Washington Online Colleges Spotlight
University of Washington
The University of Washington is a cornerstone of distance education with over 50 certificate programs and free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on subjects ranging from engineering to mythology. Two bachelor’s degrees for distance students focus on early childhood education and integrated social sciences, a major that accommodates a variety of specializations.
Among the fully-online graduate programs are library and information science, applied mathematics, and aeronautics and astronautics. Certain options involve onsite studies–for example, the master’s degree program in sustainable transportation is 100 percent online, but adding a concentration in logistics requires campus visits.
More details about the University of Washington are available: http://www.pce.uw.edu/online/.
Washington State University
At the opposite end of the state from Seattle, in the vicinity of Pullman, online academics are alive and well. Washington State University offers about 20 undergraduate and graduate online degree programs in a variety of disciplines, ranging from baccalaureates in accounting and criminal justice to master’s degrees in special education and sport management.
Like other online schools in Washington, WSU has special requirements for its Web-based curriculum. From particular Internet speeds to specific versions of computer software and hardware, it’s important for students to have the right equipment before they sign up for classes. Along with classes via the Internet, students also have access to the online bookstore for textbooks.
For more on the Washington State University Online programs, visit: http://online.wsu.edu/.
Central Washington University
Through its digital arm, the university is able to offer nine undergraduate and eight graduate degrees alongside a varied set of certificate programs and over 300 individual classes. In addition to undergrad majors such as information technology and administrative management, minors are also available, including family studies and retail management and technology. Online certificates or endorsements span topics such as global literacy development, library media and nonprofit organization management. While many offerings are fully online, some hybrid options require in-person participation as well, such as the master’s degree program in health and physical education. For access to online classes, CWU lists specific technical criteria, including a minimum speed for network connectivity and other requirements for computer hardware, software and browser versions.
See more Central Washington University online learning programs: http://www.cwu.edu/online-learning/
Western Governors University – Washington
This nonprofit university was created through a partnership between the state government and Western Governors University, which holds both regional and national accreditation. WGU Washington offers opportunities for competency-based education earned by demonstrating skills and knowledge in target subject areas.
WGU’s online undergraduate and graduate degrees reach an overall count of 57 bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Distinctive areas of interests are found within disciplines such as teacher education, health sciences, business or information technology. Resources for students include eBooks, dedicated mentors and virtual community interaction. While basic admission requirements typically follow those for general enrollment, distance programs may have specific requirements–the online bachelor’s degree in nursing is designed for practicing nurses with a registered nursing (RN) credential.
For more information on WGU Washington’s online programs, visit: http://washington.wgu.edu/
Best Online Schools in Washington for 2015-2016
|
|
Score |
Student/teacher ratio |
Financial aid |
Cost |
more |
| 1 |
Spokane Community College |
99.59 |
18:1 |
85% |
|
|
|
The Community Colleges of Spokane have partnered Eastern Washington University to create an online associate degree program (with CCS Destination Eastern) that transfers the graduate's credit to Eastern's four-year bachelor degree program. Online students are provides with academic counseling from each college to ensure they remain academically on track. Participants enter Eastern as college juniors, placing well-ahead of other incoming transfers. CCS Online offers associate degrees in fields including nursing, library and information systems, early childhood education, office management, medical assisting, business and social services. Canvas is CCS' online learning management system. |
| 2 |
Shoreline Community College |
96.75 |
18:1 |
46% |
|
|
|
Shoreline Community College offers more than 25 degrees and certificates through their Virtual Campus. Online associates degree programs are offered in Accounting, Business, Health Informatics and Information Management and Purchasing and Supply Chain Management. There is also a university transfer program that allows students to complete lower level units before transferring to almost all Washington state universities to complete a four year program. The college uses adaptive learning to deliver online courses, allowing for content to respond to the individual student's pace and learning. As part of the Quality Matters program, Shoreline's courses are reviewed to ensure they meet high quality standards for online and hybrid courses. |
| 3 |
South Puget Sound Community College |
96.75 |
17:1 |
60% |
|
|
|
Students at South Puget Community College can complete all the requirements for an associate of arts degree entirely online. Online courses can also be taken from other community colleges in Washington State through a consortium called Washington Online (WAOL). The College uses Canvas for online course delivery. The requirements of an online course do not differ significantly from those of a traditional course. Online instruction is not self-paced ? there is a course schedule that may include mid-terms, finals, and other hard deadlines. The advantage of online instruction is that students can work the hours each day that are most convenient to them. |
| 4 |
Walla Walla Community College |
96.74 |
18:1 |
81% |
|
|
|
Walla Walla Community College offers students a flexible, online associate degree in business that is part of the DTA/MRP transfer program. This transfer program ensures that all credits will transfer to many four-year colleges and universities in Washington. Students with a DTA degree will be considered as satisfying most, if not all, lower division general education requirements for the four-year college and university. Online students can access their current quarter classes 24/7. In order to complete a degree completely online, students must place in English 101 and Math 107 (or higher). Students participate in courses from anywhere they can access the internet. |
| 5 |
Edmonds Community College |
96.07 |
15:1 |
59% |
|
|
|
While many students enroll in this college to earn a two year online certificate or degree, Edmonds Community College partners with Washington State University, Bellevue College and the Extended Learning Office of the University of Washington to offer undergraduates the opportunity to earn a bachelor degree completely online through a fully-accredited program. Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degrees are available in Management and Operations, Management Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship. Bachelor of Arts degrees are also offered in Criminal Justice, Human Development, Humanities, and Social Sciences. With flexible formats, students can tailor their eLearning schedule to meet their specific needs. |
| 6 |
Tacoma Community College |
95.3 |
18:1 |
62% |
|
|
|
Tacoma Community College offers a 106 credit Health Information Technology program, which combines medical knowledge and business applications culminating in an associate of applied science degree. The program prepares students for employment in hospitals, ambulatory health care facilities, physician practices, skilled nursing facilities, and state or federal health agencies. It is a fully accredited (CAHIIM) program and is completely online. Successful graduates are eligible to write the national certification exam for Health Information Technicians sponsored by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon passing this exam, graduates will receive the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential from AHIMA, which are recognized nationally by health care institutions.
|
| 7 |
Pierce College at Puyallup |
89.53 |
17:1 |
59% |
|
|
|
Pierce College at Puyallup offers two online associate degree tracks. Track One is for science students who wish to focus on biological and environmental/resource sciences, geology and earth science, or chemistry. Track Two is for students who wish to focus on engineering, computer science, physics, or atmospheric science. A university transfer degree from Pierce College satisfies the first two years of coursework required at four-year colleges and universities, but at a fraction of the cost. Completion of any of the two-year degrees at Pierce College allows transfer to any public four-year college in Washington. |
|
|
Score |
Student/teacher ratio |
Financial aid |
Cost |
more |
| 1 |
Northwest University |
98.9 |
13:1 |
99% |
|
|
|
NU Online is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduates can choose from the six degree programs offered for bachelor's degrees which include Business Management, Criminal Justice, Organizational Management, Psychology, and Ministry Leadership. Courses occur on the Moodle platform, which lets students access and complete their coursework in their own time. The curriculum is designed to provide students the experience and skills needed to facilitate both personal and professional growth. They also offered an online MBA program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs. |
| 2 |
Heritage University |
97.96 |
8:1 |
100% |
|
|
|
The liberal arts curriculum at Heritage University provides career-oriented degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level to students. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in English and Humanities degree program online that takes an important multiculturalism-perspective on education, and covers a wide range of subject areas including communications, history, English and philosophy. Courses are self-paced, allow students to study and complete coursework at times most convenient to their schedules. Master degree programs are also offered and can be completed online. |
| 3 |
Saint Martin’s University |
97.88 |
12:1 |
95% |
|
|
|
The Extended Learning Division of Saint Martin's University, in partnerships with Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Centralia College, offers fully online bachelor degree programs for undergraduates to earn their degree in a variety of fields. Among the 150 majors available to students at this Catholic, liberal arts institution, online students can earn a B.S in Computer Science, or a B.A in Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or Psychology. The university takes a broad-based approach to education, offering a dynamic collection of courses that are completed via Moodle management system. The programs also include a 15-week required internship. Teacher and education certificate programs are also offered online. |
| 4 |
Seattle Community College-North Campus |
97.43 |
17:1 |
60% |
|
|
|
North Seattle Community College's e-Learning department offers over 100 different e-Learning courses and students can complete their associates of arts degree through convenient online and hybrid courses. Not all courses are offered every quarter. NSCC offers transfer degrees for students who are looking to complete a 4-year bachelor's degree or career degrees, which are designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in the workforce. A fully online associates of arts degree can be completed online in two years or a hybrid associates program is also available. Courses are delivered using Canvas learning management. |
| 5 |
Washington State University |
96.33 |
15:1 |
79% |
|
|
|
This public research university belongs to an elite group of colleges in the nation to offer an accounting degree program that has a respective AACSB accounting accreditation. In addition to business and accounting, online degrees can also be earned in Criminal Justice, Human Development, Social Sciences, Psychology, and more. The distance education platform is structured in a way to help students receive the same academic rigor as traditional through the combination of Global Connection webinars and eLearning Consultants. Course materials are available 24/7 through the streaming Media Center and Blackboard Learn. |
| 6 |
City University of Seattle |
95.62 |
7:1 |
64% |
|
|
|
Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the degree programs offered at CityU are specifically designed for working adults and students of distance education to earn their degree, either entirely online or through the Mixed Mode model. Undergraduates can earn a degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Teaching and Education, Project Management, Information Technology, Professional Leadership, and Health and Human Services. The virtual classrooms use Blackboard Learn, an interactive and integrated learning management system that allows for maximum flexibility. Online graduate and doctoral programs are also available. |
| 7 |
Central Washington University |
95.06 |
19:1 |
85% |
|
|
|
Students from nearly state can attend Central Washington University by enrolling in an online program. They can choose from seven fully online bachelor's degrees (and one hybrid program in paramedicine) and seven online master's degrees. Online programs follow a modified year-round schedule with two sessions during each traditional semester. This flexible scheduling allows students to speed up the time to graduation, if desired. Online students have a variety of support systems available to them, including a full resource center, a number of online readiness checklists and the same tutoring and library services available to on-campus students. |
| 8 |
Green River Community College |
94.33 |
13:1 |
46% |
|
|
|
Green River Community College offers an associates of art degree completely online. Students must complete their developmental and/or pre-college classes before registering for the online program. All classes that are fully online require no on-campus visits. Not every class is offered every quarter. Some professors in online classes require proctored tests but they can be proctored anywhere in the world. If on-campus attendance is required, the class is listed as Hybrid in the Class Schedule. GRCC uses the Canvas system to deliver online courses. Many students transfer to four-year colleges and universities after receiving their AA from GRCC. |
| 9 |
Western Washington University |
93.63 |
20:1 |
73% |
|
|
|
The Distance-Learning Program of WesternOnline offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services that can be earned entirely online through the Department of Health and Community Studies. The program is delivered through flexible formats, including online term-based and self-paced courses. When taking term-based courses, students follow a quarterly schedule, with weekly interactions and meetings; whereas the coursework of self-paced courses can be completed at the times chosen by the student. Courses are 7 weeks and use Canvas learning platform for virtual education. |
| 10 |
Seattle Central College |
92.5 |
16:1 |
66% |
|
|
|
With Distance Education and e-Learning, Seattle Central classrooms have no walls. Distance Education courses are flexible and students can choose when and where to study. Courses are offered online, by correspondence or via video or DVDs. Flexible course options are a great solution for students with busy schedules, family responsibilities or who are currently working full time. Students can take courses for college credit and apply them to a degree program or certificate and/or enroll in courses that interest them while improving knowledge and skills. A 90 credit associate of arts degree is available completely online. |
| 11 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
89.76 |
15:1 |
55% |
|
|
|
At the University of Washington's division of professional and continuing education, students can finish their bachelor's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate or simply take an individual class-all online. The online degree completion program allows students who hold an associate degree or already have general education requirements under their belts to finish their degree in two to four years (depending on their enrollment status). Online courses are flexible and engaging, with curriculum designed specifically for a distance environment by professional advisory boards and leaders in the industry. |
| 12 |
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
87.34 |
17:1 |
83% |
|
|
|
The University of Washington at Tacoma Social Work Program now offers a fully online Criminal Justice major. The Criminal Justice degree offers a multidisciplinary understanding of crime and justice within the framework of broader social processes within our society. The program examines all major aspects of the justice system from an ecological systems approach rather than a specialization in one narrow content area. The curriculum provides a theoretical understanding of the discipline, combined with an understanding of the scientific method as it applies to criminal justice. Students must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and have completed at least 90 UW or transferable college-level credits by the time of enrollment in the program. |
4 Year Colleges in Washington
Best Online Colleges and Universities in Washington
Best for Future Service Members
The Northwest is an excellent choice for post-secondary education, but not all online schools in Washington offer equivalent advantages for students interested in serving their country. To shine a light on some of the stronger choices, this list records Washington institutions that also provide at least two Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs. Here, undergraduate and graduate students can combine their academic endeavors with duty to the U.S. Army, Navy or Air Force. Congratulations to these colleges and universities for focusing on both affordable education and civic-mindedness.
Best for Personal Attention
Washington has a demonstrated commitment to providing educational opportunities for all students, no matter their backgrounds or future goals, and this is evidenced in the number of institutions placing importance on individualized student attention. These online schools in Washington not only offer multiple degree programs, but also keep class sizes smaller than 20 students per faculty member, on average. What’s more, several of these high-contact schools have well over 5,000 students and still manage to keep class sizes small.
College
Name |
STUDENT-TEACHER-RATIO |
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS |
TUITION |
TYPE |
CITY |
| Bellevue College |
20 to 1 | 22,452 | $3,523 |
Public |
Bellevue |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
19 to 1 | 3,856 | $11,305 |
Public |
Tacoma |
| Centralia College |
19 to 1 | 5,730 | $3,523 |
Public |
Centralia |
| Seattle Community College-South Campus |
18 to 1 | 9,163 | $3,523 |
Public |
Seattle |
| Seattle Community College-Central Campus |
18 to 1 | 11,828 | $3,523 |
Public |
Seattle |
| Peninsula College |
17 to 1 | 4,470 | $4,126 |
Public |
Port Angeles |
| Lake Washington Institute of Technology |
16 to 1 | 6,113 | $2,869 |
Public |
Kirkland |
| Washington State University |
16 to 1 | 25,588 | $10,874 |
Public |
Pullman |
| Faith Evangelical College & Seminary |
15 to 1 | 195 | $7,200 |
Private not-for-profit |
Tacoma |
| Seattle Pacific University |
14 to 1 | 3,417 | $31,701 |
Private not-for-profit |
Seattle |
| Pacific Lutheran University |
14 to 1 | 3,425 | $32,800 |
Private not-for-profit |
Tacoma |
| Northwest University |
13 to 1 | 1,473 | $24,180 |
Private not-for-profit |
Kirkland |
| Saint Martin’s University |
13 to 1 | 1,543 | $28,400 |
Private not-for-profit |
Lacey |
| Walla Walla University |
13 to 1 | 1,815 | $24,360 |
Private not-for-profit |
College Place |
| Seattle University |
13 to 1 | 5,065 | $34,200 |
Private not-for-profit |
Seattle |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
13 to 1 | 34,266 | $11,305 |
Public |
Seattle |
| Northwest Indian College |
12 to 1 | 1,234 | $3,420 |
Public |
Bellingham |
| University of Puget Sound |
12 to 1 | 2,736 | $40,040 |
Private not-for-profit |
Tacoma |
| Whitworth University |
11 to 1 | 2,435 | $33,676 |
Private not-for-profit |
Spokane |
| Gonzaga University |
11 to 1 | 5,135 | $33,160 |
Private not-for-profit |
Spokane |
| Whitman College |
10 to 1 | 1,676 | $41,790 |
Private not-for-profit |
Walla Walla |
| Bastyr University |
9 to 1 | 253 | $21,090 |
Private not-for-profit |
Kenmore |
| Heritage University |
9 to 1 | 1,011 | $16,440 |
Private not-for-profit |
Toppenish |
| Trinity Lutheran College |
8 to 1 | 173 | $23,400 |
Private not-for-profit |
Everett |
| Antioch University-Seattle |
8 to 1 | 383 | $19,620 |
Private not-for-profit |
Seattle |
| Cornish College of the Arts |
8 to 1 | 852 | $31,980 |
Private not-for-profit |
Seattle |
| City University of Seattle |
8 to 1 | 1,224 | $14,440 |
Private not-for-profit |
Seattle |
| Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs |
7 to 1 | 467 | $11,400 |
Private not-for-profit |
Spokane |
Best for Women in Technology
Certain technology programs from online schools in Washington provide an ideal environment for female students interested in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) studies. Women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, but these schools are trying to supply what women in those programs need to succeed. Whether they provide mentorship or create classroom gender ratios that are the same as for other programs, these schools go the extra mile for their female tech students.
College
Name |
TUITION + FEES |
CITY |
WOMEN IN TECH DEGREES AWARDED |
TOTAL ENROLLMENT |
TYPE |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $12,383 |
Seattle |
325 |
36,548 |
Public |
| Washington State University | $12,300 |
Pullman |
94 |
23,035 |
Public |
| Seattle University | $34,800 |
Seattle |
19 |
5,950 |
Private Not for Profit |
| Central Washington University | $8,925 |
Ellensburg |
17 |
9,826 |
Public |
| Eastern Washington University | $7,933 |
Cheney |
15 |
10,056 |
Public |
| Gonzaga University | $33,652 |
Spokane |
15 |
5,630 |
Private Not for Profit |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11,911 |
Bothell |
13 |
2,859 |
Public |
| Saint Martin’s University | $28,740 |
Lacey |
9 |
1,227 |
Private Not for Profit |
| Cornish College of the Arts | $32,380 |
Seattle |
9 |
814 |
Private Not for Profit |
| Western Washington University | $8,805 |
Bellingham |
5 |
13,400 |
Public |
Best Schools Fighting for Families
Many social work students are drawn to the field in hopes of helping children and families, and now there may be more opportunities to do so than ever before. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts above average growth in this occupation between 2012 and 2022 thanks to an increased need for health care and social services. Work environments include hospitals, nursing homes, colleges and military bases, as well as private practices and the state or local government. Listed below are some of the best online schools in Washington for social work, where students experience the best of the Pacific Northwest while learning how to improve the lives of others.
College
Name |
CITY |
SOCIAL DEGREES AWARDED |
WOMEN |
MEN |
TUITION & FEES |
TOTAL ENROLLMENT |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus |
Seattle |
606 |
448 |
158 |
$12,383 |
36,548 |
| Eastern Washington University |
Cheney |
226 |
189 |
37 |
$7,933 |
10,056 |
| Walla Walla University |
College Place |
113 |
90 |
23 |
$24,900 |
1,729 |
| Western Washington University |
Bellingham |
99 |
74 |
25 |
$8,805 |
13,400 |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
Tacoma |
90 |
80 |
10 |
$11,902 |
2,758 |
| Washington State University |
Pullman |
85 |
46 |
39 |
$12,300 |
23,035 |
| Central Washington University |
Ellensburg |
77 |
48 |
29 |
$8,925 |
9,826 |
| Seattle University |
Seattle |
54 |
43 |
11 |
$34,800 |
5,950 |
| Seattle Pacific University |
Seattle |
42 |
34 |
8 |
$32,067 |
3,438 |
| Pacific Lutheran University |
Tacoma |
38 |
30 |
8 |
$33,100 |
3,213 |
| Gonzaga University |
Spokane |
33 |
25 |
8 |
$33,652 |
5,630 |
| University of Puget Sound |
Tacoma |
28 |
22 |
6 |
$40,250 |
2,819 |
| Whitman College |
Walla Walla |
25 |
20 |
5 |
$42,105 |
1,566 |
| Whitworth University |
Spokane |
21 |
14 |
7 |
$34,346 |
2,259 |
| Seattle Community College-Central Campus |
Seattle |
15 |
12 |
3 |
$3,893 |
4,137 |
| Heritage University |
Toppenish |
14 |
12 |
2 |
$16,515 |
815 |
