collageMost top colleges and universities in Washington are located in the Seattle metropolitan area, where more than 50% of Washington’s total population lives. A mix of large research universities, midsize colleges, small liberal arts colleges and a few art schools are located in Washington. Many colleges and universities in Washington are publicly funded and some are located in the cities of Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue and the state capital, Olympia. Residents of Washington can attend select colleges and universities in 14 states, including Oregon, California and Idaho, through the Western Undergraduate Exchange and pay no more than 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public institution that was founded in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,046, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 634 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. University of Washington’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #58. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,092; out-of-state tuition and fees are $39,461.
Gonzaga University
onzaga University is a private institution that was founded in 1887. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,238, its setting is city, and the campus size is 152 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Gonzaga University’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #80. Its tuition and fees are $44,920.
Gonzaga University is a private, Roman Catholic institution that is open to students of all faiths. Residing along the Spokane River, it is less than half a mile to downtown Spokane, Wash. On campus, there are more than 95 active clubs for students to choose from. Intramural sports are very popular at Gonzaga, with more than 60 percent of the student body participating. The Bulldogs of Gonzaga are part of the NCAA Division I West Coast Conference. The men’s basketball team is the pride and joy of the university, and the team has returned the love by winning more than 90 percent of its games at the school’s McCarthey Athletic Center. At Gonzaga, students are required to live on campus during their first two years, but the university has stated that on-campus housing is not guaranteed for an entire college career. Students interested in outdoor pursuits can journey to the 100-acre Riverfront Park and go ice skating in the winter or check out the sky ride over the falls. They can also explore the Spokane River Centennial Trail, a 37-mile paved trail perfect for walking, running, skating, or biking.
As a Roman Catholic institution, Gonzaga collaborates with Bishop White Seminary by offering theology courses to students preparing for priesthood. The Gonzaga University School of Law is one of only three law schools in the state of Washington, and it has produced multiple state Supreme Court justices. With a large international presence on campus, the university has increased its offerings to international students with the creation of the Center for Global Engagement. Mock trial is a very popular, highly competitive political law club at the school. Students that would like entry into the club must go through a series of rigorous tryouts before joining the team. Notable alumni of the university include singer Bing Crosby, former Speaker of the House Tom Foley, and Hall of Fame basketball player John Stockton.
Seattle University
Seattle University is a private institution that was founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,700, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 50 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. Seattle University’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #124. Its tuition and fees are $48,390.
Washington State University
Washington State University is a public institution that was founded in 1890. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 26,062, its setting is rural, and the campus size is 1,742 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Washington State University’s ranking in the 2021 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #176. Its in-state tuition and fees are $12,170; out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,113.
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