2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the Seattle Area

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,614 reviews

Senior: Hello All, I am a student at the University of Washington's Seattle's Foster School of Business. The school of business has its own separate departments from UW, and I'm sure other major options are the same. For example, Foster has its own career center and there is a University-wide career center. All the resources can be overwhelming for students, so I recommend clarifying which department a resource came from. I think the required classes are great and the major options are fantastic. The libraries are phenomenal and useful. There are always activities and events. However, because of its location and events, the UW does attract a lot of tourists, I would recommend avoiding the Quad and Red Square during Cherry Blossom Season. Although Suzzalo is the most well-known library, it also attracts the most tourists, and it's hard to study while people are having a photo shoot, the Allen library is a better place to have an uninterrupted study session. Thanks for reading!... Read 4,614 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• 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

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  999 reviews

Freshman: A little expensive for the quality of education and resources there. Plenty of ADHD and special needs accommodations but services are hard to waitlist/access and the staff isn’t always helpful. Most professors are nice but the quality of education isn’t challenging with well thought out organized lectures to cohesively teach. Dining hall is better compared to most schools but expensive per meal. The students at the school are pretty odd but a good diverse student population. I find that a lot of people have issues with the housing office throughout the year. However, the gym is very nice with decent hours. Big weight room, basketball courts, and cardio equipment. Work study is hard to get a job at this school and the hours are inconvenient. The job extends your hours without pay sometimes. Lots of events from the many clubs and involvement fairs throughout the year though! Really enjoyed the assortment from cultural, extramural sports, games, sporting events and school spirits events.... Read 999 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $36,671

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,001 reviews

Junior: I have loved my time at PLU, though I do think a majority of why I stay at this school is because of the friends I have made here. I really appreciate the small class sizes as it makes learning and building a relationship with your professor much easier. I appreciate the minimal amount of off-campus parties but, that being said, do not come here if you are looking for a party college environment! One thing that PLU needs to fix is the library hours - the library closes at 9pm Mon-Thurs, 5pm on Friday, isn't open at all on Saturdays, and opens at noon on Sunday and closes at 8pm. I know that a lot of students don't get done with classes and work until 6pm and then have to eat dinner so it never feels like there's enough time to actually work at the library. Another thing that could use some work at PLU is the accommodations provided. I really appreciate that PLU offers accommodations but too many professors completely disregard them and don't seem to ever face any repercussions for it.... Read 1,001 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $23,568

• SAT range 1150-1290

• Tacoma, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  730 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Tacoma Community College has been amazing. The amount of resources and help they give their students there would be no reason for me not to graduate transfer or graduate. The professors that I've had the pleasure of attending their courses have been absolutely amazing and they instill confidence in their students. Although the classes that I must pass to attain my degree in networking and cyber security have been difficult, the resources that Tacoma Community College provides have helped me throughout my first quarter of schooling . I've maintained a 3.0 GPA all while facing adversity of homelessness in this scholarship or any scholarship that I i'm giving would help tremendously... Read 730 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,606

• SAT range —

• Bremerton, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  805 reviews

Sophomore: I have had a great time at Olympic College. Although I attended school prior, in 2018, I came back for a new degree path, and they were very helpful and understanding to accommodate me. Any time I had questions or needed help everyone was very helpful, nice, and respectful! I wish I could continue my education here, but I have to transfer for higher education. I love Olympic college, student, and staff!... Read 805 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,477

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  567 reviews

Junior: My experience at Seattle Central College was life changing. Academically and personally, Seattle Central College creates a community atmosphere that is inclusive, supportive and very caring. From administrators, instructors, and other staff, I have always felt that I mattered. Academically, each of my instructors were nothing but helpful! They were inspiring and their teaching styles offered me skills that have come useful in many ways. Their teaching charged my curiosity for every subject I was presented. Many of whom I considered mentors are instructors at the college. I believe that a learning institution is not just a stop to the next better stage, and Seattle Central College proved to be just that! From scholarships, to internships, to on-campus employment and involvement, I have found Seattle Central College to be the embodiment of Seattle’s best. Whatever your journey, Seattle Central College has a lot to offer.... Read 567 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,433

• SAT range —

• Des Moines, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  635 reviews

Sophomore: I really like Highline. Highline strives to celebrate diversity among their students. Highline is the most diverse community college in Washington and the faculty encourages everyone to share their differences. I feel safe at Highline and there are many people I can reach out to for help and resources. Many people to build connections with and even learn from! Highline is very inviting to all student. Highline also has lots of different organizations and groups, great for first generation college students, hobbies, and people of color! A very fun school to attend and this would be the community college I would recommend to any friend considering to continue their education.... Read 635 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,882

• SAT range —

• Lynnwood, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  609 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 609 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,572

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,078 reviews

Freshman: I am a first year undergraduate student at Seattle Pacific University. Nearing the end of my first year here, I can say I've had a really positive experience so far. I like the community here, the class sizes, the ability to connect with faculty, the campus, and student life. There are many opportunities to get involved and meet new people. The faculty I've had the opportunity to take a class with have been very kind, caring, and engaging. My experience living in the residence hall on campus has been really positive, both my RA and floor mates, in addition to all others I've met who live in the same residence hall, have been welcoming, supportive, and good-natured. SPU is a really great place to be pursuing my post-secondary education.... Read 1,078 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $26,153

• SAT range 1050-1300

• 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 —

• 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 —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  186 reviews

Senior: My college is an online college so I am unable to judge the food, housing or “party scene”. I have been lucky enough to go to college during the pandemic. I am lucky and excited that I have been able to learn and still work. City University is a wonderful school that allows growth. The professors know you and adapt to how you learn. I couldn’t be happier and plan on returning for my Masters program which allows me to interact with the same professors, advisors! They truly listen to the students and adapt! Advisors will personally contact you and ensure that you are getting everything you need to be successful for the future! I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to go back to school for either a Bachelors or a Masters. City University of Seattle is the best school.... Read 186 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,567

• SAT range —