2024 Best Test Optional Colleges in Washington

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,595 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 4,595 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $8,701

• SAT range 1200-1470

• Pullman, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,035 reviews

Freshman: My overall experience has been great! I feel very welcomed and accommodated on campus, and the support from staff and students is amazing! When I first arrived, I was immediatley offered help with moving into my dorm and my RA swiftly came to introduce herself to me and my family. Classes have begun this week, and my professors are all supportive of students and want to help everyone be successful in their classes. Although I am just starting out here, I can't imagine anything but great experiences in the future!... Read 4,035 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $11,877

• SAT range 1020-1210

• Walla Walla, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  399 reviews

Alum: Whitman College provided an excellent educational experience! Despite the challenges of the Covid pandemic, the college achieved phenomenal classroom education, access to professors, and abundant academic resources. Classes pushes students to excel. The Whitman experience was also characterized by abundant social opportunities; between a multitude of clubs, Greek organizations, and spontaneous events, there was always something to do! Due to the small student population, it was almost impossible not to meet and build relationships with loads of your fellow students. Prospective students should be aware that the small size and small rural town of Walla Walla in which the school is located may not be to everyone's taste! Whitman provided me and many other graduates with an exemplary education, an unforgettable extracurricular experience, and a deep and engaged alumni community.... Read 399 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $35,627

• SAT range 1270-1440

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  997 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 997 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $36,671

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  950 reviews

Junior: There is great diversity on campus. Lots of ethnic groups that I can connect to, and this campus is a safe place for allowing myself to share some of my backgrounds. Whitworth University has provided me with an amazing education opportunity, life-long friendships, and a home away from home!... Read 950 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $27,438

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,332 reviews

Junior: Gonzaga is a special place for many students. The school spirit is always a mile high, and there’s always something to do on campus. As a Catholic student myself, Gonzaga (and the church on campus, St. Al’s) has many ways to get involved with my faith, including daily mass, weekly adoration and fellowship clubs, and campus Jesuits. On the academic side, I can’t speak too much on the different schools, but I know that the school of engineering and applied science is one where the professors care about the wellbeing of the students, and with a average class size of only 20-35 students, it’s easy to make a lasting connection with many of my professors. And Spokane city is beautiful. As of June 2023, we now have an electric bus that runs through campus every 15 minutes to bring students downtown, to other universities, and around the city. Navigation is super simple thanks to the Spokane city transportation division. And I think our basketball team speaks for itself…. Go Zags!... Read 1,332 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $35,529

• SAT range 1210-1380

• Toppenish, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  338 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy the small classroom sizes. The student to teacher ratio is 11:1 which is awesome because you really get the 1 on 1 help from your teachers. Everyone at Heritage feels like family, the cafeteria food is great and Tim is a great cook! He has so many options for everyone. Teachers are there to help you and do not want to see you fail. I have no complaints about Heritage U.... Read 338 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,976

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,075 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 1,075 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $26,153

• SAT range 1050-1300

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.49 out of 5  795 reviews

Alum: Without a doubt THE BEST decision I ever made was to enroll at University of Puget Sound. I remember having several options from state schools to other private liberal arts colleges and while it may not have been the "cheapest" option on paper it was definitely the best decision both financially and academically. Having spoken with friends at state colleges, I know this was a smart decision. Many of my peers at other schools are still struggling to graduate in 4 years with many having to go another year. The advising I received at UPS was outstanding. The professors actually care about you as a person and want to help you succeed. I was actively involved in my education. The campus is beautiful and the students are generally interested and care about you. There is always something fun going on and it's easy to access and experience. I highly recommend coming to this school. You will love it!... Read 795 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $28,221

• SAT range 1150-1370

• Kirkland, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  571 reviews

Sophomore: Northwest University (NW) is an extremely fun campus. It is a Christ-oriented campus but the atmosphere is still full of joy and peace. Maybe God does look over us after all. Northwest is really eventful in the first 6 weeks, dies down a little bit so you can focus on your education and started again later on. The teachers here are extremely helpful. They teach you not only to be a student inside the classroom but also a good human in the outside world. I love NW and I’m so ready to be back.... Read 571 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $23,169

• SAT range 1000-1210

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  455 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 455 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $10,310

• SAT range 960-1180

• Bellingham, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  2,332 reviews

Senior: Bellingham, the town in which WWU is located, is the perfect college town. You can escape to the nearby mountains or stay in town and enjoy the stunning water views and enjoys hiking or walking nature trails. You can also head downtown for a taste of the city to enjoy bars, restaurants, and fun activities. The environment is truly unmatched. The school itself has beautiful original buildings as well as newer modern building housing the renovated Carver gym and science labs. My only complaint would be that since WWU tries to be so progressive sometimes topics that don't feel like they have a place being discussed in certain classes will arise. For some people this is fine but for me personally, I like to stick to the class material and not other political or highly opinionated matters unless it fits the class. Housing in this area can also be pricey so you have to start looking early!... Read 2,332 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $11,388

• SAT range 1090-1310

• Bothell, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  557 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 557 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $7,577

• SAT range 1040-1270

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  996 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 996 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $23,568

• SAT range 1150-1290

• College Place, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  415 reviews

Alum: I loved the strong student life. Because almost everyone lived on campus, there was always something happening. Student association events occurred on weekdays and weekends, there were concerts, athletics games, worship services, outdoor guided trips, and more. The spiritual life on campus was really genuine and made questioning and exploring my faith easy. The professors cared about your success and we learned from a lot of expert guest lecturers. I wish the internship experience had been more structured in my major, although I know other departments did better at placing interns. My study abroad experience through the college was exceptional. The food was vegetarian and had good variety until my last year, when management changed and it became much more monotonous. Overall, the well-rounded skills and personal connections I made at WWU were life changing.... Read 415 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,421

• SAT range —

• Redmond, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  250 reviews

Junior: DigiPen Institute of Technology has a very inclusive and diverse population. Everyone is so unique and different in their own ways and yet, everyone is so accepting of each other. The student body and professors there don't exclude anybody and work together to build each other up and help everyone be the best person possible. I'm a BFA major and before coming to this school I was shy to voice my opinions and be who I really am. The encouragement from my peers and professors has been amazing, I have never been so outspoken or confident in myself, in my life. I feel listened to and understood in DigiPen. The majors are curated well to help you get into the line of work you want, while also showing you what that specific industry will be like before you join the workforce. My freshman year the school fell under scrutiny for crunch culture. This is a problem I have definitely had to deal with in my time at this place, but I also notice it's something the faculty is working hard to fix.... Read 250 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $35,559

• SAT range 1140-1390

• Lacey, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  457 reviews

Freshman: I love the diverse mixture of students. I have met people from five or more different countries, as well as from all over the United States. The programs are also incredibly high quality with some excellent professors. However, despite the amazing opportunities it can be difficult for commuter students to get involved.... Read 457 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,964

• SAT range 990-1170

• Cheney, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  1,727 reviews

Other: I have yet to experience the atmosphere of Eastern Washington University as I am transferring from Bushnell University in Eugene, Oregon. However, in the enrollment and registration process, I can already tell I am going to love it there as my academic advisor is already ten times better than my last. I feel heard at Eastern so far which is more than can be said for my time at Bushnell. My time at Bushnell ended traumatically, and I am hoping Eastern provides me with a fresh start. I am hoping to earn this scholarship as I have no other way of paying for school. In transferring I lost my academic and athletic scholarships from Bushnell and I am unable to work due to injuries. This will not stop me from attending Eastern, a school with my dream physical therapy program!... Read 1,727 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $13,650

• SAT range 880-1090

• Ellensburg, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,589 reviews

Senior: I am an oncoming Senior at Central Washington University. This school is relatively affordable, and a small size for a public 4-year university. I am able to become close to my peers especially through the Graphic Design program I am in! I love how small the community is in this program, we all know each other and are able to help each other grow and learn. The campus is easy to navigate and the buildings are close together so it was very welcoming for a transfer student like me. The program I am in is challenging and I am excited to come back next year. Each class is helpful and targeted towards my degree. The food is pretty good, I like the marketplaces, but I wish there were some more food options. All the housing options are relatively close to the Student Union and Rec Center (where most of the food options are), the furthest dorm buildings are about an 8 minute walk. The school has high diversity rates and a high population of LGBT students, so the environment is welcoming.... Read 1,589 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $17,645

• SAT range 930-1150

• Vancouver, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,106 reviews

Graduate Student: I had an amazing experience with charter college, a very helpful staff and students as well that help each other. They make everything work out for you. Absolutely grateful for this school!... Read 1,106 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,320

• SAT range —

• Olympia, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  748 reviews

Senior: Some professors are average but many are absolute gold! This is a small college, so it's easy to work one on one with these amazing professors, which has given me a lot of valuable experience. Definitely the sort of place that requires you to have initiative - No one's going to push you to complete anything, but there are plenty of opportunities for those who look! The campus is beautiful; It sits on about 1000 acres of forest that you can explore! The queer community is alive and thriving here as well - plenty of room for expression!... Read 748 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $16,155

• SAT range 1000-1200

• Bellevue, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  871 reviews

Sophomore: From my last two years of attending Bellevue College, I've found my time to be enjoyable! The campus is easy to navigate and provides lots of outdoor space. They provide a bus stop right in front of the college, making transportation very simple. Most of the staff I've interacted with are kind and helpful, encouraging diversity and safety. I think Bellevue College could improve at promoting social interaction among students since there is a lack of social events and active club groups. Other than that, Bellevue College is definitely a great college choice for those who are trying to get their foot in the door of college life!... Read 871 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,801

• SAT range —

• Lakewood, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  391 reviews

Freshman: Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom offers an exceptional educational experience, fostering a positive environment that nurtures growth, provides abundant resources, and offers unwavering support to help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their future career goals. In conclusion, Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom offers a truly remarkable educational experience. Its positive campus environment, extensive resources, and unwavering support system create an ideal setting for students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their future career goals. Whether a student's aspirations lie in the sciences, humanities, or business, Pierce College at Fort Steilacoom is dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering their success.... Read 391 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,370

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  187 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 187 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,567

• SAT range —

• Lakewood, WA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  489 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 489 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,813

• SAT range —