Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Washington
- 20
- Schools
- $64,815
- Avg. Earnings
- 63%
- Avg. Graduation
- $23,276
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,320
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $45,320 at the low end to $78,892 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $78,466 against $10,163 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus at $10,163 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $78,466, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Gonzaga University graduates 87% of its students, well above the 63% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor University of Washington-Seattle Campus: graduates owe only 0.19× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Washington State University ($68,905 earnings), not the highest earner, Gonzaga University ($78,892). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ($10,163/yr) and University of Puget Sound ($38,394/yr) produce graduates earning $78,466 and $69,594 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $28,231 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus outperforms Gonzaga University: similar career earnings at a much lower 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 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus 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 $65K 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 Washington State University #1 overall | $68,905 ▲ +6% vs avg | $14,971 | 61% | 68 |
| 2 Walla Walla University #2 overall | $61,885 ▼ -5% vs avg | $23,329 | 62% | 68 |
| 3 The Evergreen State College #3 overall | $45,320 ▼ -30% vs avg | $24,319 | 43% | 67 |
| $66,990 ▲ +3% vs avg | $19,589 | 70% | 67 | |
| $75,272 ▲ +16% vs avg | $34,662 | 74% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Washington
This analysis ranks 20 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $64,815 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 63% and an average net price of $23,276.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Net Price: $10,163 | Graduation Rate: 63%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Gonzaga University — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Gonzaga University — Median alumni earnings: $78,892
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$63,538
Median earnings (10yr)
64%
Median graduation rate
$22,809
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Demand for mental-health and social-service professionals keeps rising, driven by greater awareness of mental-health needs, an aging population, and expanding access to services. These are licensure-gated, mission-driven careers. The social return is high and the financial return is capped, which makes program cost the most important variable in the value equation.
Start with the medians across these 20 schools. Graduates earn a median of $63,538 ten years after enrollment, or about $15,538 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 64%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $22,809 a year with about $20,192 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 29% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
In human services, the cost of the degree matters as much as the career that follows it. Median earnings of roughly $63,538 and a net price of about $22,809 leave little room for heavy borrowing. Graduates who keep debt minimal do best in a field where the rewards are primarily social rather than financial.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Washington State University lands at #1 with a 68/100 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, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 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 #2
Walla Walla University lands at #2 with a 68/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,329 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
The Evergreen State College lands at #3 with a 67/100 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, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,319 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #4 with a 67/100 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, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 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 #5
Seattle University lands at #5 with a 67/100 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, 16% 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
Whitman College lands at #6 with a 67/100 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, 4% 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 #7
Western Washington University lands at #7 with a 67/100 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, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,193 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Gonzaga University lands at #8 with a 66/100 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, 22% 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 #9
Central Washington University lands at #9 with a 66/100 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, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,476 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Eastern Washington University lands at #10 with a 65/100 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, 11% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Seattle Pacific University lands at #11 with a 65/100 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,488 a year. 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 #12
Whitworth University lands at #12 with a 64/100 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, 10% below 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Seattle, WA · 39% accepted · $14,091 net
Why it ranks #13
University of Washington-Seattle Campus lands at #13 with a 63/100 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, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,091 a year, well under 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 #14
Heritage University lands at #14 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, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,598 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 #15
University of Puget Sound lands at #15 with a 63/100 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, 7% 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 #16
Northwest University lands at #16 with a 61/100 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, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,288 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 #17
Saint Martin's University lands at #17 with a 60/100 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, 4% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands at #18 with a 59/100 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, 21% 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
Bothell, WA · 91% accepted · $12,319 net
Why it ranks #19
University of Washington-Bothell Campus lands at #19 with a 52/100 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, 21% 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
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
Why it ranks #20
Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education lands at #20 with a 50/100 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, 15% below 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 20 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a psychology program in Washington means weighing a variety of factors that can shape a student's future. With 19 schools offering robust psychology degrees, the options can feel overwhelming but also promise potential for a fulfilling career. On average, graduates from these programs earn about $65,841, a figure worth considering as you sift through your choices.
What differentiates the stronger programs here is their focus on outcomes that matter: graduation rates, earnings, debt levels, and mobility. The best schools not only prepare students academically but also set them up for financial success after graduation. As you look through the list below, pay attention to these critical metrics to find the right fit for your needs.
For instance, both the University of Washington-Seattle Campus and Washington State University stand out, but they tell different stories. The Seattle campus has an impressive graduation rate of 84% and a lower net price of $14,091, compared to WSU’s 61% graduation rate and higher net price of $14,971. These differences can help inform your decision about where to apply and what trade-offs you might be willing to make.
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 16 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.2%. Saint Martin's University leads the group at 3%, with Eastern Washington University (1.9%) and Seattle University (1.9%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 5.7% 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 25.9% 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 1.66 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
Looking closely at the data reveals patterns that may not be immediately obvious. For example, while the University of Washington-Seattle Campus boasts a high graduation rate of 84%, Washington State University lags behind at 61%. This disparity suggests that the Seattle campus may provide more robust support for students, which can translate into better outcomes after graduation.
Now that you’ve reviewed the list, consider how these factors align with your personal priorities. Do you value a higher graduation rate, or is a lower net price more important to your family? Think about location and campus culture as well. Each school has its unique vibe, and visiting campuses or reaching out to current students can provide insights that numbers alone cannot.
Ultimately, the data presented here is more than just numbers—it reflects the potential path from college to a stable life. For families navigating these choices, understanding how these programs can impact future earnings and job mobility is crucial. One decision, made thoughtfully, can set the stage for lasting success.
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 Psychology Colleges in Washington: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Washington ranking? +
Washington State University in Pullman, WA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Washington ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $68,905 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 61% 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 $64,815 average across the 20 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, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus leads: graduates earn a median $78,466 against net price of about $10,163 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 63% 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 $23,276 a year across the 20 ranked schools with cost data. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is among the most affordable at roughly $10,163. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology 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 20 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
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