Engineering in Washington 2026

Best Colleges for Engineering in Washington 2026

Washington's engineering programs span mechanical, civil, electrical, and emerging fields like biomedical and environmental engineering. Graduates enter a job market where starting salaries consistently rank among the highest of any major.

We analyzed 46 colleges and universities in Washington offering Engineering programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Engineering Programs in Washington

Detailed School Profiles

1. Whitworth University

Location: Spokane, Washington • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 28.6%
• In-State Tuition: $13,560 | Out-of-State: $13,560
• Enrollment: 145 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,000
• Average Financial Aid: $28,554

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2. Whitman College

Location: Walla Walla, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 38.2%
• In-State Tuition: $64,050 | Out-of-State: $64,050
• Enrollment: 1,531 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 81% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,000
• Average Financial Aid: $26,395

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3. University of Washington (UW)

Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• In-State Tuition: $10,127 | Out-of-State: $36,588
• Enrollment: 47,400 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
• Average Financial Aid: $12,756

View full University of Washington (UW) profile →

4. Walla Walla University

Location: College Place, Washington • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 62%
• In-State Tuition: $34,227 | Out-of-State: $34,227
• Enrollment: 1,252 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,100
• Average Financial Aid: $14,464

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5. Seattle University (SU)

Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 76.9%
• In-State Tuition: $56,721 | Out-of-State: $56,721
• Enrollment: 4,062 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,400
• Average Financial Aid: $23,666

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6. Pacific Lutheran University

Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• In-State Tuition: $52,254 | Out-of-State: $52,254
• Enrollment: 2,401 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,200
• Average Financial Aid: $29,317

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7. University of Washington-Bothell

Location: Bothell, Washington • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• In-State Tuition: $10,127 | Out-of-State: $36,519
• Enrollment: 5,970 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
• Average Financial Aid: $13,580

View full University of Washington-Bothell profile →

8. Gonzaga University

Location: Spokane, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
• In-State Tuition: $55,480 | Out-of-State: $55,480
• Enrollment: 5,198 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $47,100
• Average Financial Aid: $21,554

View full Gonzaga University profile →

9. University of Washington-Tacoma

Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 82.5%
• In-State Tuition: $13,168 | Out-of-State: $43,404
• Enrollment: 4,185 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
• Average Financial Aid: $12,254

View full University of Washington-Tacoma profile →

10. Seattle Pacific University (SPU)

Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 83.4%
• In-State Tuition: $40,407 | Out-of-State: $40,407
• Enrollment: 1,762 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 62% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,400
• Average Financial Aid: $26,549

View full Seattle Pacific University (SPU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Engineering Program in Washington

Selecting the best Engineering program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Washington residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Engineering.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Engineering programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Engineering in Washington?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Engineering programs in Washington include Whitworth University, Whitman College, and University of Washington (UW).

How much does a Engineering degree cost in Washington?
In-state tuition for Engineering programs in Washington averages around $35,012 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Engineering degree from a Washington school?
Graduates from Washington's Engineering programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.