2024 Top Private Universities in Washington

• Walla Walla, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  400 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 400 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  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

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  952 reviews

Senior: Whitworth's advantage over other many other schools stems from its interconnectedness and the ability for students to engage with the community. Over 4 years, especially if the first two are on-campus, it is easy to get to know other students and professors well and become an actual, meaningful member of the college, rather than just a transient (which is all but inevitable in state schools). Small class sizes paired with strong faculty makes for an involved academic experience, and special care is put into students' personal growth as well as specialized career skills. Whitworth has a high-achieving sports program, though student sections can be a bit sparse. The music department also brings very strong performers who often go on to play at high-ranking graduate schools. The strongest departments are Education, all STEM, Psychology, Communications, and Theology/Philosophy. Weaker departments are Nursing, Theater, and non-Spanish languages. Overall, Whitworth is great for connection.... Read 952 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $27,438

• SAT range 1070-1280

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  1,335 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 1,335 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $35,529

• SAT range 1210-1380

• Toppenish, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  339 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 339 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,976

• 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

• 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  573 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 573 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $23,169

• SAT range 1000-1210

• 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

• College Place, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 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 3.64 out of 5  460 reviews

Junior: I would like to see there be more classes offered during the early day time for higher education majors. As a student athlete I practice in the afternoon and find it hard to be successful and a student and an athlete when I have class during my practice hours. The education program also needs to get more of an outline in my opinion and have more professors and not that same ones for every class. My experience here has been good but also not. This college is gloomy in a way compared to other colleges and it does need a separate athlete weight room and more equal ness between men’s and women’s sports and also inside and outside sports as well.... Read 460 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $23,964

• SAT range 990-1170

• Vancouver, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  1,107 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 1,107 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $25,320

• 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 —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  270 reviews

Freshman: Cornish offers a great opportunity for those interested in performing arts. The small teacher-to-student ratio enables one to get more personal attention. There's a lot of crossover between majors, such that I can try other artistic endeavors I am interested in. The dorm rooms are big and come with their own microwave and fridge. I have made some wonderful friends within a supportive environment. My one area I'd like to see improved is the food. I have dietary issues, which the school tries to accommodate , but weekend are challenging.... Read 270 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $38,109

• SAT range —

• Kirkland, WA•

• 4 Year

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,863

• SAT range —

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  83 reviews

Sophomore: One of my favorite features of NCAD is the small class sizes. It makes it easy to participate, and get necessary help. Most of the teachers are industry professionals, and have valuable advice based in their experience in the workforce. The program is only 3 years long. Do be aware, the programs offered are extremely specific, so the credits earned are not transferable to other schools. The classes also run in a yearly schedule, so there is no option for part-time, or the option of taking a semester off. This also means there is no option to change your major once you've declared, unless you wanted to graduate late. I would recommend attending only if you've looked into the programs and are very intent on completing them. I personally have had a good experience, because I chose to attend NCAD specifically for the Illustration major, and I haven't needed any wiggle room as far as breaks or second guessing my major. Don't attend if you think you may want to change directions.... Read 83 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $15,323

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.33 out of 5  12 reviews

College Junior: I felt very appreciated and respected... Read 12 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $33,186

• SAT range —

• Tacoma, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  10 reviews

Freshman: My experience at FIU has been absolutely amazing! I was nervous to go back to school after 26 years, but everything about this school has been smooth and seamless. The staff are friendly and helpful. The professors warm and communicative. I’m able to do all my classes online, work at my own pace while balancing work and family. I highly recommend FIU as a Christian accredited university!... Read 10 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $20,232

• SAT range —

• Kenmore, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  195 reviews

Junior: Bastyr is a fantastic science-based institution for alternative medicine! The professors and degree programs are top-notch! My only criticism is with the offices (like financial, IT, admissions), you really have to advocate for yourself to get things done.... Read 195 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate —

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Spokane, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  11 reviews

Junior: This program is designed for busy adult students. I love having to only take one class at a time and still be a full time student. The faculty are great and very helpful and encouraging. Excellent program for parents who want a degree but don't have time for traditional school structure. I highly recommend this program.... Read 11 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price —

• SAT range —

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  39 reviews

Junior: I just transferred to Antioch University this year from Washington Stat University and am confident I made the right decision. Antioch has been a dream so far! I love it! The teachers and staff are awesome and so welcoming. Since it's a smaller private school the attentiveness is great and communication is outstanding. They really know how to make students feel welcome and help them along the way to success. Antioch's general mission is to create a better world and I am all for it. I have grown so much already from the courses I have taken and am excited to continue my educational journey here and beyond!... Read 39 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $26,991

• SAT range —