Top Colleges and Universities in Washington for International Students

Alice Dartnell

1 year ago

Choosing the right colleges in WA is an important decision for international students searching for an outstanding educational experience. Fortunately, Washington State, situated in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest, provides a wide selection of educational institutions to meet every kind of requirement and interest. Whether you prefer the lively city atmosphere or the tranquil natural landscapes, Washington has something for everyone. Here’s our review of the best colleges and universities in Washington.

Further in the Article:

The Benefits of Living in Washington
Overview of the Best Universities in Washington State for International Students
The Top Universities in Washington State for Foreign Students
Public Universities in Washington
Private Universities in Washington
The Top 10 Colleges in Washington State
FAQ about Studies in Washington

The Benefits of Living in Washington

Washington State is a great option for international students looking for an unforgettable living and studying experience. It provides an exceptional atmosphere that supports personal and intellectual growth with its magnificent landscapes, exhilarating outdoor experiences, dynamic cities, and rich cultural attractions.

Here are some advantages of living in Washington:

Excellent schools for students. The state of Washington is the hub of such well-known universities as the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University, and Gonzaga University. The best colleges in Washington State have excellent courses of study as well as unique settings for learning.
Outstanding networking opportunities and job prospects. Overseas learners in Washington State have numerous chances to pursue internships, receive mentoring, and expand their professional networks. The state’s business-friendly environment and the presence of major companies and start-ups make it possible to create connections with potential employers.
Thriving innovation and career paths. Washington State is an innovation hub, with industry leaders like Microsoft and Amazon. Students can explore opportunities in technology, healthcare, aerospace, and sustainability, making the state a promising place for career growth.
An inclusive and welcoming community. Washington fosters an inclusive environment that encourages diversity and cultural interactions. It’s a supportive place for non-resident students to flourish academically and personally.
Accessible healthcare and well-being. Non-native scholars in Washington have access to high-quality healthcare services. The state promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers recreational facilities, wellness initiatives, and local food options.
Proximity to Pacific Northwest wonders. Living in the state of Washington gives you easy access to the Pacific Northwest’s breathtaking natural treasures. You can go on thrilling road excursions and weekend breaks to discover adjacent destinations like Oregon and California’s intriguing scenery and attractions.

Overview of the Best Universities in Washington State for International Students

With a multitude of colleges and universities in Washington State, overseas students have countless possibilities for furthering their education. The state is home to an extensive number of public and private institutions that serve the unique needs and interests of learners from around the world.

Washington State is widely known for its prestigious public colleges, such as the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Western Washington University, among others.

These Washington State colleges and universities provide comprehensive course offerings and majors, along with exciting research opportunities. They foster an inclusive environment that warmly welcomes and encourages international students.

Source – Google Maps

Washington State has an excellent selection of private schools in addition to public colleges. Smaller class sizes, close-knit communities, and an intensive focus on student achievements are the hallmarks of Seattle University, Gonzaga University, and Pacific Lutheran University.

Washington State also has community colleges, which provide an excellent entrance point for overseas students. The best colleges in WA, such as Bellevue College and Tacoma Community College, provide reasonably priced tuition, adjustable programs, and easy transfer routes to four-year universities. They allow students to start their academic journey in a friendly and accessible atmosphere.

The Top Universities in Washington State for Overseas Students

The leading institutions in Washington State offer exceptional educational opportunities for international learners. Here are some honorable mentions:

The University of Washington (UW)

Renowned for its educational excellence and research contributions, UW is regularly ranked as one of the greatest public colleges in the world. It provides a diverse selection of bachelor’s and master’s degrees and majors in a variety of subjects.

Place. Seattle, Washington
International students’ share. 16.2%
Acceptance rate. 56%
Courses available. Arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and more.
Application fee. $80 for undergraduate applicants, $85 for graduate applicants
Tuition fee. Undergraduate: $12,242 per year for state residents and $40,740 per year for non-domestic learners. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.washington.edu, Phone: +1-206-543-2100

Washington State University (WSU)

WSU, a distinguished research institution, provides a supportive environment, cutting-edge amenities, and research opportunities that draw students from all over the world. It provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields.

Place. Pullman, Washington
International students’ share. 6.2%
Acceptance rate. 80%
Courses available. Agriculture, business, engineering, health sciences, social sciences, and more.
Application fee. $70 for domestic undergraduate applicants and $75 for graduate applicants.
Tuition fee. Undergraduate: $12,701 per year for local students, $28,385 per year for non-local students. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.wsu.edu, Phone: +1-509-335-3564

Public Universities in Washington

Washington State is the motherland of esteemed state universities that offer a wealth of scholastic resources and valuable research opportunities for non-native learners. These institutions are known for their commitment to excellence and provide a conducive environment for students to thrive academically. Here are some notable universities in the state that attract young minds from around the world:

Western Washington University (WWU)

As one of the Washington state colleges known for its focus on undergraduate education, WWU provides a welcoming and engaging environment for international trainees. With a diverse array of academic offerings, Western Washington University provides a broad range of degrees in liberal arts, science, business, and various other fields of study.

Place. Bellingham, Washington
International students’ share. 0.8%
Acceptance rate. 94%
Courses available. Anthropology, biology, business administration, communication, computer science, environmental science, psychology, and many more fields.
Application fee. $65 for undergraduate applicants, $100 for graduate applicants
Tuition fee. Undergraduate: $7,761 per year for domestic students and $25,668 per year for non-domestic students. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.wwu.edu, Phone: +1-360-650-3000

Eastern Washington University (EWU)

Situated in a vibrant region, EWU offers a diverse array of academic programs, including fields like business, health sciences, and education. The school prioritizes hands-on learning and community engagement, creating a supportive atmosphere for international learners to succeed.

Place. Cheney, Washington
International students’ share. 2.2%
Acceptance rate. 79%
Courses available. Business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more.
Application fee. $60 for domestic undergraduate applicants and $75 for graduate applicants.
Tuition fee. Undergraduate: $8,939 per year for resident learners and $27,299 per year for non-resident learners. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.ewu.edu, Phone: +1-509-359-6297

Private Universities in Washington

Private schools in Washington State offer specialized instruction and one-of-a-kind educational experiences. Here are a few examples of noteworthy institutions:

Seattle University

With a strong emphasis on social justice and ethics, Seattle University offers a comprehensive range of programs in areas like business, law, nursing, and the arts. Its small class sizes and commitment to community engagement foster an inclusive and supportive environment for international students.

Place. Seattle, Washington
International students’ share. 9.5%
Acceptance rate. 83%
Courses available. Business, law, arts and sciences, nursing, education, and others.
Application fee. $60 for undergraduate applicants and $55 for graduate applicants.
Tuition fee. Undergraduate full-time student annual tuition (12-20 credits per quarter): $50,328 per year. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.seattleu.edu, Phone: +1-206-220-8040

Gonzaga University

A private Catholic university known for its Jesuit values and rigorous academics. The school’s dedication to experiential learning and a strong sense of community contribute to its appeal among international students.

Place. Spokane, Washington
International students’ share. 2.3%
Acceptance rate. 73%
Courses available. Business, engineering, arts and sciences, education, nursing, and more.
Application fee. $50 for undergraduate applicants and graduate applicants. There is a possibility of acquiring an application fee waiver for international students.
Tuition fee. Undergraduate: $50,735 per year. Graduate: Varies by program.
Contact details. Website: www.gonzaga.edu, Phone: +1-(800) 322-2584

The Top 10 Colleges in Washington State

Here’s a list of universities in Washington that are in demand among foreign students:

1. The University of Washington (1861)

The UW is one of the oldest colleges in WA on the West Coast. It is a flagship institution among the state’s six public universities. Each year, the college attracts over 60,000 individuals, all eager to gain knowledge from reputable experts in various fields. At the UW, educands are empowered to pursue their academic passions and engage in cutting-edge research.

Admission requirements: Completion of the CADRs, GPA of 2.7 or higher, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT scores, and a personal statement.
First-year student retention rate: 93%

2. Seattle University (1891)

Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic college that stands as the largest independent school in the region. Catering to a student body of over 7,500 individuals, SU provides a wide selection of courses and programs, ensuring that it meets the diverse educational needs and interests of its students.

Admission requirements: Transcripts from each educational institution attended, GPA of 3 or higher, and TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or DET scores.
First-year student retention rate: 82%

3. Whitman College (1882)

Whitman College is one of the top colleges in Washington, nestled in Walla Walla. With a steadfast commitment to intellectual growth and critical thinking, the college offers a distinctive academic experience. Characterized by small class sizes and a tight-knit community, Whitman College provides students with an intimate learning environment that promotes close interactions with faculty members.

Admission requirements: Secondary school report, counselor recommendation, official transcript, midyear report, teacher evaluation, TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores, SAT or ACT score report.
First-year student retention rate: 72%

4. Gonzaga University (1887)

Gonzaga University is a private Roman Catholic institution that accepts students of all religions. It boasts the prestigious Gonzaga University School of Law, one of the three law schools in the state of Washington. Gonzaga University established the Center for Global Engagement, specifically to accommodate foreign students.

Admission requirements: A personal essay, activities list, transcripts from each educational institution attended, teacher evaluation, a 3.2 cumulative GPA, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, iTEP, SAT, or ACT scores.
First-year student retention rate: 92%

5. Washington State University (1890)

WSU is a well-known public institution that is included in the list of prominent colleges and universities in Washington. It boasts a vibrant Greek community that comprises approximately 20 percent of the student population. There are more than 300 student clubs and organizations within the school, not to mention various fraternities and sororities.

Admission requirements: Transcripts from each educational institution attended, GPA of 2.7, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, iTEP, SAT, or ACT scores.
First-year student retention rate: 81%

Source – The Washington State University

6. Seattle Pacific University (1891)

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university. SPU offers over 60 educational programs to choose from for bachelor’s students. Graduate students can pursue master’s degrees in approximately 15 programs, including disciplines within the schools of business and education.

Admission requirements: Transcripts from each educational institution attended, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE Academic, SAT, or ACT scores.
First-year student retention rate: 77%

7. Western Washington University (1893)

Western Washington University (WWU) is a thriving educational institution. With a student body exceeding 16,000 students, WWU stands as the third-largest university in Washington, following Washington State University and the University of Washington. The school is committed to offering a diverse range of academic programs for earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Admission requirements: Transcripts from each post-secondary educational institution attended, program-specific admissions test scores, GRE or GMAT score reports, MAT scores, and TOEFL or IELTS scores.
First-year student retention rate: 79%

8. Whitworth University (1890)

Whitworth University is a small private Christian liberal arts institution. With an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, it offers a comprehensive range of over 100 graduate and undergraduate programs.

Admission requirements: Official high school transcript, a personal essay, external examination results (Cambridge Exams, IB scores, or ATAR), TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT scores.
First-year student retention rate: 81%

9. Pacific Lutheran University (1890)

The Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) is a private liberal arts institution situated in Tacoma, Washington. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in such fields as business, education, sciences, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and nursing. PLU is committed to supporting students by providing a range of scholarships and grants.

Admission requirements: A personal essay, official high school transcript, one teacher recommendation letter, Completion of the PLU International Pathway Program, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT scores.
First-year student retention rate: 80%

10. The University of Puget Sound (1888)

The University of Puget Sound is a four-year liberal arts college located in the urban area of Seattle. It offers a comprehensive range of bachelor’s degree programs in over 50 traditional and interdisciplinary fields of study. The institution places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, offering students options like internships and community projects to supplement their academic studies.

Admission requirements: A personal essay, official high school transcript, one teacher recommendation letter, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, SAT, or ACT scores, and interview.
First-year student retention rate: 76%

Source – The University of Puget Sound

Please note that specific prerequisites may change over time. It is recommended to visit each university’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date and detailed information on colleges in WA.

FAQ about Studies in Washington

Q: Can international students work while studying in Washington?

Yes, overseas students in Washington State can work on campus without additional work authorization. In addition, they are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) to receive work experience in their chosen field of study.

Q: What opportunities are available for research and internships in Washington?

Universities often have research programs where students can work together with faculty members on cutting-edge projects. Additionally, many companies and organizations in Washington provide internships, allowing students to acquire practical knowledge in their chosen disciplines.

Q: How can international students access healthcare services in Washington?

International students studying in universities Washington State typically have access to healthcare services through their schools. Universities often have health centers or partnerships with local medical facilities. Students from other countries must have health insurance coverage while studying to guarantee they obtain the appropriate healthcare.

Remember to consult your specific university or college for more detailed information and resources regarding work opportunities, research programs, and healthcare services available to multinational students in Washington State.