Cheapest Online Colleges in Washington [2025 Guide]
Washington is home to a variety of colleges and universities offering excellent online programs at affordable prices, designed to accommodate your busy schedule.
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According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), tuition at public colleges in Washington is quite competitive compared to the national average.
This robust educational system provides students in Washington with easy access to a wide range of online learning opportunities. If you're searching for an affordable online college in Washington, our carefully curated list will guide you to the best options available.
Methodology
EDsmart rankings are based on data provided by NCES IPEDS reports via College Scorecard. All schools must provide four data points that EDsmart relies on to rank higher education institutions:
- Average Net Price
- Graduation Rate
- Retention Rate
- Median Earnings
Any school missing any one of the data points was not considered in our ranking. Only 4-year schools were considered for this ranking.
The rankings below are based solely on their average net prices.
EDsmart ranks colleges by Net Price, not just tuition, to show real costs. Net Price includes grants and scholarships, giving a more accurate picture of affordability.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Most Affordable Online Colleges in Washington
1. Heritage University
- Average Net Price: $7,564
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Median Earnings: $49,416
Heritage University does not have an available admission rate, but it offers a moderate average cost of attendance at $25,946. In-state and out-of-state tuition and fees are both set at $19,500. Students who have completed their studies here typically graduate with a median debt of $14,573.
2. University of Washington-Bothell Campus
- Average Net Price: $10,495
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Median Earnings: $78,466
The University of Washington-Bothell Campus has an admission rate of 88.08%. The average cost of attendance is $23,503, with in-state tuition and fees at $12,224 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $40,722. Graduates typically carry a median debt of $14,615.
3. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
- Average Net Price: $10,897
- Graduation Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Median Earnings: $78,466
With an admission rate of 88.35%, the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has an average cost of attendance of $22,627. The in-state tuition and fees are $12,458, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,956. Graduates generally have a median debt of $14,615.
4. Eastern Washington University
- Average Net Price: $11,676
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Median Earnings: $57,897
Eastern Washington University admits 96.12% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $22,226, with in-state tuition and fees at $8,139 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $26,529. Graduates usually have a median debt of $19,500.
5. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Average Net Price: $13,404
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Median Earnings: $78,466
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus has an admission rate of 47.52%. The average cost of attendance is $28,650, with in-state tuition and fees at $12,242 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $40,740. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $14,615.
6. Washington State University
- Average Net Price: $15,484
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Median Earnings: $68,905
Washington State University admits 83.10% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $26,396, with in-state tuition and fees at $12,701 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $28,385. Graduates generally carry a median debt of $19,500.
7. Central Washington University
- Average Net Price: $16,768
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Median Earnings: $61,580
Central Washington University has an admission rate of 93.49%. The average cost of attendance is $25,435, with in-state tuition and fees at $8,845 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $25,910. Graduates typically have a median debt of $19,500.
8. Western Washington University
- Average Net Price: $18,373
- Graduation Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $62,569
Western Washington University admits 92.69% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $26,158, with in-state tuition and fees at $8,967 and out-of-state tuition and fees at $26,873. Graduates usually have a median debt of $18,500.
9. Northwest University
- Average Net Price: $21,830
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $54,914
Northwest University has a high admission rate of 94.26%. The average cost of attendance is $45,835, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees set at $35,000. Graduates typically leave with a median debt of $20,891.
10. Gonzaga University
- Average Net Price: $34,331
- Graduation Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Median Earnings: $78,892
Gonzaga University admits 69.74% of applicants. The average cost of attendance is $66,149, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees at $50,735. Graduates generally carry a median debt of $24,454.
Popular Online Colleges
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.Insights and Analysis
The rankings of the most affordable online colleges in WA reveal a diverse landscape of higher education in terms of affordability, graduation outcomes, and post-graduation earnings. Here are some key insights and comparisons:
Net Prices and Graduation Rates
Heritage University stands out with the lowest average net price at $7,564, which is less than half of Gonzaga University's highest net price of $34,331. Despite its affordability, Heritage maintains a respectable graduation rate of 57%. In contrast, Gonzaga University, with the highest net price, boasts the highest graduation rate at 86%, indicating that higher costs may be associated with better graduation outcomes.
Net Price vs. Tuition
Examining the net price against tuition fees reveals interesting patterns. For instance, the University of Washington-Bothell and University of Washington-Tacoma have similar median earnings and tuition fees, but their net prices are significantly lower than Gonzaga University's, suggesting a better return on investment for students at these public institutions.
Median Earnings and Debt
All three University of Washington campuses (Bothell, Tacoma, Seattle) report the highest median earnings of $78,466 among graduates. Notably, the net prices for these institutions are relatively moderate, making them attractive options for students seeking high earning potential without excessive debt. Conversely, Northwest University and Gonzaga University show lower median earnings ($54,914 and $78,892 respectively) but significantly higher net prices and median debts, which may deter cost-sensitive students.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
The disparity between in-state and out-of-state tuition is most evident at the University of Washington and Eastern Washington University. For example, at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus, in-state tuition is $12,242, while out-of-state tuition skyrockets to $40,740. This stark difference suggests that out-of-state students might find these universities less affordable unless they secure substantial financial aid.
Retention Rates
High retention rates, as seen at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus (93%) and Gonzaga University (92%), indicate strong student satisfaction and support systems. In contrast, universities like Eastern Washington University and Central Washington University, with retention rates of 67% and 68%, respectively, may need to enhance student engagement and support to improve retention.
Median Debt
Heritage University graduates carry the lowest median debt at $14,573, which is considerably lower than the highest median debt of $24,454 at Gonzaga University. This suggests that students at Heritage University may face less financial burden post-graduation, aligning well with its low net price.
Comparative Highlights
- Affordability and Earnings: Heritage University offers the lowest net price and median debt but also has lower median earnings compared to other institutions. In contrast, the University of Washington campuses offer higher median earnings with moderate net prices and median debts, providing a balanced approach to cost and financial outcomes.
- High Cost and Outcomes: Gonzaga University, while having the highest net price and median debt, also has high graduation and retention rates, alongside strong median earnings. This may appeal to students willing to invest heavily in their education for potentially higher returns.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State Considerations: Public universities like Eastern Washington University and the University of Washington campuses provide significant tuition savings for in-state students, making them attractive options for residents. Out-of-state students, however, may face higher financial challenges.
Overall, students should consider not only the net price and tuition but also graduation rates, median earnings, and potential debt when choosing a university. Balancing these factors can lead to more informed decisions and better financial and academic outcomes.