Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Washington
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Washington3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Washington.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · PublicHonor Roll#1 in Washington
- Net price $14,091 a year
- 85% graduate
- 2
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofitTop 17% for earnings
- Net price $19,589 a year
- 69% graduate
- 3
Washington State University
Pullman, WA · PublicTop 16% for earnings
- Net price $14,971 a year
- 61% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $14,091 | $14,615 | $78,466 | 85% |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $19,589 | $22,578 | $66,990 | 69% |
| Washington State University | $14,971 | $19,500 | $68,905 | 61% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.