Washington state's public education offerings have gained considerable prominence in the last decade, and with that rise, the state's online education offering have flourished. Major state schools like the University of Washington and Washington State University have emerged as leaders in the online space, offering a host of programs that encompass all levels of postsecondary education. Outside of the realm of public education, virtually all private schools in the state now offer either fully online degree options or some amount of online coursework for students to pursue. The state has also succeeded in making web-based K12 programs a legitimate option for students in need of supplemental coursework, whether that be to finish out a grade or to accelerate towards graduation and college enrollment.
But with acclaim comes rising costs. At four-year public institutions alone, Washington schools, over the last five years, have seen a 17% spike in out-of-state tuition and fees and a whopping 34% rise in in-state tuition and fees. At said schools, on average, out-of-state tuition for the 2014-15 school year sits at $26,855 and at $10,846 for in-state. It should come as no surprise then, that the state government's commitment to public institutions has also grown. In 2013-14, the state increased annual spending per student to 15.5%, which works out to $872 more spent per enrolled, postsecondary student. All projections indicate tuition will continue to climb for years to come, and it's safe to assume that as the trend continues, so too will state spending on education.
Learn more about higher education in Washington and the progress and trajectory of the state's online programs by exploring the remainder of the content on this page, including the state facts tab and our extensive database of online curriculums.
Featured Online Programs
62 Colleges in Washington
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Guaranteed Education Tuition: This is a prepaid tuition plan. There is a limited enrollment period with an enrollment fee, and once the account is set up, account holders can purchase units that correspond to college tuition, room and board and fees for resident students at Washington's public universities. One hundred units covers 1 year of study.
- Washington Opportunity Pathways: This program is run by the Washington Student Achievement Council. Students can obtain financial aid in the form of scholarships and need-based grants through this program.
Education Nonprofits
- Seattle Education Access: Seattle Education Access helps young students overcome poverty and advocates for access to higher education. The organization also works with nontraditional students.
- College Access Now: College Access Now, or CAN, was created to help economically disadvantaged students enroll in an institution of higher education. This organization identifies barriers to college education and helps individuals obtain financial aid and enroll in higher education programs.
- Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education: Washington joined the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education in 1955. Since then, WICHE has helped students in Washington overcome barriers to attending college.
Higher Education News
- Education Lab: The education blog at the Seattle Times is a mix of news and analysis for education at all levels, including higher education.
- Seattle Community Colleges Blog: The chancellor's blog focuses on community college news and analysis of policy decisions.