The number of Washington colleges is impressive. Among its 38 public four-year universities are two state university systems: the University of Washington, with three campuses, and Washington State University, with four campuses. WSU is also known as a research institution.
There are eight public technical and community colleges in Washington, including some that award bachelor's degrees.
There are 34 private, four-year universities in Washington -- several of them earning high marks from U.S. News & World Report in 2018. Gonzaga University, a liberal arts college, ranked No. 4 in Regional Universities West. Another liberal arts college, Pacific Lutheran University, regularly ranks among Best Universities in the West. Seattle University, an urban college rooted in Jesuit tradition, was also named one of the best colleges in the U.S. by the Princeton Review (2018).
Thirty-nine private trade and technical schools round out the state's higher education offerings.
The State of Washington promotes online learning among college students. For example, the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges created the eLearning and Open Education program. Other colleges and universities in Washington also offer many of their courses online. The state participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), making it easier for students to take online courses offered by colleges based in another state.
Washington high school students can gain a competitive edge through the Dual Credit program which allows them to earn high school credit and college credit at the same time.
For more information on higher education in Washington, visit the Washington Student Achievement Council.
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