# Best Master's Programs in Washington

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-washington

## Methodology

Master's programs in Washington ranked by graduate outcomes

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering master's programs in Washington, it's essential to look at how well graduates perform after they leave school. The data reveals significant variations in outcomes across different institutions. For instance, graduates from the University of Washington-Seattle Campus see average earnings of $78,466, setting a high bar for master's degree holders in the state.

The schools listed here stand out based on key metrics that matter most for graduate success: earnings potential, graduation rates, student debt, and overall completion rates. By examining these factors, we can identify which programs not only equip students with skills but also enhance their opportunities in the job market. The schools below represent a range of outcomes, allowing prospective students to evaluate their options based on priorities that matter to them.

For example, the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus and Renton Technical College showcase different trajectories. While both schools have similar debt levels—$14,615 for Tacoma and $7,920 for Renton—the Tacoma campus boasts a higher graduation rate at 63% compared to Renton's 50%. This contrast highlights the tradeoffs students may face when choosing between different programs in Washington.

## Key Findings

- The University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn an average of $78,466.
- Graduation rates vary significantly, with the highest at 84% for the Seattle campus.
- Renton Technical College has a much lower average earning potential at $49,782.
- The average debt for Washington master's graduates is $14,091, with notable variations across schools.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Pacific Lutheran University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-lutheran-university) | Tacoma, WA | 70% | $66,990 | $19,589 | $22,578 | 0.34x |
| 2 | [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-seattle-campus) | Seattle, WA | 84% | $78,466 | $14,091 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 3 | [Western Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-washington-university) | Bellingham, WA | 65% | $62,569 | $21,193 | $18,500 | 0.3x |
| 4 | [Washington State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/washington-state-university) | Pullman, WA | 61% | $68,905 | $14,971 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 5 | [Whitman College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whitman-college) | Walla Walla, WA | 81% | $67,589 | $33,313 | $18,437 | 0.27x |
| 6 | [Seattle University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-university) | Seattle, WA | 74% | $75,272 | $34,662 | $19,883 | 0.26x |
| 7 | [Gonzaga University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gonzaga-university) | Spokane, WA | 87% | $78,892 | $35,119 | $24,454 | 0.31x |
| 8 | [Renton Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/renton-technical-college) | Renton, WA | 50% | $49,782 | $8,296 | $7,920 | 0.16x |
| 9 | [Central Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-washington-university) | Ellensburg, WA | 52% | $61,580 | $18,476 | $19,500 | 0.32x |
| 10 | [Lake Washington Institute of Technology](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-washington-institute-of-technology) | Kirkland, WA | 38% | $50,669 | $6,817 | $15,047 | 0.3x |
| 11 | [Eastern Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-washington-university) | Cheney, WA | 45% | $57,897 | $13,886 | $19,500 | 0.34x |
| 12 | [Seattle Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-pacific-university) | Seattle, WA | 62% | $64,506 | $24,488 | $24,000 | 0.37x |
| 13 | [Whitworth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whitworth-university) | Spokane, WA | 70% | $58,561 | $26,534 | $25,000 | 0.43x |
| 14 | [Bellingham Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellingham-technical-college) | Bellingham, WA | 44% | $49,748 | $5,997 | $17,459 | 0.35x |
| 15 | [Skagit Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/skagit-valley-college) | Mount Vernon, WA | 35% | $43,505 | $6,064 | $13,805 | 0.32x |
| 16 | [Grays Harbor College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grays-harbor-college) | Aberdeen, WA | 35% | $40,865 | $4,783 | $11,075 | 0.27x |
| 17 | [Olympic College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/olympic-college) | Bremerton, WA | 33% | $43,169 | $7,172 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 18 | [Tacoma Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tacoma-community-college) | Tacoma, WA | 32% | $47,168 | $8,376 | $13,000 | 0.28x |
| 19 | [Wenatchee Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wenatchee-valley-college) | Wenatchee, WA | 41% | $41,127 | $9,722 | $10,332 | 0.25x |
| 20 | [Whatcom Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whatcom-community-college) | Bellingham, WA | 36% | $44,092 | $11,795 | $10,643 | 0.24x |
| 21 | [University of Puget Sound](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-puget-sound) | Tacoma, WA | 68% | $69,594 | $38,394 | $25,000 | 0.36x |
| 22 | [Northwest University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university) | Kirkland, WA | 67% | $54,914 | $22,288 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 23 | [Walla Walla Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/walla-walla-community-college) | Walla Walla, WA | 43% | $43,526 | $9,406 | $14,000 | 0.32x |
| 24 | [Clark College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clark-college) | Vancouver, WA | 37% | $42,356 | $11,465 | $10,881 | 0.26x |
| 25 | [Columbia Basin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-basin-college) | Pasco, WA | 30% | $46,680 | $8,317 | $14,829 | 0.32x |
| 26 | [Walla Walla University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/walla-walla-university) | College Place, WA | 62% | $61,885 | $23,329 | $26,842 | 0.43x |
| 27 | [Big Bend Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/big-bend-community-college) | Moses Lake, WA | 39% | $43,814 | $12,210 | $9,166 | 0.21x |
| 28 | [Clover Park Technical College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clover-park-technical-college) | Lakewood, WA | 42% | $41,787 | $9,864 | $12,112 | 0.29x |
| 29 | [North Seattle College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-seattle-college) | Seattle, WA | 33% | $47,728 | $10,740 | $15,458 | 0.32x |
| 30 | [University of Washington-Tacoma Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-tacoma-campus) | Tacoma, WA | 63% | $78,466 | $10,163 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 31 | [Bellevue College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellevue-college) | Bellevue, WA | 35% | $56,310 | $11,430 | $12,375 | 0.22x |
| 32 | [Lower Columbia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lower-columbia-college) | Longview, WA | 24% | $40,691 | $7,630 | $10,506 | 0.26x |
| 33 | [The Evergreen State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-evergreen-state-college) | Olympia, WA | 43% | $45,320 | $24,319 | $20,500 | 0.45x |
| 34 | [Saint Martin's University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-martins-university) | Lacey, WA | 55% | $62,092 | $28,119 | $22,500 | 0.36x |
| 35 | [Peninsula College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/peninsula-college) | Port Angeles, WA | 39% | $37,078 | $9,246 | $15,786 | 0.43x |
| 36 | [Heritage University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/heritage-university) | Toppenish, WA | 46% | $49,416 | $14,598 | $14,573 | 0.29x |
| 37 | [University of Washington-Bothell Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-bothell-campus) | Bothell, WA | 67% | $78,466 | $12,319 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 38 | [Cascadia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cascadia-college) | Bothell, WA | 37% | $54,133 | $12,281 | $6,368 | 0.12x |
| 39 | [Highline College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/highline-college) | Des Moines, WA | 37% | $47,869 | $9,879 | $9,500 | 0.2x |
| 40 | [Seattle Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-central-college) | Seattle, WA | 31% | $43,307 | $8,819 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 41 | [Green River College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/green-river-college) | Auburn, WA | 40% | $50,712 | $13,803 | $11,891 | 0.23x |
| 42 | [Pierce College District](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pierce-college-district) | Lakewood, WA | 31% | $47,532 | $10,222 | $12,000 | 0.25x |
| 43 | [Edmonds College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edmonds-college) | Lynnwood, WA | 31% | $48,144 | $11,010 | $11,855 | 0.25x |
| 44 | [Spokane Falls Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spokane-falls-community-college) | Spokane, WA | 31% | $38,955 | $7,409 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 45 | [Spokane Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spokane-community-college) | Spokane, WA | 35% | $41,984 | $5,473 | $13,501 | 0.32x |
| 46 | [Yakima Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yakima-valley-college) | Yakima, WA | 31% | $43,499 | $11,843 | $13,966 | 0.32x |
| 47 | [Centralia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/centralia-college) | Centralia, WA | 44% | $43,140 | $9,862 | N/A | N/A |
| 48 | [South Seattle College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-seattle-college) | Seattle, WA | 29% | $44,486 | $6,004 | N/A | N/A |
| 49 | [Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university-center-for-online-and-extended-education) | Kirkland, WA | 40% | $54,914 | $35,671 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 50 | [Northwest Indian College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-indian-college) | Bellingham, WA | 22% | $35,447 | $3,136 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Master's Programs in Washington." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-masters-washington

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.