Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Washington
- 46
- Schools
- $53,626
- Avg. Earnings
- 47%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,348
- Avg. Net Price
- $15,580
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 46 schools run from $35,447 to $78,892, a 2.2× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Northwest Indian College delivers the most for the money: roughly $35,447 in median earnings against $3,136 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Northwest Indian College is the lowest-cost school here at $3,136 a year in net price.
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Gonzaga University graduates 87% of its students, versus a 47% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Cascadia College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.12× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Pacific Lutheran University ($66,990 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Gonzaga University ($78,892), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Northwest Indian College costs $3,136 a year and University of Puget Sound costs $38,394. Yet their graduates earn $35,447 and $69,594, nowhere near the $35,258 price gap.
- On value, Northwest Indian College beats Gonzaga University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Northwest Indian College and Gonzaga University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $49K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pacific Lutheran University #1 overall | $66,990 ▲ +25% vs avg | $19,589 | 70% | 71 |
| 2 Washington State University #2 overall | $68,905 ▲ +28% vs avg | $14,971 | 61% | 71 |
| 3 Western Washington University #3 overall | $62,569 ▲ +17% vs avg | $21,193 | 65% | 71 |
| $67,589 ▲ +26% vs avg | $33,313 | 81% | 71 | |
| $75,272 ▲ +40% vs avg | $34,662 | 74% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Washington
This analysis ranks 46 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $53,626 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 47% and an average net price of $15,348.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Northwest Indian College — Net Price: $3,136 | Graduation Rate: 22%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Gonzaga University — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Gonzaga University — Median alumni earnings: $78,892
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Washington Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Washington?
$48,780
Median earnings (10yr)
41%
Median graduation rate
$11,819
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Washington, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Start with the medians across these 46 schools. Graduates earn a median of $48,780 ten years after enrollment, or about $780 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 41%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $11,819 a year with about $13,983 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 27% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Washington pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $11,819 and median earnings of $48,780 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #1 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $66,990 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Washington State University lands at #2 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $68,905 a decade after enrolling, 28% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Western Washington University lands at #3 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $62,569 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,193 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Whitman College lands at #4 with a 71/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $67,589 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,313 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Seattle University lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $75,272 a decade after enrolling, 40% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Gonzaga University lands at #6 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,892 a decade after enrolling, 47% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Seattle Pacific University lands at #7 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $64,506 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,488 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Central Washington University lands at #8 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $61,580 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,476 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Eastern Washington University lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $57,897 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,886 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Whitworth University lands at #10 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,561 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,534 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Seattle, WA · 39% accepted · $14,091 net
Why it ranks #11
University of Washington-Seattle Campus lands at #11 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,091 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Puget Sound lands at #12 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $69,594 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,394 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Northwest University lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (51/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,288 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Everett Community College lands at #14 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $45,434 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,684 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Saint Martin's University lands at #15 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $62,092 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
The Evergreen State College lands at #16 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,320 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,319 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Walla Walla University lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $61,885 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,329 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
South Puget Sound Community College lands at #18 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $45,039 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,132 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Tacoma Community College lands at #19 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $47,168 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,376 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Whatcom Community College lands at #20 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $44,092 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,795 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Skagit Valley College lands at #21 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $43,505 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,064 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Olympic College lands at #22 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $43,169 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,172 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Bellevue College lands at #23 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $56,310 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,430 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Wenatchee Valley College lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $41,127 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,722 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Columbia Basin College lands at #25 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $46,680 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,317 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Grays Harbor College lands at #26 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (63/100). Graduates earn a median $40,865 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,783 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Clark College lands at #27 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $42,356 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,465 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Big Bend Community College lands at #28 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $43,814 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,210 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Walla Walla Community College lands at #29 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (64/100). Graduates earn a median $43,526 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,406 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Lower Columbia College lands at #30 with a 63/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,691 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,630 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Heritage University lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $49,416 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,598 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Shoreline College lands at #32 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $52,009 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,585 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #33
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands at #33 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,163 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Cascadia College lands at #34 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,133 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,281 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Highline College lands at #35 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,869 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,879 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #36
Seattle Central College lands at #36 with a 56/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $43,307 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,819 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Bothell, WA · 91% accepted · $12,319 net
Why it ranks #37
University of Washington-Bothell Campus lands at #37 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 46% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,319 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #38
Pierce College District lands at #38 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,532 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,222 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #39
Green River College lands at #39 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $50,712 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #40
Edmonds College lands at #40 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $48,144 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,010 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Spokane Falls Community College lands at #41 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,955 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,409 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #42
Centralia College lands at #42 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (33/100). Graduates earn a median $43,140 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,862 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #43
Spokane Community College lands at #43 with a 51/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,984 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,473 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #44
Yakima Valley College lands at #44 with a 51/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (44/100). Graduates earn a median $43,499 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,843 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
Why it ranks #45
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education lands at #45 with a 47/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $54,914 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,671 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #46
Northwest Indian College lands at #46 with a 43/100 composite, led by value per dollar (95/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (26/100). Graduates earn a median $35,447 a decade after enrolling, 34% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,136 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 46 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering higher education options in Washington, prospective students have a variety of institutions to choose from, each with unique strengths. The schools on this list share a commitment to preparing students for successful careers, as evidenced by their strong graduation rates and average earnings. For instance, graduates from these colleges earn an average of $53,626, reflecting their potential in the job market.
The standout schools here demonstrate significant differences in critical outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. The University of Washington-Seattle Campus, for example, boasts an impressive 84% graduation rate and a net price of $14,091. In contrast, Washington State University has a lower graduation rate of 61%, despite its own respectable earnings of $68,905. Understanding these metrics can help students and families make informed choices based on their personal and financial priorities.
To illustrate this further, consider the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus and Pacific Lutheran University. Both institutions offer a solid education, yet the Tacoma campus has a lower average net price of $10,163 compared to Pacific Lutheran's $19,589. This difference in cost may sway students who are budget-conscious while still seeking quality education. As you explore the ranking below, think about how these various factors align with your own goals and circumstances.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 31 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Saint Martin's University leads the group at 3%, with Grays Harbor College (2%) and Eastern Washington University (1.9%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 8.4% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Heritage University leads at 19.4%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 20% across this list. Seattle University posts the highest success rate at 40.3%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.42 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Seattle University reaches 1.85, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
The data reveals that the University of Washington-Seattle Campus outperforms Washington State University in several key areas. With a graduation rate of 84% compared to 61%, it’s clear that more students are completing their degrees successfully. Additionally, while both schools have similar earnings potential at graduation, the higher graduation rate at the Seattle campus suggests a more supportive academic environment.
As you weigh these schools, consider your own priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the cost of attendance, the location, or particular academic programs? Balancing financial investment against potential earnings and graduation rates is essential. For example, the Tacoma campus has a lower net price, which may appeal to those looking to minimize debt while still earning a degree.
Ultimately, these figures underscore the importance of a college education in paving the way for a stable future. Choosing the right school can have lasting implications for your career and financial well-being. For families, the decision is not just about what appears on paper; it’s about finding a school that aligns with their values and aspirations.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Washington: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Washington ranking? +
Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Washington ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $66,990 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 70% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Gonzaga University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $78,892 ten years after enrollment, well above the $53,626 average across the 46 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Northwest Indian College leads: graduates earn a median $35,447 against net price of about $3,136 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Gonzaga University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 87%, compared with a 47% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,348 a year across the 46 ranked schools with cost data. Northwest Indian College is among the most affordable at roughly $3,136. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Washington ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 46 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
Related Rankings
