If you’re in or approaching your senior year, chances are you’re thinking about what lies beyond high school. College is a great investment in your academic future, and with so many incredible colleges near Seattle, chances are the right school for you is waiting nearby! Not only do Seattle-area colleges typically offer in-state tuition rates, but they also make the transition to collegiate life a little easier as you fly the nest. You may even be able to consider living at home and saving money on housing (though the on-campus experience is definitely worth a try sometime!)
8 Colleges Near Seattle So You Can Find The Perfect Fit
Whether you’re looking for a big school experience or something a little more intimate, there is plenty to explore right here in our neck of the woods. These colleges near Seattle are great choices to consider if you’re in or preparing for the application process. Here are some highlights about what makes these schools so great!
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
Seattle University is a Jesuit school rooted in the Jesuit tradition of educating the “whole person.” Students receive an empowering values-based education that prepares them to not only exist in an ever-changing world but to help shape it for the better. They have 65 undergraduate degree programs, as well as minors and specialties, to help you curate a degree that will set you up for success beyond college. SU is known for its incredible faculty and high-quality teaching, and its business and nursing programs are some of the best in the country. A vibrant, active campus community makes it a great place to learn and live!
University of Washington
1410 NE Campus Parkway Seattle, WA 98195
The University of Washington, or The UW, has been ranked as the #1 most innovative public university in the world and is frequently ranked among the top public universities in the world. Their incredible research programming receives more federal research money than any other public university in the country, providing incredible research opportunities for students! The UW has three campuses (Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell) that serve over 60,000 students every year. As a student, you can choose from over 180 undergraduate majors and over 300 graduate programs. You’ll benefit from some of the country’s top academic opportunities, all while living in the exciting multicultural hub of Seattle!
Seattle Central College
1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
Seattle Central College was officially founded in 1966 as Seattle Community College, the first two-year college in the city. In the decades since, the school has grown considerably, and in 2014, it changed its name to Seattle Central College to reflect its status as an institution that now also awards four-year bachelor’s degrees and short-term certificates. Over 16,000 students choose to study at Seattle Central College every year, taking advantage of their top academic programs that also make academic transfer easy, all while living in one of the country’s most thriving cities. Seattle Central College offers three bachelor’s degrees, 29 associate degrees, and 16 professional certificates across 26 areas of study.
City University of Seattle
521 Wall St #100, Seattle, WA 98121
If you’re looking for a more intimate approach to higher education, City University of Seattle is a great option. It’s an accredited private nonprofit university dedicated to providing career-relevant education to busy professionals. They offer over 60 degree and certificate programs in business, leadership, education, project management, health and human services, and computer and information systems. If you have a clear idea of the skillset you want to offer to future employers, then the City University of Seattle could be a great option for you! You’ll learn real-world knowledge from passionate educators in classes with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This is significantly smaller than other area colleges and universities!
Seattle Pacific University
3307 3rd Ave West, Seattle WA 98119-1997
Seattle Pacific University is a nationally ranked, private Christian liberal arts university dedicated to “graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom. And modeling a grace-filled community.” SPU is another great option for students searching for a smaller collegiate experience. Their 43-acre campus within a residential neighborhood in Queen Anne Hill is the perfect setting for a more intimate learning experience. The school’s total enrollment is just over 2,500 – much different from the larger student bodies of other local universities if that’s something you’re looking for! Experience academic excellence and a transformative and holistic student experience at Seattle Pacific University.
Bellevue College
3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007-6406
Bellevue College’s 100-acre campus is located only 5 miles from Bellevue, Washington, and 10 miles from downtown Seattle. Their academic programming helps boost careers and kickstart college degrees, preparing students for real-world opportunities. Bellevue College offers 14 bachelor’s degrees, 9 associate transfer degrees, 21 professional/technical programs, and 64 certificates. If you’re looking for a virtual collegiate experience, Bellevue has been ranked by Newsweek as #13 in the Nation for online learning! The college prides itself on being a welcoming community with a diverse faculty and student body that fuels success.
Cornish College of the Arts
1000 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121
If the arts are your calling, Cornish College of the Arts could be a great fit! The school offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in the performing and visual arts, as well as a Bachelor of Music Degree and year-round programs. Cornish College of the Arts was founded by artist Nellie Cornish back in 1921. Over a hundred years later, the school still focuses on the same approach. That education comes from exposure to all of the arts. With a small enrollment of 635 students and a 1:7 faculty-to-student ratio, students receive high-quality education in an environment that nurtures creativity and intellectual curiosity.
Northwest University
5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98033
Northwest University is a regionally accredited Christian institution that has been providing students with a rich, faith-based education since 1934. They award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a variety of fields. All with over 70 majors and programs designed to prepare students for success in their careers. As a student at Northwest University, you’ll find a balance of spiritual vitality, academic excellence, and empowered engagement. All coming together for a well-rounded experience rooted in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. If a religious academic experience is important to you, Northwest University could be a great option for your next chapter!
Find The Perfect Fit For Your Education At These Great Colleges Near Seattle
These amazing colleges near Seattle offer a variety of opportunities to guide your future to a pathway of success. Tour some campuses and think about what you’d like to study. Then, decide whether a big on-campus community or a smaller institution calls to your heart more strongly. Whatever you decide, I know your future will be bright!
If you’re a junior or senior in high school, then I would love to connect. I’m a Bellevue and Seattle senior photographer, and I adore helping seniors look back on this amazing accomplishment. If you’ve been considering booking a photographer for your senior photos, then let’s chat! So you can decide if my style is right for you. Contact me today to chat!
