Nursing in Washington 2026

Best Colleges for Nursing in Washington 2026

With an aging population and expanding healthcare needs, nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in Washington. These programs combine rigorous clinical training with classroom instruction to prepare graduates for immediate employment.

We analyzed 49 colleges and universities in Washington offering Nursing 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 Nursing 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

View full Whitworth University profile →

2. 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 →

3. 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

View full Walla Walla University profile →

4. 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

View full Seattle University (SU) profile →

5. 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

View full Pacific Lutheran University profile →

6. 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 →

7. 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 →

8. 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 →

9. Northwest University

Location: Kirkland, Washington • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 83.2%
• In-State Tuition: $14,652 | Out-of-State: $14,652
• Enrollment: 405 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
• Average Financial Aid: $18,640

View full Northwest University 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 Nursing Program in Washington

Selecting the best Nursing 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 Nursing.

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 Nursing programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much does a Nursing degree cost in Washington?
In-state tuition for Nursing programs in Washington averages around $30,072 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

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