Student-centric advice and objective recommendations
Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.
Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.
Top Affordable Colleges in Washington State
By
Varonika Ware
Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
Learn about our editorial policies
Gabriel Jimenez-Ekman is the Director of Content at Scholarships360. He has written over 300 articles on college admissions, financial aid, and scholarships, in addition to spearheading research projects for Scholarships360's Top Colleges resource. Gabriel graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in sociology.
Learn about our editorial policies
Washington State has many great options for an affordable college education. Whether you are a Washington student taking advantage of in-state tuition or a student with a strong academic background earning merit scholarships, we’ve got great options for you. Let’s get into the best affordable colleges in Washington:
Affordable in-state colleges
University of Washington – Seattle
The University of Washington is unique in its promise to its students AKA The Husky Promise. This is an initiative available to eligible Washington residents that guarantees their full tuition and fees will be covered.
This campus is one of the three University of Washington has in the state, and this one is situated close to the Emerald City! So, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the sights while choosing from over 180 majors.
University of Washington – Bothell
While the annual fee breakdown for the Bothell campus is almost identical to the Seattle campus, there are differences between each of them. Bothell has fewer major options than Seattle, but 70% of undergraduates graduated debt-free! Whichever campus you choose, you can’t go wrong with a University of Washington education.
Western Washington University
At Western Washington University, over 60% of students are awarded financial aid packages! Incoming students that meet the criteria in the Washington House Bill 1079 and the Real Hope Act are eligible for resident tuition because Western upholds tuition equity. Western also offers a wide range of scholarships, such as the Multicultural Achievement Program Scholarship that awards $2,000-3,000 to students with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Best schools for merit aid
Gonzaga University
Almost 100% of incoming freshmen at Gonzaga are awarded a merit scholarship! First-year merit scholarships can range from $19,000 – $27,000 per year based on the difficulty of curriculum, GPA, extracurriculars, recommendations, and the written portion of your application. That’s not including the other 10+ merit opportunities for incoming students, and even transfer students have four merit awards they can potentially win.
Whitman College
When you apply to Whitman, you’re automatically considered for the Whitman Merit Scholarships, Garrett-Sherwood Scholarships, and the Eells Scholarship. Students can even find out how much aid you’ll be awarded before applying thanks to the Whitman Early Financial Aid Guarantee!
If you’re interested in a talent-based scholarship, Whitman encourages all their students to apply! These scholarships are offered in music, fine arts, theater and dance, and debate and forensics. In order to apply, be sure to polish off your resume or statement of purpose along with a work sample like a portfolio.