15 Cheapest Universities in Washington for International Students

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In Washington, there are a lot 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. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Washington, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 25 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Washington, make sure to read more!

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

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Bellevue College 9,844 USD - 21,100 USD 71%
Columbia Basin College 13,600 USD 60%
City University of Seattle 14,600 USD - 17,600 USD 57%
Heritage University 19,500 USD 43%
Centralia College 19,800 USD 42%
Central Washington University 23,200 USD 32%
Western Washington University 24,200 USD 29%
Eastern Washington University 24,800 USD 27%
Evergreen State College 28,100 USD 17%
Bastyr University 29,000 USD 15%
Walla Walla University 33,100 USD 2%
Northwest University 34,500 USD -2%
Cornish College of the Arts 35,400 USD -4%
Seattle Pacific University 36,600 USD -8%
University of Washington 40,800 USD -20%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 33,700 USD for universities in Washington.

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1. Bellevue College

Founded in 1966, Bellevue College is a public institution that provides bachelor’s and certificate programs in various fields of study. Some of its popular study programs include business administration, nursing, computer science, and interior design. This state-assisted institution welcomes international students on its campus. Students enrolled at the college come from different states and over 57 countries.

2. Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a community college located in Pasco, Washington. The institute has more than 100 associate degrees, certifications, and bachelor’s degree programs in various fields of study. The undergraduate programs currently offered at the institute focus on applied sciences and nursing. CBC values each student’s success, and the college thrives on providing a unique learning experience by giving them countless opportunities to hone their skills and talents to become competent professionals.

3. 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.

4. Heritage University

Founded in 1907, Heritage University is a private institution in Washington that has received numerous national and regional recognitions for its academic excellence. The university provides a broad spectrum of quality programs in environmental sciences, education, and visual arts, to name a few. Additionally, it actively promotes multiculturalism within its campus. Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to continue and obtain an education at the university.

5. Centralia College

Centralia College is a public institution that focuses on providing education in the most sought-after areas of the job market, like IT or healthcare. It offers a wide variety of professional diplomas and associate’s degrees, along with 6 bachelor’s degrees. Since it focuses on in-demand professions, the college combines classes with real-life experience. It offers training and internships through a number of partnerships that were made with different businesses and organizations. Its faculty tries to ensure the success of students while serving the local communities and adapting to their work needs.

6. Central Washington University

Central Washington University commits to delivering hands-on supervision in order to assess its students carefully. It promotes practical learning, which is why it allows students to perform in an actual professional setting. Employers praise graduates from the university due to their intelligence and competency.

7. Western Washington University

Western Washington University is fully committed to providing high standards of teaching and research to its local community. Throughout the years, the university has transformed numerous lives of its students by aiding them to succeed in their respective careers. The university continues to thrive to become one of the world’s leading universities. It has in, so far, succeeded in improving its quality of education and has since continued to develop innovative academic programs.

8. Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University is a public educational institution that offers over 100 study programs in different fields such as engineering, health sciences, mathematics, art, and humanities. EWU was established in 1882 and has been playing an important role in the region’s cultural, economic, and social development. Its location in Cheney, Washington makes it ideal for several recreational activities like hiking, rafting, and other outdoor sports. 

9. Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College, a liberal arts and sciences college, offers several undergraduate and three master’s programs. The college has fields of study instead of majors for the undergraduate courses. As for graduate students, the available master’s programs are environment studies, public administration, and teaching. With regards to rankings, Evergreen State was ranked 50th among west regional universities by US News.

10. Bastyr University

Bastyr University is a private university that fully concentrates on providing medical programs at the higher education level. The institution was initially established to offer naturopathic medicine programs, and it has since expanded to offer more innovative medical programs. Today, it continues to improve and grow to become one of the leading national medical universities.

11. Walla Walla University

Walla Walla University is full of dedicated professors that provide intensive supervision to students. The university is known for its rigorous academic curriculum that will truly heighten the students’ educational experience. Over the years, it has begun to widen its doors for international students and continues to uphold Christian principles as its core values.

12. Northwest University

Northwest University is a private institution that focuses on preparing students for adapting to today’s globalized work industries. It offers about 70 bachelor’s degree programs and 8 master’s degree programs in its 6 colleges. Some popular programs include nursing, education, and Christian-related degrees. In fact, education here goes beyond the classroom, and as a Christian university, the faculty works on strengthening the relationship of students with their faith. This is done through chapel service, gatherings for worshipping, community prayers, religious groups, and global missions.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Whitworth University 8,850 USD - 13,600 USD 57%
Seattle Pacific University 8,925 USD - 13,500 USD 57%
Heritage University 10,100 USD 51%
Gonzaga University 10,500 USD - 15,000 USD 49%
Northwest University 11,200 USD - 19,000 USD 46%
City University of Seattle 13,000 USD 37%
Seattle University 14,300 USD 30%
Evergreen State College 18,100 USD - 26,300 USD 12%
Saint Martin’s University 18,900 USD - 19,800 USD 8%
Central Washington University 23,700 USD -16%
Western Washington University 24,800 USD - 36,800 USD -21%
National Defense University 26,400 USD -29%
University of Puget Sound 26,500 USD - 58,000 USD -29%
Bastyr University 26,800 USD - 37,900 USD -31%
Washington State University 27,800 USD - 27,800 USD -36%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 20,400 USD for universities in Washington.

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1. Whitworth University

Founded and guided by Christian scholars, Whitworth University aims to provide high-quality learning while building a solid foundation in faith and values. This university offers undergraduate and graduate programs to local and international students. As they continue to deliver a well-rounded education, they receive several awards and recognitions in the educational field.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Whitworth University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 8,850 USD to 13,575 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Seattle Pacific University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Seattle Pacific University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Seattle Pacific University is 8,925 USD to 13,485 USD.

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.

3. Heritage University

Founded in 1907, Heritage University is a private institution in Washington that has received numerous national and regional recognitions for its academic excellence. The university provides a broad spectrum of quality programs in environmental sciences, education, and visual arts, to name a few. Additionally, it actively promotes multiculturalism within its campus. Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to continue and obtain an education at the university.

The tuition fee at Heritage University for incoming international master’s students is 10,020 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Gonzaga University

Another affordable university to consider in Washington is Gonzaga University.

Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit Catholic institution founded in 1887. The university is fully concentrated on offering interdisciplinary programs in liberal arts. Such programs include business, education, engineering, leadership studies, and law. Moreover, the institution is aware that pursuing higher education can be pretty costly, and to reduce the burden on students, it offers numerous financial scholarships and grants to eligible individuals.

The tuition fee in Gonzaga University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 10,478 USD.

5. Northwest University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Northwest University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 11,196 USD yearly.

Northwest University is a private institution that focuses on preparing students for adapting to today’s globalized work industries. It offers about 70 bachelor’s degree programs and 8 master’s degree programs in its 6 colleges. Some popular programs include nursing, education, and Christian-related degrees. In fact, education here goes beyond the classroom, and as a Christian university, the faculty works on strengthening the relationship of students with their faith. This is done through chapel service, gatherings for worshipping, community prayers, religious groups, and global missions.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Evergreen State College

Evergreen State College, a liberal arts and sciences college, offers several undergraduate and three master’s programs. The college has fields of study instead of majors for the undergraduate courses. As for graduate students, the available master’s programs are environment studies, public administration, and teaching. With regards to rankings, Evergreen State was ranked 50th among west regional universities by US News.

9. Saint Martin’s University

Saint Martin’s University’s history can be traced back to 1895. Its tradition is deeply rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, and the university has since instilled these values in its students to become responsible and mindful citizens. Also, this private university is among the leading higher institutions in Washington. Most of its graduates have been recognized for their contributions to society.

10. Central Washington University

Central Washington University commits to delivering hands-on supervision in order to assess its students carefully. It promotes practical learning, which is why it allows students to perform in an actual professional setting. Employers praise graduates from the university due to their intelligence and competency.

11. Western Washington University

Western Washington University is fully committed to providing high standards of teaching and research to its local community. Throughout the years, the university has transformed numerous lives of its students by aiding them to succeed in their respective careers. The university continues to thrive to become one of the world’s leading universities. It has in, so far, succeeded in improving its quality of education and has since continued to develop innovative academic programs.

12. National Defense University

National Defense University is a graduate-level military institution that provides advanced education for military personnel and naval forces. The university served as a consolidation of the intellectual resources and joint higher education of the national defense community following the joining of the following colleges: Armed Forces Staff College, the National War College, and the Army Industrial College. From its inception, the university grew to include other defense colleges, with the College of International Security Affairs as its newest addition in 2002.

13. University of Puget Sound

The University of Puget Sound, located within the homelands of the Puyallup Tribe, is committed to uplifting the story and history of the indigenous people. Initially founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, the university was set to surpass institutions of higher learning in the Country. Since its inception, the University of Puget Sound is continuously producing graduates that are competent and ready for life after college.

14. Bastyr University

Bastyr University is a private university that fully concentrates on providing medical programs at the higher education level. The institution was initially established to offer naturopathic medicine programs, and it has since expanded to offer more innovative medical programs. Today, it continues to improve and grow to become one of the leading national medical universities.

15. Washington State University

Celebrating its 132nd year, Washington State University (WSU) has established its high reputation in research and education. They have produced thousands of studies about agriculture, technology, and more. WSU belongs to the best research institutions in the USA, and as they move forward, they continue to educate more than 19,000 students at different levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Washington?

Applying to cheap universities in Washington 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!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Washington?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Washington. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Washington is the Bastyr University, which offers Health Psychology, Herbal Sciences, and Integrated Human Biology to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bastyr University offers Acupuncture, Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine specialization, and Counseling Psychology.

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 Washington, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

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