2024 Best Colleges for Middle-Class Students in the Seattle Area

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,612 reviews

Junior: Love the campus! The coursework is rigorous no matter your major, but there's tons of classes that are so niche and interesting to explore! This school will give you a challenge for sure! Having to apply to your major is a huge downside-- there's a decent chance you might not get to study what you want if the major is competitive and your GPA and statements aren't competitive enough (there's just too many students). Similarly, you can't take major classes until you get accepted into the major (which usually isn't until your junior year), so that can delay the graduation process if you don't schedule and plan your degree right. Because of the large student body, everyone is clawing for everything-- registration for classes is a nightmare, long lines at dining halls and events, etc. (you can expect to sometimes wait more than an hour for food, applying to housing/registration takes hours as well because the server is being filled with so many students).... Read 4,612 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• Renton, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  179 reviews

Freshman: If you need help, many people are willing to help. It was an adjustment going back to school after almost 2o years, but it was made easier by the amazing staff. The staff at RTC helped with everything from financial aid to researching career paths to aid me in determining what I wanted to do next. Quiet places to study, great food offerings, and an amazing library You can't go wrong choosing RTC!... Read 179 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,875

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  238 reviews

Junior: North Seattle College is an excellent choice for anyone looking to further their education. With a variety of programs offered across several fields of study, there is something for everyone at this esteemed institution. What truly sets North Seattle College apart, however, is the supportive and inclusive community that is fostered on campus. Students are encouraged to explore their interests and passions, and the faculty and staff are always available to offer guidance and support. Additionally, the college offers a variety of resources to help students succeed, including tutoring services, career counseling, and a well-stocked library. Whether you're looking to transfer to a four-year university or start a new career, North Seattle College is the perfect place to begin your journey.... Read 238 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $6,220

• SAT range —

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  457 reviews

Graduate Student: Overall my experience has been great! I am really happy with the outcomes of my studies here. The professor is really knowledgeable and they seem to help the students a lot, the environment has been great, very diverse campus, and is pretty clean. The campus staff is always friendly and always willing to help, there are multiple events throughout the year that help the students to find jobs after they graduate. They have amazing clubs, so you can feel belong to the Campus. I just finished my bachelor's at UWT and I think that the program was really helpful and understandable. This year I am pursuing my Master's in Accounting and hopefully, I would learn the most that I can to be ready when I take a step into the real world. Amazing school at overall.... Read 457 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $10,310

• SAT range 960-1180

• Bothell, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  559 reviews

Sophomore: Beautiful Campus: The university's campus is known for its scenic beauty, surrounded by nature and picturesque views, making it a pleasant place to study and live. Small Class Sizes: UWB typically has smaller class sizes, which can create a more personalized learning experience, fostering better interactions between students and professors. Research Opportunities: The university offers research opportunities, enabling students to engage in hands-on learning and contribute to innovative projects. Strong Faculty: UWB has a dedicated and accomplished faculty known for their expertise in various disciplines. On the other hand, some potential areas for improvement or changes could include: Facilities: As with any institution, there may be room for improvement in terms of facilities, classrooms, and resources. Campus Expansion: UWB has been growing steadily, and some students may wish to see more investments in expanding the campus to accommodate the increasing student population.... Read 559 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $7,577

• SAT range 1040-1270

• Lakewood, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  317 reviews

Freshman: In 2017 I dropped out of highschool in order to enter the workforce early. In September of 2023, I contacted Clover Park in hopes to further my education. During my time working with the facility they have exceeded my expectations. They have been my educational family, helping me out with everything from completing and obtaining my highschool diploma, to helping me fill out my fafsa. Since I will be the first in my family to graduate highschool and college the whole process was intimidating and last on my to-do list. However here at clover park they welcomed me with open arms and helped me navigate my way through the application process quickly and efficiently. I even was granted a scholarship!... Read 317 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range —

• Tacoma, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  729 reviews

Sophomore: TCC is a great school, All the professors I had were extremely patient and well prepared. The campus was always trying to set up events for the students and the resources like tutoring, advising and financial aid help were huge in helping me succeed. Overall I had a great experience at this community college!... Read 729 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,606

• SAT range —

• Kirkland, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  207 reviews

Sophomore: Instructors, staff, and administrators are all really helpful at Lake Washington Institute of technology. I started taking classes for one program in 2018, and then switched to two other programs in 2022, and for the entire time I've been attending classes there, I've always received a lot of support. The college is very inclusive and you really get the feeling everyone there is on your team and wants you to succeed. There is help for any student, and where to get help is shared regularly and widely across the campus. They also strive not only for their own sustainability as a college, but to instill sustainability practices throughout the college in all staff and students. As I've studied here I've learned to grow and develop so many areas of my life aside from just my education and career goals.... Read 207 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,854

• SAT range —

• Shoreline, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  336 reviews

Sophomore: I have taken mostly science courses at Shoreline Community College, the best part of which has been the amazing teachers! The small class sizes have given me the opportunity to work one-on-one with professors that have doctorates in chemistry, anatomy and physiology, cellular biology, and microbiology. When I say that I leave every single class with new information, I mean it. No exaggerations. As far as change goes, I would love to see the buildings and equipment get some much needed updates. Our microbiology lab caught on fire this last quarter and we lost our microscopes, lab coats and goggles, in-person class time, and so much more. I'm proud to say that Shoreline runs in my family (my dad attended in the 1970s). If I could get a doctorate from this school, I absolutely would.... Read 336 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,832

• SAT range —

• Lynnwood, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  608 reviews

Senior: Edmonds College is known for its commitment to providing opportunities to all students, including international students. One of the notable aspects of the college is its support for international students, which includes various resources and programs aimed at helping them succeed in their academic pursuits. By enrolling at Edmonds, students have the chance to expand their connections and interact with people from various cultural backgrounds. This multicultural environment can foster a rich and inclusive learning experience, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Moreover, the college likely offers activities and events that celebrate diversity, such as cultural festivals, clubs, and workshops. These opportunities can provide valuable insights into different cultures, enhance global awareness, and create a sense of belonging for international students.... Read 608 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,572

• SAT range —

• Everett, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  730 reviews

Sophomore: Everett Community College is a lovely modern campus with beautiful and diverse landscaping, it's very beautiful to walk around. The professors are exceptional and truly want their students to succeed, its apparent through their willingness to meet with students at office hrs and answer questions. The student resources are quite helpful, I've personally utilized several, such as the computer lab, student advising, etc. The one thing that comes to mind that would improve my experience at Everett would be more student events. Events and reasons for the students to come together, network, get their minds off the stress of college, in a safe and meaningful way.... Read 730 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $10,051

• SAT range —

• Auburn, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  612 reviews

Sophomore: My overall experience at Green River has been amazing. The environment here has always been welcoming. I love how diverse the campus is and how it has given me the opportunity to make numerous friends from around the world. Green River is a safe and eco-friendly school that never has trash near it. Also, they are very accepting of people and their beliefs whether or not you are gay, bi, or any other religion. I also play a sport here at the college and the way the athletic department is run is very organized and friendly. I also live on campus and the dorms are very nice and homie, but I would like to see more activities in the living to bring people together. Altogether, I have had a very great experience attending Green RIver and would recommend it to anyone to go here and to especially play a sport as well for the college if you have the opportunity.... Read 612 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,324

• SAT range —

• Lakewood, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  493 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy the atmosphere of Pierce College Puyallup. So far I have had a really positive experience! My classmates have been very nice and mostly helpful, and my professors are very knowledgeable about their respective subjects! They really care about helping their students succeed and giving them something to take away from the class. The campus is very lively and pretty!... Read 493 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,813

• SAT range —