those students are undergraduates. These students study 75 undergraduate programs, 23 master degrees, 3 doctoral degrees and a law degree. Inside the classroom, over 30% of the classes have less than 20 students. The student-faculty Ratio is 12 to 1. Outside the classroom, students can join student organizations, volunteer for local organizations or attend a sporting event. Top programs include:

• Business
• Social Sciences
• Engineering
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Notables

Gonzaga University focuses on educating “the whole person to integrate science and art, faith and reason, action and contemplation.” However, education the whole person includes both academics, arts, culture, sports and elements of fun. The Student life department works hard to provide all those elements within the school year. However, there is always something to do at a NCAA Division I school.

Overview

Seattle University was founded in 1891 Jesuit leader, Adrian Sweere, S.J. as a place of basic education. The Jesuits noticed that there was a need for education at a time when the territory was just becoming a state. Since that time, Seattle University has expanded into higher education. It became a university in 1948. Today, it is located on 50-acres in downtown Seattle Washington. It is a private Jesuit school located in the First Hill and Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

Features

From their humble beginnings, Seattle University serves almost 7,500 students: 4,780 undergraduate students, 2,035 graduate students, and 666 law students. These students pursue 64 undergraduate programs, more than 31 graduate programs and 28 certificate programs. Inside the classroom, the average class size is 19 students. The student-faculty ratio is 13 to 1. Outside the classroom, Students can join over 85 clubs, including Greek and Intramurals. Top Programs include:

• Business
• Engineering
• Health Professions
• Visual & Performing Arts

Notables

This is a faith-based school with chapels and several sacred places on campuses for quiet reflection and spiritual introspect. However, it is not just about spiritual and academic things at this school. Every spring students go to Quadstock to participate in an arts and music festival that attracts performers such as Macklemore.

Overview

Washington State University (also known as Wazzu) was founded in 1890 as a land-grant university. Today, it has 39 extension offices through each county serving almost 30,000 students – making it the 2nd largest institution in Washington State. While most of these centers are focused on classes for all students. There are 4 research centers are focused on crop health and farmers productivity. Washington State has also started getting involved with local small businesses by sponsoring 24 small business development centers to assist such individuals with support.

Features

Today, Washington State University has over 24,400 undergraduates and over 5,000 studying other graduate programs. These students pursue 90 undergraduate degrees, 76 master’s degrees, 64 doctoral degrees and 3 professional degree programs. The student- faculty ratio is 15 to 1. Over 80% of the classes have less than 50 students. Outside of the classroom there are 60 Greek organizations (20% participation) and as well as 300 student organizations to join. Top programs include:

• Business
• Marketing
• Social Sciences
• Engineering
• Health Professions

Notables

One of Washington State University’s points of pride is being one of the top 36 universities that support the LGBT students. However, they want to add to list. Their goal by 2030 is for Washington State University to be recognized as one of the nation’s top 25 public research universities. They want to be a preeminent in research and discovery, teaching, and engagement. They want to make sure that everyone is a part of that success.

Overview

The University of Puget Sound was founded in 1888 by the Charles Henry Fowler and the United Methodist Church. It is located on 97 acres in downtown Tacoma, Washington. Approximately 35 miles south of Seattle. The University of Puget Sound is the only independent national undergraduate liberal arts college in Western Washington.

Features

Today, the University of Puget Sound educates about 2,600 undergraduate and nearly 270 graduate students. Inside the classroom, the student-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. Over 60% of your classes will have less than 20 students. Outside the classroom, there are over 100 student-run organizations to join to focus on things that are important to you. The most popular majors at University of Puget Sound include:

• Social Sciences
• Business
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences
• Foreign Languages, Literatures, & Linguistics
• Psychology

Notables

The Slogan at the Univesrity of Puget Sound is – “Once a Logger, Always a Logger!” Students don’t forget where they came from. Their home is with the 200,000 residents that call Tacoma their home. Their focus on education and strive for excellence has earned this school an award for producing the highest number of Fulbright scholars and a Phi Beta Kappa Chapter.

Overview

The University of Washington Tacoma is one of three campuses that complete the University of Washington system. The main campus is located in Seattle. However, due to increased high educational needs, the Tacoma campus was founded in 1990 along with the campus in Bothel. This Tacoma campus’ goal was to lift the area out of blight and drug use and to increase market share. And that is what it achieved. It transformed the rundown Pacific Avenue corridor and the old warehouse district. Today, it has a 46-acre downtown footprint – but they are always looking to expand.

Features

Today, the Tacoma campus supports nearly 5,000 students in their educational pursuits. Students have access to the entire University of Washington resources as well as a smaller campus location that provides strong connections between students and faculty in an 18 to 1 ratio. Over half of all UW undergraduates graduate with no known debt, and those who borrow graduate with less debt than the national average. Top Programs include:

• Computer information studies
• Psychology
• Communications
• Nursing
• Accounting
• Police and criminal science

Notables

The UW Tacoma student body has been ranked among the top-50 most diverse campuses in the nation (Best College Reviews). It only seems right that the school was named Tacoma. The name Tacoma stems from the Indian name for Mount Rainier, “Tacobet,” meaning “mother of the waters.”

Overview

Pacific Lutheran University was founded in 1890 by Bjug Harstad, Norwegian Pioneers and the Lutheran Church. Bjug Harstad made the suggestion to select Tacoma, Washington to be the location of the 156-acre woodland campus. Their first classes were in 1894 with tuition $1 per week.

Features

Today, Pacific Lutheran University offers 3,300 students the opportunity to study one of the 44 majors, 54 minors. The student population comes from all faiths and backgrounds discern their life’s vocation through coursework, mentorship and internships at world-class Puget Sound-area businesses and institutions. The student-faculty ratio at Pacific Lutheran University is 12:1, and the school has 53.2 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students. Outside of the classroom, there are 100 clubs and activities to participate in, including 19 varsity athletic teams in the Northwest Conference of NCAA Division III The most popular majors at Pacific Lutheran University include:

• Business
• Social Sciences
• Health Professions
• Education
• Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Notables

Pacific University is the first American university to have Study Away classes on all seven continents simultaneously. It is also the first private university on the West Coast to receive the prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization.

Overview

Seattle Pacific University was founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist church pioneers as a school to train ministers and teachers. Since then, it has grown into one of the top undergraduate programs in the nation. It is a 40-acre campus next the Lake Washington Ship Canal. A ten-minute drive from downtown Seattle. In addition to the downtown property, Seattle Pacific University also has a wilderness campus on Blakely Island and a seaside campus that doubles as a retreat facility on Whidbey Island.

Features

Today, Seattle Pacific University has 3,095 Undergraduate students, and 960 graduate level students. They pursue over 150 undergraduate and graduate programs. Inside the classroom, almost 50% of the classes have less than 20 students. The student-teacher ratio is 14-to-1. Outside of the classroom, about half the student population lives on campus. There are 50 fantastic student organizations to join including NCAA II sports and volunteering. Top Programs include:

• Business
• Health Professions
• Theological & Ministerial Studies
• Education
• Visual & Performing Arts

Notables

Seattle is a vibrant city whose nickname is the Emerald City. It is a major trade center, popular tourist destination and a major hub for connecting to Canada or the Pacific Rim. The City is surrounded by water and mountains. So, wherever you do while you are in Seattle, it will include a bridge, a ferry or some mountain-related adventure.