Best Online Colleges & Universities in Seattle
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A college degree can lead to higher salaries and promotions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for bachelor's degree-holders is over $26,000 more than what professionals with high school diplomas make. Bachelor's degree-holders also enjoy substantially lower unemployment rates.
Working in Seattle can also impact your salary level. According to PayScale, the average professional in Seattle earns an annual salary of $81,000. But the high annual salaries also come with a high cost of living, possibly due in part to the booming tech industry in the city. Large tech employers Amazon and Microsoft are headquartered in the region, as well as many smaller tech companies.
Seattle is also home to some of the largest employers in global health and clean energy resources and a strong maritime sector, which includes fishing, shipbuilding and repair, and aquatic transportation.
The following guide provides information about the 10 best online colleges in Seattle so you can find a program that will help you achieve your career goals, whether in one of Seattle's major industries or in another line of work.
What Are the Best Online Colleges in Seattle? Here Are Our Top 3:
Ranking compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
| #1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA |
| #2 | City University of Seattle Seattle, WA |
| #3 | Northwest University-College of Adult and Professional Studies Kirkland, WA |
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our Ranking Methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Seattle
Best Online Colleges in Seattle
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University of Washington-Seattle CampusLocation
Seattle, WA
Tuition$9765
Graduation Rate84%
UW offers more than 40 online certificates and 17 online degrees. Program options include two bachelor's completion pathways and 15 master's degrees in disciplines like aerospace engineering, sustainable transportation, and library and information science.
UW's online degree programs feature part-time, hybrid, and completely asynchronous study options. Tuition rates depend on the program, but most online options charge all students the same price, no matter where they live.
Prospective undergraduate students need a certain number of transfer credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
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City University of SeattleLocation
Seattle, WA
A member of the National University System, CityU has become one of the best accredited online colleges in Seattle. The school offers more than 60 online programs. Students can pursue certificates, endorsements, and undergraduate and graduate degrees. Distance learners can pursue degrees like an online master's in special education and an online doctorate in business administration.
Students can pursue fully online or hybrid studies. Online courses may run asynchronously or feature a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Tuition rates vary for each program, but all learners pay the same rate regardless of residency.
Prospective undergraduate students need a high school diploma or GED certificate. Master's applicants need a bachelor's degree, and doctoral applicants need a master's degree. CityU does not require standardized test scores for admission.
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Northwest University-College of Adult and Professional StudiesLocation
Kirkland, WA
NU offers 20 online programs, including options at the master's, bachelor's, associate, and certificate levels. Select options include an online bachelor's in organizational leadership, an online master's in leadership studies, and an online MBA.
NU's online classes may run synchronously or asynchronously. They may also feature a blended approach. Programs start up six times per year, and online learners enjoy access to the school library and all on-campus services and amenities.
Prospective undergraduates need a minimum 2.3 GPA, while graduate applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Program costs vary, but all distance learners pay the same rate no matter where they live.
