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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Washington

7 Colleges in the United States
$21,328 Avg Student Debt
$68,255 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Education Badge [General Education](/majors/education/general-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 18 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for general education students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Washington

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general education, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Education Schools

1

Leading the list is University Of Washington Tacoma Campus, our #1 best value for general education in Washington. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $60,476. That is a strong return on a $15,729 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of Washington Bothell Campus one of the best values for general education. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. General Education graduates carry a median of $15,729 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Washington Bothell Campus generally make around $60,476. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Eastern Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $21,754. Early-career general education graduates make about $67,369. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

4

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $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. The acceptance rate is 39%.

5

Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $21,988. General Education graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

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6

Seattle Pacific University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $52,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.

7
Northwest University crest
Northwest University
Kirkland, WA

Northwest University earned the #7 position for value in general education this year. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,035. Students borrow a median of $22,439 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Northwest University earn a median of $53,910 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.

8

Whitworth University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,051. General Education graduates of Whitworth University earn a median of $80,115 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants.

9

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. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt.

10
Gonzaga University crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University came in at #10 for value in general education this year. Set in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. General Education graduates of Gonzaga University earn a median of $61,913 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants.

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11

University Of Puget Sound came in at #11 for value in general education this year. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,898. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of University Of Puget Sound earn a median of $44,866 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 18 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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