Most
Affordable Colleges in Seattle in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Seattle, WA, combines core business skills with access to a regional economy. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, management, economics, business law, and operations. Graduates commonly pursue jobs as marketing coordinators, financial analysts, human resources specialists, operations managers, and business consultants. Popular local options include the University of Washington's Foster School of Business, Seattle University's Albers School of Business and Economics, and Seattle Pacific University, offering degree pathways, internships, and networking opportunities.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Seattle, WA, combines coursework in developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognitive processes, social behavior, and abnormal psychology. Students build skills in assessment, communication, and data analysis through classes and research opportunities. Popular Seattle colleges offering psychology degrees include the University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and City University of Seattle. Graduates often pursue roles in research, case management, human resources, or behavioral health; clinical practice requires graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Seattle, WA, offers access to a thriving technology community and hands-on learning. Courses typically include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Popular local choices include the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Pacific University. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or web developers. Internships with regional employers can help students build portfolios, collaborate on projects, and explore specialties before graduation.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Seattle, Washington, can prepare you to support people through mental health, relationship, and life challenges. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, psychopathology, and supervised clinical work. Local options include Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Antioch University Seattle, and the University of Washington. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, career counselor, or substance-use counselor, subject to state licensing and role-specific qualifications.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Seattle, WA, combines learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, mental health, and maternal-child care. Programs emphasize evidence-based practice, ethics, and patient communication. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, care coordinators, or public health nurses, depending on degree and licensure. Options include the University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, and Seattle Central College.

Best Colleges in Seattle, WA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 29,340.0, compared with 43,456.5 at schools in the top 10%, so the top-ranked group has a higher median cost.
• Average financial aid reaches 100.0% of students overall, compared with 65.25% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 65.25%. Schools receive an average of 20,442.0 applicants overall, while schools in the top 10% average 50,956.6 applicants. The median number of applicants is 2,074.0 for men and 3,595.5 for women.
• Average test scores are 1,200.0 on the SAT and 26.0 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 8,628.1. Reported average enrollment is 916.0 men and 1,232.5 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.0%, compared with 78.7% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 55.0% for men and 53.5% for women.
• Four institutions offer associate's degrees, 10 offer bachelor's degrees, six offer master's degrees, and four offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 10 coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with the availability of financial aid, and consider how acceptance rates and applicant numbers relate to your options. Also weigh test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes; the overall figures differ from those for the top 10% schools, so consider which measures matter most to your goals.

How much does studying at a college in Seattle, WA cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Seattle, WA, is $26,500.20. For a student planning a degree, that figure is a starting point, but actual expenses vary by college, program, housing choice, and financial aid. Seattle's well-known options include the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Pacific University, each with its own tuition and campus-cost structure.

• Average tuition and fees: $25,316.30.
• Average room and board: $17,942.14.
• Average books and supplies: $1,234.

These are separate averages, not an itemized bill, so check each school's estimate and inclusions. Compare housing, meal plans, materials, and fees at the University of Washington, Seattle University, or Seattle Pacific. Grants, scholarships, or living at home may lower your out-of-pocket cost; campus housing or a higher-cost program may raise it. Using your aid offer to budget can make Seattle's choices more manageable and help you find a degree that fits your goals and budget needs.

How long does it take to finish college in Seattle, WA?

In Seattle, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study; an associate degree usually takes two years. At the University of Washington's Seattle campus, Seattle University, or Seattle Central College, timing depends on program, course availability, and incoming credits. Part-time enrollment, work, and prerequisite sequences can add time, so checking your degree map early makes planning more manageable.

Across the schools in the data, average graduation is 54.0%, compared with 78.7% among the top 10%. Averages are 52.12% for men and 54.62% for women. These figures describe group outcomes, not an individual student's odds, and remind you to choose support that fits.

• Bring eligible AP, dual-enrollment, or prior college credits.
• Take summer classes or a heavier load when prerequisites and finances allow.
• Explore accelerated or degree-completion pathways if you already have credits when available.

Ask Seattle advisors which credits transfer and build a realistic plan around your schedule.

Salary

After graduating from college in Seattle, WA, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $53,359. Graduates of schools ranked among the top 10% have a higher median of about $62,896. These figures offer a useful starting point, though your actual earnings can vary with your field, experience, and employer.

Seattle offers a range of colleges and universities to consider, including the University of Washington, Seattle University, and Seattle Pacific University. When comparing programs, look at the career paths they prepare you for as well as tuition and financial aid. Fields such as technology, health care, business, and engineering may lead to different opportunities and pay, so choosing a degree that fits your interests and goals can help you plan for life after graduation.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Seattle?

For a Washington resident, tuition can be roughly $4,000-$5,000 a year at a Seattle community college, around $12,000 at the University of Washington's Seattle campus, and substantially more at private colleges. These are approximate tuition figures; housing, food, books, fees, and transportation add to the total. Financial aid may lower what you pay.

What college in Seattle has the lowest tuition?

Seattle Colleges - North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College - are among the lowest-tuition options for Washington residents. Their published tuition is generally similar because they belong to the same district, at about $4,000-$5,000 per year for full-time study. Your actual cost depends on residency, credits, fees, and financial aid eligibility.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Seattle, WA Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers a research-university experience, broad academic choices, and an urban campus environment. It enrolls 57,283 students, with an 85% graduation rate and a 39% acceptance rate. Study cost is $42,105, and median alumni salary is $53,359. For students based in Seattle, the campus places classes, cultural venues, transit, and employers within the city's orbit. Its scale can suit learners seeking extensive resources and traditional university life, though costs and program-specific fit deserve consideration before applying.

North Seattle College offers a community-college setting in Seattle, with a more compact enrollment and opportunities for career-focused or transfer-oriented study. It enrolls 5,569 students; its graduation rate is 33%, while acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The listed total study cost is $5,046, and median alumni salary is $56,900. For students living in Seattle, its north-city location can make study and commuting practical. Compare program offerings, fees, and transfer pathways directly before choosing, since outcomes vary by field and individual circumstances.

Seattle Central College provides a college experience in Seattle, appealing to students who want classes near downtown amenities and transit. Enrollment is 5,396, and the graduation rate is 32%; acceptance-rate information is not available. Its listed total study cost is $5,046, and median alumni salary is $62,011. For Seattle-based students, an urban location may simplify access to cultural institutions, services, and work opportunities. Review programs, schedules, and transfer agreements, because details shape whether the college fits your goals and budget.

South Seattle College serves learners in Seattle with a community-college environment and options that may suit students pursuing training or further study. It enrolls 5,210 students and reports a 31% graduation rate; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. The listed total study cost is $5,046, and median alumni salary is $49,288. For residents in Seattle, studying in the south part of the city may offer a convenient alternative. Investigate majors, campus services, and transfer routes to determine how well they match your plans.

Seattle Film Institute is a specialized option for students drawn to filmmaking and media production rather than a multi-subject experience. It enrolls 85 students, reports a 57% graduation rate, and has no acceptance-rate data listed. Total study cost is $33,000, while median alumni salary is $43,364. For students based in Seattle, its focused profile can be appealing for creative training close to the region's arts and media community. Compare program content, equipment access, and support, and assess costs against your goals.