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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Value Schools in Washington

1 Colleges in the United States
$20,207 Avg Student Debt
$66,353 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Value Badge [Value](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/general/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 6 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value value schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Value Schools in Washington

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

Best Value Value Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Seattle Campus the best value for a degree in value in Washington. 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, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Value graduates carry a median of $16,481 in student loans. Value graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $70,392 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants.

2

The Evergreen State College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value value schools. Set in the suburb of Olympia, The Evergreen State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,264, with out-of-state students paying around $31,905. Students borrow a median of $21,850 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of The Evergreen State College earn a median of $26,942 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,850 median debt. The Evergreen State College admits about 96% of applicants.

3
Seattle University crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA

Seattle University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in value, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Seattle, Seattle University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete the value program here. Value graduates of Seattle University earn a median of $68,749 early in their careers. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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