Best Online Colleges in Washington

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Education is vital for many professions while many make a candidate more qualified than others in some cases. Overall, in his or her lifetime, a college graduate has more earning potential than someone who has never gone to college. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible for a person to attend college immediately proceeding to high school. Plus, some individuals change their minds later and would like to change or further their careers. This leaves some working adults in the predicament of wanting to go to school but not being able to due to their jobs. For this reason, Washington online colleges are beneficial to full-time working students. 

Today learning online, and earning undergraduate and graduate degrees fully online, is a highly respected and desirable path for attending university, particularly for working adults or students who need to juggle other commitments. Most distance learning programs are now offered through major colleges and universities across the nation and come complete with full accreditation. The same is true for the Best Online Colleges in Washington state.

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How We Ranked the Best Online Colleges in Washington State

The Best Online Colleges in Washington State featured in the Value Colleges ranking are regionally accredited and known for their value, providing a real positive impact on graduates’ lives. The schools are ranked by the number of fully online bachelor’s degree programs they offer.

1. Washington State University

Washington State University’s Global Campus tops the list of the best online colleges in Washington state. The school offers 19 online undergraduate programs. Students can choose from anthropology, accounting, data analytics, criminal justice, biology, history, English, economics, humanities, human development, hospitality business management, marketing, management information systems, management, integrated strategic communication, social sciences, psychology, political science, and sociology.

Students at the Global Campus earn the same degree as on-campus students and get all the benefits of being WSU students while enjoying the flexibility and convenience of online learning. WSU is a leading research university with top-notch faculty. The school has been offering online education since 1992 and strives to use the latest technology to continue to bring the best in online education to students throughout Wisconsin and all over the world. The Global Campus at Washington State University is listed among the top 5% of all online undergraduate schools in the US by US News & World Report.

Number of Online Programs: 19

school website

2. Central Washington University

Next on the list of the best online colleges in Washington state is Central Washington University. The school offers 14 online undergraduate programs. Students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree online at CWU can choose from business administration, aviation management, English: professional and creative writing, information technology and administrative management (with specializations in cybersecurity, administrative management, project management, FlexIT competency-based, or retail management and technology), law and justice, interdisciplinary studies – social sciences, paramedicine, liberal studies, public health, psychology, sociology, social services, or supply chain management.

Central Washington University offers flexible online courses that are personalized to meet the needs of its students. The faculty is made up of dedicated professors who care about their students’ success. CWU’s online courses help the school serve a diverse body of students by making a CWU degree accessible to just about anyone. The school gives students the skills and knowledge they need to lead responsible, enlightened, and productive lives. The flexibility of CWU’s online courses allows students to complete their programs more quickly.

Number of Online Programs: 14

school website

3. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is another of the best online colleges in Washington state. The school offers 11 online bachelor’s degree programs: applied computing, applied psychology, business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity and information assurance, general studies, healthcare administration, information systems, information technology, management, and project management.

City University of Seattle is a private university that is revolutionizing higher education around the world. The school is one of the top 10 schools in the US focusing on adult education. Students learn from faculty members who have worked at some of the top companies in Seattle. CityU hopes to make a positive impact on each student’s life by providing a top-notch education. The school’s values include innovation, flexibility, relevance, accessibility, and a global focus. Due to the support structure provided by the school, students are more likely to complete their degrees than at most other schools.

Number of Online Programs: 12

school website

4. Whitworth University

Northwest University offers six online bachelor’s degree programs. They are business management, organizational leadership, ministry leadership, organizational management, nursing (RN to BSN), and psychology. As one of the best online colleges in Washington state, Northwest offers flexible classes that cater to the adult learner. Students can fit classes into their lives, no matter how busy there are. Parents and working professionals can advance their careers by returning to school for a college degree.

Northwest University is a private faith-based school that offers an accredited education that is the same high quality for all students, online or off. Online students take the same classes, earn the same degrees, and walk in the same graduation ceremony. Northwest’s courses are engaging and inspirational, and the instructors truly care about helping their students reach their full potential. Many of the school’s faculty members have real-life experience working in their fields and know how to prepare their students for their careers. Tech support is available 24/7 for the school’s online programs.

Number of Online Programs: 6

school website

5. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is also one of the best online colleges in Washington state. Students can take courses at their own pace from their own homes, and can even try the school out for two terms before being admitted. Eastern Washington University offers online bachelor’s degree programs in children’s studies, addiction studies, health science, dental hygiene, and interdisciplinary studies. The interdisciplinary studies degree allows students to combine courses from multiple programs and is great for students who already have some college credits.

Eastern Washington University gives students the critical thinking skills they need to succeed and make worthwhile contributions to society, regardless of their majors. The school prides itself on its academic excellence and commitment to serving underserved populations. EWU tries to keep its students engaged in order to ensure that they complete their degree programs on time. Eastern Washington University has coaches, tutors, and peer facilitators to help its online students succeed.

Number of Online Programs: 5

school website

What is the Value of Online College in Washington?

Parents are another group who can benefit from online schools in Washington state. Washington online colleges give these individuals the ability to attend class while their kids are in school, sleeping, or just busy.

Online schools in Washington state are beneficial to rural residents as well. A long commute time can deter these people from wanting, or being able, to obtain their education in a brick-and-mortar college. However, a Washington distance education can supply these individuals with a way to go to school without the long drive. Plus, a Washington distance education won’t add unnecessary wear and tear on these individuals’ vehicles. 

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Earn Online in Washington?

Fortunately for individuals who want to earn an online degree, Washington offers several online degrees in Washington state. For instance, individuals can earn online degrees in Washington state at either an undergraduate or graduate degree level. Students can choose from either an associate’s or online bachelor’s degree in Washington state. Additionally, both master’s and doctorate online degrees in Washington state are available. It’s possible to earn a certificate as well. 

Students can choose from various majors, including online degree programs in Washington state for nursing, criminal justice, business, accounting, engineering, and more. Some programs don’t become available until at a bachelor’s level. For instance, elementary education, nursing, and sometimes engineering aren’t available as associate’s, only online bachelor degree programs in Washington state.

At a master’s degree level, students have the ability to specialize in many online degree programs in Washington state, such as in psychology and nurse practitioner graduate programs. A pupil can choose to major in forensic psychology or family practice nurse practitioner. A student may also choose to earn a doctorate from an online school and specialize in a certain area of their major. For instance, a person can choose to earn an online master of nursing degree in nursing education. Graduate students could look for master’s programs or doctoral degrees in engineering that focus on management.

How Can I Save Money on an Online Degree in Washington?

The expense of school is another obstacle some students have to face. However, this doesn’t have to cause a student to forgo school since there are ways to make education less costly. For one, a person can look for schools that are less expensive by comparison shopping by price. A person can look into public institutions rather than private ones. Generally, you want to choose the regional campuses over the main branches.  

A person may want to look into online community colleges in Washington state because they’re not as expensive. A person can choose to earn an entire degree from online community colleges in Washington state or earn just general credits. Once a student earns a degree from a community college, he or she can choose to use that degree or switch to a public or private university to complete the rest of his or her education. It’s also possible for a student to earn credits at a community college and then switch to another school

Online learners may want to consult with his or her employer about an employer reimbursement program. This option consists of a student going to school and making an agreement with his or her employer. The employer will contribute to a portion of the pupil’s education. The student, on the other hand, must work for the employer for a designated amount of time.

If you already have an associate degree, consider enrollment in a degree completion program. Your coursework will focus on the last two years of a four-year degree – you know, the interesting stuff after the liberal arts and sciences general courses. Tuition rates for completion bachelor’s programs are often lower. In-state tuition is lower than out-of-state as well. In-state students can get an undergraduate degree at tuition costs that are much less than other distance learners. Nonprofit schools are less than for-profit.

Prospective students looking at online classes have lots of degree options, from computer science to business to nursing. The National Center for Education Statistics shows that

Are There Online Public Universities in Washington? 

An online public university is one option a student can choose from. These schools can offer a high-quality education at a price that’s less expensive than a private school. Many public schools offer the same degree programs, both online and on-site. The only difference between the programs is that one is set up in a digital format.  

Many public universities are accredited online colleges in Washington state. In addition, many public schools receive accreditation from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additionally, the online programs may receive a separate accreditation.

A public university gives students the benefit of schools that are known for adequately preparing a student for his or her career. Employers look at certain public universities and know the person has received the necessary education for the job.

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Aya Andrews

Editor-in-Chief

Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.

Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.

In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.

With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.

Find your perfect value college

ValueColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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