Best Accredited Online Colleges in Washington State

This article contains a wealth of information on accredited online colleges in Washington state. This blog would be the best site to be in if you are a student interested in obtaining a college degree online!

The internet has made it very easy for us to gather knowledge and information in practically everything we are curious about or want to learn and engage in.

There are a lot of things that are done online as a result of the digitalized world. Online colleges are not exempted.

Apart from online Colleges, there are also online high schools for high school students who wish to enroll in one and earn a certificate.

These days, one can take free online language courses if interested in any language of choice, there are creative skills that one can take online too, such as free online painting classes.

For creative people interested in beauty and skincare, there are esthetician online schools that one can also enroll in and get started in skin beautification.

For parents that want to engage their kids in fun and exciting stuff online, there are online music classes for kids, if you want your kid to learn any musical instruments of choice

There are also online robotics classes for kids, just to build their IQ and make them smarter.

Online karate classes for kids are also available to build up the kid’s physical and defense skills. Online drawing classes for kids also draw the attention of kids as well as online art classes for kids, which helps them become more creative.

For food lovers and people that want to sharpen their culinary skills, there are culinary schools scattered all over countries in the world that one can enroll in and pursue their dreams of becoming chefs, restauranteurs, or sommeliers.

In Washington state, there are culinary schools in Colorado, and one can enroll in any one of them and start in the culinary world.

Speaking of Washington state, let’s gather a little knowledge of the state.

Washington is the 18th-largest state, with an area of 71,362 square miles (184,830 km2), and the 13th-most populous state, with more than 7.7 million people.

The majority of Washington’s residents live in the Seattle metropolitan area, the center of transportation, business, and industry on Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean consisting of numerous islands, deep fjords, and bays carved out by glaciers.

The remainder of the state consists of deep temperate rainforests in the west; mountain ranges in the west, central, northeast, and far southeast; and a semi-arid basin region in the east, central, and south, given over to intensive agriculture.

Washington is the second most populous state on the West Coast and in the Western United States, after California

Washington is one of the wealthiest as well as most socially liberal states in the country. The state consistently ranks among the best for life expectancy and low unemployment.

As of the 2020–2021 school year, 1,094,330 students were enrolled in elementary and secondary schools in Washington, with 67,841 teachers employed to educate them.

There are more than 40 institutions of higher education in Washington. The state has major research universities, technical schools, religious schools, and private career colleges.

Even with this number of institutions, there are still numerous online schools and colleges that interested students can enroll in and get a degree. We would be talking in detail about these accredited online colleges in Washington state in this article.

Average Cost of Online College in Washington State

Every school had an average cost of attendance, but for online colleges in Washington State, we would be giving the summary of the average cost below;

In-state tuition:

  • $7,782 – public, four-year institution;
  • $3,771 – a public, two-year institution
  • Out-of-state tuition:
  • $28,849 – public, four-year institution;
  • $6,565 – public, two-year institution

Requirements for Online Colleges in Washington State

Just as other schools and institutions have requirements and documents to be provided before they are admitted into a school, online Colleges are not exempted from providing these requirements to be admitted too. Let’s discuss these requirements in detail below;

The state of Washington maintains a set of academic core requirements called the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) that all students have to meet to qualify for college admission.

  • You must have completed your high school education and possess a high school diploma certificate.
  • You must present all official high school transcripts and documents from previous institutions attended.
  • You must fill out and submit your online application before the end date.
  • You must take and submit language proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, etc. if required.
  • You must have your recommendation letters, statement of intent, a well-written college essay, etc.
  • You must possess the required CGPA needed for the program you are applying for.
  • You must pay the non-refundable application fee while applying.
  • You must provide your ID cards and copies of your passport photograph.

It is also good to know that the requirements for the online colleges in Washington state may differ from each other, however, the ones provided above are the general requirements.

Benefits of Online College in Washington State

Washington state colleges and universities currently have over 25,000 undergraduates completing all courses online. With over a hundred programs offered fully online, Washington colleges provide flexible and accessible options for growing groups, such as single parents and full-time workers.

Members of these groups benefit from the ability to earn an online degree in Washington, arranging coursework around work or family obligations.

Other numerous benefits of online Colleges in Washington state will be mentioned below;

1.       Variety of programs and courses.

Today, students can earn any academic degree online, ranging from a bachelor’s to a doctorate, and at the same time, not be limited by geographical location.

2.       Lower total costs.

Online programs tend to be more affordable than traditional colleges. For instance, there are no transport costs and sometimes required course materials such as textbooks are available online at no cost.

3.       More comfortable learning environment.

If you want to attend class in your pajamas, online learning may be for you. Grab a cup of tea, kick back in your favorite easy chair, and settle in for a pleasant hour or two listening to lectures and completing assignments. No hard wooden chairs or tiny desks are required!

4.       Convenience and flexibility.

Online students can plan study time around the rest of their day, instead of the other way around. You can work at your convenience, which makes balancing work and family commitments with your education possible.

5.       More interaction and greater ability to concentrate.

While not true for every student, studies suggest that shy students participate in online class discussions more easily than face-to-face. Some students also report better concentration in online classes due to the lack of classroom distractions.

6.       Career advancement.

Online courses position students for career advancement even while they are working, between jobs, or taking time to raise a family. This academic work will explain any discontinuity or gaps in a resume as well. Earning a degree also shows prospective employers that you are ambitious and motivated.

7.       Continue in your profession

Many students today begin as traditional students but discover that they must work to afford to continue school. Online courses allow these students to continue in their jobs while also pursuing academic credentials.

8.       Avoid commuting.

Instead of driving an hour to class through snowstorms and thunderstorms, then fighting to find a parking spot, online students simply stroll to the computer and turn it on. Not only does this save time and hassle, but many online students also find substantial savings on fuel costs, not to mention wear and tear on their car.

9.       Improve your technical skills.

Even the most basic online course requires the development of new computer skills as students learn to navigate different learning management systems and programs. In addition, the participation skills students learn within their online courses translate to many professions. Examples include creating and sharing documents, incorporating audio/video materials into assignments, and completing online training sessions.

These and more are the benefits of online Colleges in Washington State.

Washington State is fully involved in online learning. Listed below is a summary of the engaging online learning activities of various students in Washington State;

  • Number of programs offered Completely online in Washington: 112
  • Undergraduate students enrolled exclusively online in Washington: 25,429
  • Graduate students enrolled exclusively online in Washington: 4,252
  • Total international students enrolled exclusively online in Washington: 469

online colleges in Washington state

Online Colleges in Washington State

The best online colleges in Washington State offer quality education at affordable prices. Our ranking of the top online colleges in Washington considers factors such as tuition costs, student-to-teacher ratios, and graduation rates.

Availability of financial support, career counseling services, and job placement support also affect rankings. These factors contribute to the program’s overall accessibility and value.

Below are the top best online colleges in Washington state;

1.       University of Washington

The UW is the first on our list of online colleges in Washington state. It is one of the world’s preeminent public universities and the first on our list of online colleges in Washington state.

Their impact on individuals, regions and the world is profound whether they are launching young people into a boundless future or confronting the grand challenges of our time through undaunted research and scholarship.

Ranked No. 7 in the world on the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities rankings, the UW educates more than 54,000 students annually. They turn ideas into impact and transform lives and our world.

The UW is a multi-campus university in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, as well as a world-class academic medical center.

The UW’s colleges and schools offer 1,800 undergraduate courses each quarter.

Their online degree programs make it possible for interested students to study while working full-time or part-time in their state.

To enroll or visit the website, click on the link provided below

Visit College Website

2.       Western Washington University

Western Washington University is the second on our list of online colleges in Washington state. It is a public comprehensive institution dedicated to serving the people of the state of Washington.

Together our students, staff, and faculty are committed to making a positive impact in the state and the world with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement.

The university has a program known as Western Online. This online program is accredited and made solely for students who wish to work and take care of other responsibilities while studying at the same time.

The classes are interactive, self-paced, and flexible too.

3.       City University of Seattle

Since 1973, the City University of Seattle has been relentlessly reimagining higher education in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. It is the third on our list of online colleges in Washington state.

As an accredited, private, nonprofit university, our mission is to provide career-relevant education to busy professionals who want to advance their careers and compete in the global marketplace.

Today, the school is recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide1, offering over 60 degree and certificate programs in business, leadership, education, project management, health, and human services, and computer and information systems.

Whether students study on-site or online, they learn from practitioner faculty and network with alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies.

They continue their mission of offering access to high-quality, relevant U.S.-style degrees to those in other countries.

From the day they enroll, students have an entire team of support that’s committed to helping them finish their degree and achieve their goals.

Some of their online degree programs are:

  • Associate of Science in Business
  • Bachelor of Arts in Management
  • Bachelor of Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
  • BS in Criminal Justice
  • BS in Healthcare Administration
  • BS in Project Management
  • Doctor of Business Administration

4.       Gonzaga University

Gonzaga is the next one on our list of online colleges in Washington state. It is located in Spokane, a city that National Geographic Traveler magazine named one of the “Best Cities in the United States.”

It’s a city that is large enough to have plenty going on year-round, and yet small enough to be friendly, livable, and easy to explore.

Eastern Washington and the nearby Idaho panhandle region boast a jaw-dropping landscape of rivers, lakes, mountains, and desert, with four beautiful seasons. We are on the “sunny side” of the state, with far less rain than western Washington.

Gonzaga offers 15 undergraduate degrees through 52 majors, 54 minors and 37 concentrations, 23 master’s degrees, and four doctorates.

They also offer online graduate programs for their online students.

To enroll or visit the website, click on the link provided below

Visit College Website

5.       Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is the next on our list of online colleges in Washington state. it was founded in 1882 by a $10,000 grant from expressman Benjamin Pierce Cheney, originally known as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy to honor its founder.

In 1889, the school was renamed State Normal School at Cheney, and in 1937 to Eastern Washington College of Education. After becoming known as Eastern Washington State College, the school added various graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

In 1977, the school’s name was changed for the final time to Eastern Washington University by the Washington State Legislature.

Eastern Washington University is a driving force for the culture, economy, workforce, and vitality of Washington state. Our graduates think critically and make meaningful contributions to both their career fields and their communities.

Their online program known as Eastern online offers graduate as well as undergraduate degree programs to students who wish to study online. A variety of courses are available to choose from too.

6.       Peninsula College

Peninsula College is the next on our list of online colleges in Washington state. Founded in 1961 as a comprehensive community college, PC serves students of all ages and interests.

With funding options like Worker Retraining, scholarships, and financial aid, college is for everyone. Writing, math, and computer labs provide individualized instruction to help you succeed.

PC offers an in-demand Bachelor’s degree option and direct transfer degrees including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Business, and Math.

PC also offers an Honors program and competitive Professional Technical programs including Nursing, Multimedia Communications, Welding, Business Administration, Addiction Studies, and more.

At Peninsula College, their unique environment encourages you to explore new possibilities. The college is innovative and student-centered with excellent faculty and small classes. Their learning facilities feature striking architecture and classrooms with advanced instructional technology and equipment.

They offer international learning experiences and are actively involved in our local community. What’s more, they provide many extra-curricular opportunities: championship athletic teams, student clubs and activities, and an array of cultural and fine arts events throughout the year.

To enroll or visit the website, click on the link provided below

Visit College Website

7.       Northwest Indian College

With its main campus located on the Lummi Indian Reservation in Washington State, 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Northwest Indian College is the next on our list of online colleges in Washington state. It is the only accredited tribal college serving the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

NWIC grew from the Lummi Indian School of Aquaculture, founded in 1973, a single-purpose training program developed to prepare technicians for employment in Indian-owned and operated fish and shellfish hatcheries throughout the United States and Canada.

At Northwest Indian College the student body is a diverse group. The average student is a 29-year-old female with at least one dependent. However, increasing numbers of traditional college-age students are enrolling right out of high school.

Over 75 percent of their students come from a federally-recognized Indian tribe and they represent over 90 different tribal nations. Northwest Indian College proudly serves over 1,100 students annually.

The college offers two-year as well as four-year online programs to their online students.

8.       Northwest University

Northwest University is the next on our list of online colleges in Washington state. it is a regionally accredited, Christian institution awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Located in Kirkland, Washington, we have been preparing students to lead in their careers since 1934 and offer a variety of degree programs to meet the needs of an ever-changing society.

Their traditional undergraduate experience includes over 70 majors and programs—as well as off-campus internships—to equip students for success in their careers. Our online degree programs provide the flexibility of classes that can be accessed anytime, anywhere and they are accredited as well.

9.       Central Washington University

A public, four-year university located in historic Ellensburg, Wash, and the next on our list of online colleges in Washington state.

Central’s commitment to hands-on learning as well as online learning, discovery, and individual attention takes students beyond the limits of the classroom and books.

Students get to do what they’re studying in real-world, professional settings, which makes learning exciting and relevant.

Each year, CWU graduates thousands of well-educated citizens who are ready for high-demand careers in the workforce: construction management, accounting, engineering technology, teacher education, wine business, paramedicine, aviation, and more.

CWU prepares students to succeed in a global economy through strong partnerships with 30 colleges and universities around the world. In recent years, we have welcomed more than 400 students from 36 countries to our campus.

To enroll or visit the website, click on the link provided below

Visit College Website

10.   Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom

This College is the last on the list of colleges in Washington state is based in Lakewood, Washington, and enrolls around 10,000 students every year. The school also offers innovative online degrees through its Pierce Online platform.

Pierce Online is part of the college’s commitment to providing students with an engaging and flexible virtual learning environment.

Pierce Online students can choose between an entirely online course delivery of 15 hours per week and a hybrid setup combining synchronous instructional time with asynchronous online instruction.

Pierce offers career pathway areas in arts, humanities, and education; business; education; healthcare; social and behavioral sciences; and STEM

This concludes it on our list of online colleges in Washington state. I hope you found this article worth reading and detailed too.

Online Colleges in Washington State – FAQs

Below are the few vital frequently asked questions about online colleges in Washington state that I have highlighted and answered.

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”Are there free online colleges in Washington State?” answer-0=”Yes, some online colleges in Washington state offer free online courses to students enrolled in them. For example, the University of Washington offers free online classes through multiple outlets, including UW Online, Coursera, and edX.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What is the cheapest online college in Washington State?” answer-1=”Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom, LAKEWOOD, in Washington state is the cheapest online college with a low tuition fee of $3862.” image-1=”” count=”2″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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