Most
Affordable Colleges in Spokane in 2027

Business Administration

Studying a business administration program in Spokane, Washington combines management, accounting, marketing, economics, finance, business communication, and organizational behavior. Students develop skills in leadership, data analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. Popular Spokane options include Gonzaga University, which offers business programs, and Whitworth University, with business administration programs. Graduates pursue roles such as management trainee, marketing coordinator, financial analyst, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations coordinator. The degree may lead to entrepreneurship or leadership advancement.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Spokane, Washington lets students explore human behavior, cognition, development, mental health, and research methods. Typical coursework includes statistics, abnormal psychology, social psychology, personality, learning, and neuroscience, alongside hands-on experiences. Gonzaga University and Whitworth University offer psychology programs in Spokane; Spokane Falls Community College provides coursework supporting transfer pathways. Graduates commonly pursue roles in case management, human services, behavioral support, research assistance, or education, while clinical practice typically requires graduate study and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying a computer science program in Spokane, WA combines programming fundamentals with hands-on problem solving. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, cybersecurity, operating systems, and web development. Students may build projects and learn languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Popular Spokane options include Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, and Spokane Falls Community College, where offerings and degree pathways vary. Graduates commonly pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and web developers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Spokane, Washington, combines psychology, human development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, and evidence-based therapy. Students typically complete supervised practicum and internship experiences. Gonzaga University and Whitworth University are well-known Spokane choices for counseling-related graduate study. Graduates may pursue licensure and work as mental health counselors, school counselors, family therapists, substance-use counselors, or local case managers. Programs emphasize communication, crisis intervention, diagnosis, treatment planning, and culturally responsive support for individuals and families.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Spokane, WA, combines classroom learning with clinical practice in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and patient care across the lifespan. Graduates may work as registered nurses, serving in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or public health programs. Spokane options include Gonzaga University, Washington State University's College of Nursing, and Spokane Community College, offering pathways from associate degrees to bachelor's nursing education.

Best Colleges in Spokane, WA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $15,930, compared with $52,940 at schools in the top 10% - a difference of $37,010.
• An average of 99.2% of students receive financial aid, versus 75.25% at top-10% schools, a difference of 23.95 percentage points.
• The average acceptance rate is 75.25%. Schools receive an average of 3,243.75 applicants, compared with 7,390.4 at top-10% schools. The median numbers of male and female applicants are 875 and 1,229.5, respectively.
• Average scores are 1,235 on the SAT and 27 on the ACT.
• Schools average 3,451.67 enrolled students, including 205.5 men and 320.67 women.
• The average graduation rate is 54.4%, compared with 80% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 71% for men and 36% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, two offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• Six schools are coeducational; zero are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, available degree levels, and graduation rates. Consider how these factors align with your academic goals and circumstances, and review the reported enrollment and graduation figures as part of your decision.

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

The average reported total cost of studying in Spokane, WA, is $24,931. This is best treated as a typical study-year estimate - not the price of an entire degree, which depends on program length, institution, and aid. The figures also list average tuition and fees of $32,509.33, room and board of $16,127.20, and books and supplies of $895.60; because these amounts do not add up to the reported total, compare each college's current cost breakdown before planning your budget.

At Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, or Spokane Community College, your actual bill can vary with your living arrangements, course load, and financial aid. Scholarships, grants, commuting, and used textbooks can help make the experience more affordable. For a realistic plan, ask each school for its cost of attendance and estimate tuition, housing, meals, books, and transportation separately. Knowing the numbers early can make pursuing a Spokane degree feel more manageable and exciting, so plan carefully.

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

In Spokane, most full-time students take about four years to earn a bachelor's degree, while an associate degree commonly takes two years. At Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, or Eastern Washington University's Spokane campus, the timeline depends on your program, course load, and whether you attend year-round. Transfer students may finish sooner if prior credits apply; Spokane Community College can also provide a starting point before transferring.

Finishing faster can be possible through Advanced Placement or dual-enrollment credits, summer classes, heavier course loads, or accelerated programs. Check each school's transfer and credit-by-exam rules, and meet an adviser to map prerequisites so a fast-track plan stays realistic. Graduation rates show that completion is not automatic: the average rate is 54.4%, compared with 80.0% among the top 10% of schools. Rates average 63.8% for men and 45.4% for women, underscoring how support, persistence, and a schedule that fits your life can help you reach graduation.

Salary

After graduating from college in Spokane, WA, you can use $45,275 a year as a median alumni salary benchmark. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a higher median of $53,061 a year. Your own earnings will depend on your degree, career, and experience.

Spokane students can explore options such as Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, Washington State University's Spokane campus, and Spokane Falls Community College. Comparing programs and career paths can help you choose a route toward the earnings and future you want.

People also ask

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

There isn't one price for college in Spokane: costs depend on the school, your Washington residency, how many credits you take, and whether you live on campus. Public community colleges generally cost much less in tuition than private universities. Remember to budget separately for fees, books, housing, food, and transportation; comparing each school's current cost-of-attendance estimate gives you the clearest picture.

What college in Spokane has the lowest tuition?

Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College, both part of Spokane Colleges, are likely the most affordable starting points for local students seeking a degree or transfer credits. Their tuition is generally lower than that of Spokane's private universities. Your exact cost will depend on residency, credits, and program fees, so compare the current tuition schedules for both campuses before deciding.

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

Spokane Falls Community College is a public community college serving students in Spokane, Washington. For a local student seeking an affordable start toward a degree, its reported total study cost is $5,923, substantially below the four-year university costs listed here. Enrollment is 4,319, and the graduation rate is 32%. Acceptance-rate information is unavailable, and median alumni salary is $38,262. Consider how transfer pathways, program offerings, and commuting from your Spokane-area home fit your goals before choosing a college.

Spokane Community College is a local college option for students who want to pursue education while remaining in Spokane, Washington. Its reported enrollment of 6,813 is the largest among these five schools, while its total cost of studying is $5,923. The graduation rate is 33%; acceptance-rate data is unavailable. Reported median alumni salary is $45,378. If you hope to earn a degree, compare available programs, transfer options, schedules, and campus services to see whether the college matches your plans.

Great Northern University offers a small Spokane, Washington, campus setting, with reported enrollment of just 48. Its graduation rate is 50%, and its acceptance rate is 100%. The reported total cost of studying is $18,300; median alumni salary data is unavailable. For a prospective student looking for a degree in Spokane, the modest student population may appeal if you prefer a smaller college community. Check its degree choices, academic support, and outcomes directly before deciding how it fits your priorities.

Whitworth University is a private university in Spokane, Washington, offering a four-year option for students who want to study close to home. Its reported enrollment is 2,315, graduation rate 71%, and acceptance rate 90%. Total study cost is $51,500, while median alumni salary is $45,275. Among these five schools, it combines a smaller enrollment with a higher graduation rate than the two community colleges listed. Spokane students should compare programs, financial aid, and campus life with budget and degree goals.

Based in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga University enrolls 7,070 students, making it the largest school among these five. Its 86% graduation rate is the highest in this group, and its acceptance rate is 82%. The reported total cost of studying is $54,380, while median alumni salary is $58,183. For students seeking a Spokane degree, Gonzaga is one option to explore. Compare its programs, financial aid, and campus experience with your interests, budget, and career goals as you plan your next steps.