Best Universities in Washington for International Students

Darshan Shah

01 Oct 2024

Washington is an ideal destination for international students. It is home to some of the best institutes in the US, making it a prime destination for pursuing top education and the best cultural experience. The state is known for the variety of institutions and diverse programs that it offers. It offers top research facilities and very supportive communities for international students. Washington’s universities are a combination of academic excellence and vibrant student life. They also provide students with access to Tech Giants, innovative multinational industries, and a very dynamic student lifestyle. In this blog, we will help you explore the top universities in Washington that are definitely an ideal spot for international students.

Why choose Washington?

Here are a few reasons, make Washington an ideal location for international students-

World-class University

Washington offers some of the world’s best institutes for international students. These universities combine academic excellence with a supporting community. Some top institutes are- University of Washington Bothell, Evergreen State College, Whitman College, Pacific Lutheran University and many more.

Thriving tech industry

The state offers tech giants and big multinational companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and much more. These provide international students with a lot of job and internship opportunities.

Cultural diversity

Washington offers a very diverse cultural group, offering a very inclusive culture environment for international students. The communities and the groups are very supportive towards international students.

Natural beauty and recreation

Washington is known for beautiful landscapes, mountains, forests and coastal areas. This provides students a balance between urban living and outdoor activities.

Strong international support

Maine universities in Washington provide strong support for international students. They give visa support, career counselling and orientation programmes.

Global networking

Washington provides a strong global market, providing students an opportunity for global networking. The international students build valuable networks that help in career growth.

High-quality of life

Students get to experience a very high quality of life in Washington. High standard of living, cultural events, entertainment and inclusive environment makes it an ideal location for international students.

Cost of living in Washington for international students

Cost of living and University tuition fees are important considerations for international students. Tuition fees are lower for public universities and higher for private universities. Cost of living completely depends on the student, depending on their lifestyle and preferences. We have tried to put down an estimated expense of living and tuition fees for undergraduate postgraduate programmes for private and public universities in Washington.

Tuition fees (Public University)

Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $25,000 to $40,000 yearly.
Post graduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $26,000-$35,000 annually.

Tuition fees (Private university)

Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $45,000-$60,000 yearly.
Postgraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $30,000-$50,000 yearly.

Housing

On campus housing- for one month, international students must expect the expense for on campus housing around $800-$1500.
Flat on rent- this depends on the size of the flat and the city. Usually, the expense is around $900-$1200 for one month. For a bigger city like Seattle, The expense increases.

Utility

For Gas, Internet, water, and electricity, the expense is around $150-$250 monthly.

Transportation

Public transportation- international students usually prefer public transportation for travelling. They take a monthly pass which costs around $50- $120 monthly. Some universities also give discounts on these passes or free transit.
Owning or renting a car- The cost of owning a car is around $200-$400 for one month and renting a car for a short time is around $400 to $600 monthly.

Food

Grocery expense- This completely depends on personal preference but approx expense is around $250 to $400 monthly.
Dine-out options- Cost per meal is around $10-$20 monthly.
On-campus meal plans- Per semester expense is around $3000 to $5000, depending on the university.

Health insurance

The average cost is around $500 to $2000 yearly. Universities usually require students to take health insurance.

Miscellaneous expense

Personal and entertainment expenses are around $100 to $200 monthly.

Top universities in Washington for international students

Here is the list of all the top universities in Washington for international students-

1) University of Washington Bothell

Location- Bothell, Washington
Type- Public university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $39,000–$41,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $28,000-$33,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Global achievement scholarship
Diversity Scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Master’s
PhD
Top programs-
Electrical Engineering
Business
Computer science and software engineering
Nursing
Biological science
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)
AACSB (Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) for business
ABET for Engineering

2) Whitman College

Location- Walla Walla, Washington
Type- private liberal arts college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $65,000 yearly.
No postgraduate programs available
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need based scholarship
Degree-
Bachelor’s
Top programs-
Environmental studies
Politics
Biology
Economics
Psychology
Computer science
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

3) Seattle Pacific University

Location- Seattle, Washington
Type- private Christian university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $38,000-$41,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $22,000-$30,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need-based scholarship
International merit scholarship (around $6,000)
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters
Doctoral degree
Top programs-
Nursing
Engineering
Education
Psychology
Business
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

4) Pacific Lutheran University

Location- Tacoma, Washington
Type- private university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $52,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $32,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International scholarship ($5,000 to $25,000 yearly)
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
Top programs-
Education
Nursing
Business
Music
Biology
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

5) Washington University In St.Louis

Location- St. Louis, Washington
Type- private research university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $63,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $55,000-$70,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need based scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters
PhD
Top programs-
Engineering
Law
Medicine
Architecture
Business
Accreditation
By HLC (Higher learning Commission)

6) Green River Community College

Location- Auburn, Washington
Type- public community college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,500 yearly.
Offers associate and transfer degrees, no post graduate degrees available
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International scholarship (From $200 to $500)
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Associate degree
Top programs-
Engineering
Health science
Computer science
Aviation
Business
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

7) Gonzaga University

Location- Spokane, Washington
Type- private Roman Catholic University
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $52,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $25,000-$35,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need based scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
PhD
Top programs-
Law
Nursing
Education
Engineering
Business
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)
ABA (American Bar Association) for Law

8) Shoreline Community College

Location- Shoreline, Washington
Type- public community college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,500-$11,000 yearly.
Offers associate and transfer degrees, no post graduate degrees available
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International students scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Associate degree
Top programs-
Nursing
Computer science
Visual arts
Engineering
Business
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

9) Whitworth University

Location- Spokane, Washington
Type- private Christian liberal arts university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $51,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $30,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
Top programs-
Business
Education
Health science
Psychology
Theology
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

10) Lake Washington University Of Technology

Location- Kirkland, Washington
Type- public technical college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,500-$12,000 yearly.
Offers associate and transfer degrees, no post graduate degrees available
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International students scholarships
Degree-
Bachelor's degree
Associate degree
Top programs-
Engineering
Health science
Information technology
Business technology
Digital gaming
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

11) Washington state university Pullman

Location- Pullman, Washington
Type- public research university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $28,000-$30,000 yearly.
For undergraduate programs the tuition fees are around $26,000-$32,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International academic awards (Upto $4000 per academic year)
Degree-
Undergraduate
Masters
PhD
Top programs-
Engineering
Business
Nursing
Agriculture
Computer science
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

12) Bastyr University

Location- Kenmore, Washington
Type- private university
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $27,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs the tuition fees are around $30,000-$40,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Bastyr university international scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Masters degree
Doctoral degree
Top programs-
Nutrition
Naturopathic medicine
Acupuncture and oriental medicine
Herbal science
Health psychology
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)
Program specific- CNME (Council on naturopathic medical education)

13) Seattle Central Community College

Location- Seattle, Washington
Type- public community college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,500 yearly.
Offers associate and transfer degrees, no post graduate degrees available
Scholarship-
International students scholarships
Seattle promise scholarship
Degree-
Associate degree
Bachelors of applied science
Top programs-
Business
Information technology
Health science
Film production
Culinary arts
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

14) North Seattle Community College

Location- Seattle, Washington
Type- public community college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $10,500-$12,000 yearly.
Offers associate and transfer degrees, no post graduate degrees available
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
International students scholarships
Degree-
Associate degree
Bachelors of Applied Science
Top programs-
Business
Health science
Computer science
Information technology
Early childhood education
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and University)

15) Evergreen State College

Location- Olympia, Washington
Type- public liberal arts college
Tuition fees-
The tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around $27,000 yearly.
For postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are around $24,000 yearly.
Scholarship-
Merit-based scholarship
Need-based scholarship
Degree-
Undergraduate degree
Postgraduate degree
Top programs-
Environmental studies
Social science
Education
Media arts
Public policy
Accreditation
By NWCCU (Northwest Commission on Colleges and university)

Conclusion

Washington offers some of the world’s best institutes for international students. These universities combine academic excellence with a supporting community. Some top institutes are- the University of Washington Bothell, Evergreen State College, Whitman College, Pacific Lutheran University and many more. These universities are known for their diverse student bodies, high education, and research labs and facilities. Virginia offers a rich culture and a central location for international students. There are a lot of communities present, making it an ideal environment for networking and education. Washington offers very unique recreation activities and beautiful landscapes for students. We at D-Vivid consultant will help you get into your dream University. We will help you in the admission process and make every admission step easy for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarship options are available in Washington?

Few scholarship programs like- Merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, fellowships, assistantships and many more.

Is Washington considered affordable, for international students?

The affordable living expense of Washington makes it an ideal location for international students. Washington offers affordable tuition fees to international students.

Describe Washington’s student life.

Washington offers very unique recreational activities for students, making the state fun for students. Washington offers some of the best universities and is also known for its beautiful landscape, history, diverse culture, top class education, and dynamic student life. Students get to experience a very beautiful tourist spot.

What tuition fees international students must expect in public universities in Washington?

Undergraduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $25,000 to $40,000 yearly. Post graduate program- international students must expect a fee of around $26,000-$35,000 annually.

Is travelling from Washington to other states easier for international students?

Yes, Washington is located in the centre of the US, making travelling to other US states for job opportunities and networking is easier for international students.