5 Cheapest Universities in Seattle for International Students

In Seattle, Washington, there are a handful of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Seattle, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 6 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Seattle, make sure to read more!

How do I get admission to affordable universities in Seattle, Washington?

Applying to cheap universities in Seattle requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

What can I study at Best affordable universities in Seattle?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Seattle. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Seattle is the City University of Seattle, which offers Computer Science, Data Science, and Healthcare Administration to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the City University of Seattle offers Business Administration, Computer Science, and Teaching.

Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Seattle for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Seattle ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
City University of Seattle 14,600 USD - 17,600 USD 60%
Cornish College of the Arts 35,400 USD 1%
Seattle Pacific University 36,600 USD -2%
University of Washington 40,800 USD -14%
Seattle University 50,400 USD -41%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 35,500 USD for universities in Seattle.

1. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is a private, non-profit university that is recognized as one of the top adult educators in the country. The university offers various degree programs and certificates encompassing health, business, and other fields. Aside from offering degrees in both undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is also in partnership with Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam.

2. Cornish College of the Arts

Cornish College of the Arts is a private art college in Seattle, Washington. It was founded in 1914 as the Cornish School of Music. The university serves as a hub for artists to further their fine arts education and develop their creative thinking skills. Among the programs available are Acting, Animation, Film, Game Art, and Interior Architecture.

3. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university. It offers many degree programs in different fields, such as business, economics, and science, among others. Among its remarkable training facilities, the university also has science buildings and a four-story library where students can learn and interact with one another.

4. University of Washington

Adding to the colorful history of the West Coast is the University of Washington. One of the oldest and most prominent universities in the area, the University of Washington caters to students across its three campuses: Seattle (main campus), Bothell, and Tacoma. On top of its reputation for innovative research, it also boasts a strong connection with the tech industry, frequently collaborating with brands and housing tech startups.

5. Seattle University

Located in a city of innovation and global values, Seattle University is an institution for lifelong learning and competency. It offers over 60 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs and several professional certificates in the fields of business, education, medicine, and science and technology. Seattle University graduates are highly sought after by companies and recruitment firms, landing jobs immediately after graduation.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Seattle for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Seattle ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Seattle Pacific University 8,925 USD - 13,500 USD 48%
City University of Seattle 13,000 USD 24%
Seattle University 14,300 USD 16%
University of Washington 31,600 USD - 39,700 USD -86%

* Average Master’s International Tuition is 17,000 USD for universities in seattle.

1. Seattle Pacific University

Seattle Pacific University is a Christian university. It offers many degree programs in different fields, such as business, economics, and science, among others. Among its remarkable training facilities, the university also has science buildings and a four-story library where students can learn and interact with one another.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Seattle Pacific University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,925 USD to 13,485 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. City University of Seattle

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is City University of Seattle. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at City University of Seattle is 12,975 USD.

The City University of Seattle is a private, non-profit university that is recognized as one of the top adult educators in the country. The university offers various degree programs and certificates encompassing health, business, and other fields. Aside from offering degrees in both undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is also in partnership with Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, and Vietnam.

3. Seattle University

Located in a city of innovation and global values, Seattle University is an institution for lifelong learning and competency. It offers over 60 undergraduate programs, 28 graduate programs and several professional certificates in the fields of business, education, medicine, and science and technology. Seattle University graduates are highly sought after by companies and recruitment firms, landing jobs immediately after graduation.

The tuition fee at Seattle University for incoming international master’s students is 14,292 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. University of Washington

Another affordable university to consider in Seattle is University of Washington.

Adding to the colorful history of the West Coast is the University of Washington. One of the oldest and most prominent universities in the area, the University of Washington caters to students across its three campuses: Seattle (main campus), Bothell, and Tacoma. On top of its reputation for innovative research, it also boasts a strong connection with the tech industry, frequently collaborating with brands and housing tech startups.

The tuition fee in University of Washington for master’s program for foreign students starts from 31,530 USD.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in United States, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in United States as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Seattle for international students was helpful!