2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Washington

1

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA

University Of Washington Tacoma Campus tops our 2026 list of the best value general education schools in Washington. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,168 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,404 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $60,476 early in their careers. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.

2

University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA

University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Washington Bothell Campus earn a median of $60,476 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,729 median debt. University Of Washington Bothell Campus admits about 91% of applicants.

3

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Washington University earned it the #3 place for general education. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $21,754. Early-career general education graduates make about $67,369. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.

4

University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $15,729. Early-career general education graduates make about $60,476. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

5

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

Students looking for strong value in general education will find it at Central Washington University, which ranked #5. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,988 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $44,178. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA

Seattle Pacific University landed the #6 spot for general education value this year. Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Seattle. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from Seattle Pacific University generally make around $52,713. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

7

Northwest University
Kirkland, WA

Northwest University placed #7 among the best values for general education. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,035. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $22,439. Early-career general education graduates make about $53,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

8

Whitworth University
Spokane, WA

Whitworth University landed the #8 spot for general education value this year. Located in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Students borrow a median of $26,051 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $80,115. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

9

City University Of Seattle
Seattle, WA

City University Of Seattle ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Seattle, City University Of Seattle is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $76,698. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $61,913. Set against $25,188 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

11

University Of Puget Sound
Tacoma, WA

University Of Puget Sound placed #11 among the best values for general education. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,898. General Education graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career general education graduates make about $44,866. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puget Sound admits about 72% of applicants.