Why Choose a Private College or University in Washington?
Choosing a college requires students to consider many factors including cost, degree programs offered, and whether the institution is public or private. While public colleges receive most of their funding from the state or federal government, private colleges receive less, relying on tuition, their endowment, and alumni donations to fund the university.
Washington has 31 private colleges and 43 public colleges, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many students choose private colleges and universities because they typically offer smaller class sizes and can offer more rigorous academics. However, private colleges and universities are also more expensive than public colleges and may not provide as many degree program options as a state school.
Washington is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange reciprocity program along with 16 other states and over 160 public colleges and universities. This program allows out-of-state students to receive discounted tuition at participating schools. Students in the reciprocity program will still pay more tuition than in-state residents.
Pros and Cons of Attending a Private College or University in Washington
Pros
-
Private colleges have smaller class sizes, offering more class discussion and one-on-one time with professors.
-
Private colleges offer specialized and highly-regarded degree programs in specific areas.
-
Private colleges and universities have fewer students, which can offer a more tight-knit campus community.
-
Private colleges and universities generally offer more merit- and need-based aid than public institutions.
Cons
-
Private colleges and universities receive less public funding from the state or federal government, which can lead to smaller campuses and fewer facilities.
-
Smaller private colleges and universities typically do not offer the same amount of degree programs as public colleges.
-
-
Private colleges and universities are generally more expensive than public institutions.
Nonprofit vs. For-Profit Colleges or Universities in Washington
A nonprofit institution uses all funds — including tuition — for needs, such as facilities repair and funding research programs. For-profit institutions answer to a corporation or a private owner. The goal of a for-profit colleges or university is to make money for its investors.
There are nine for-profit colleges and universities and 22 nonprofit private institutions in Washington. Students deciding between for-profit and nonprofit colleges should consider factors such as cost, program options, and institutional reputation. Nonprofit colleges and universities typically cost more, but offer better academics. For-profit colleges can cost less and may offer specialized degree programs. Students should also note that many for-profit colleges and universities offer limited student services and lack accreditation, which can hinder job prospects after graduation.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend a Private College or University in Washington?
Tuition and fees at a private, four-year, nonprofit school in Washington cost $39,790 during the 2019-2020 academic year, according to NCES data. The average cost of room and board for students attending these schools was $12,540 that year. In comparison, the average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public school in Washington was $7,170.
With a tuition cost of $8,100 per year, Faith International University is one of the least expensive private institutions in Washington. On the other end of the spectrum is the University of Puget Sound, with an annual tuition of $57,330.
Though usually more expensive than public institutions, private colleges offer students a lot of financial aid to help them cover the cost of tuition. According to NCES, students at nonprofit private schools received, on average, $24,080 in grants and scholarships during the 2018-2019 school year. Students at public colleges and universities received an average of $8,310.
Students should also consider hidden costs associated with college, including transportation, textbooks, and school supplies like a laptop. Students can also explore independent scholarships and grants. Before choosing a school, applicants can research tuition-free colleges as well.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Colleges and Universities in Washington
How many private colleges and universities are there in Washington?
There are 31 private 2- and 4-year colleges in Washington, including nine for-profit colleges and 22 nonprofit colleges. In general, these private colleges are smaller than the public institutions, resulting in smaller class sizes and more specialized degree programs. With 43 public institutions, there are more public than private institutions in Washington.
When choosing a college, learners should consider factors like cost and available programs. While private colleges may offer fewer options, they are typically regarded very highly for academics.
What is the most expensive private college or university in Washington?
The most expensive private colleges and universities in Washington cost more than $50,000 per year. The University of Puget Sound charges an annual tuition rate of $57,330. Whitman College has a tuition cost of $55,560.
The cost of college across the country continues to rise at both public and private institutions. In general, private institutions charge more than public ones.
What is the least expensive private college or university in Washington?
Among the least expensive private colleges and universities in Washington is Faith International University. The school has a tuition cost of $8,100. City University of Seattle charges $18,900 per year, which is also on the less expensive end of the spectrum.
Students may be able to limit tuition costs by applying to online programs at private colleges and universities. Many institutions offer reduced tuition for students in fully online degree programs.
Is a private college or university right for me?
There are many private colleges and universities in Washinton to meet the needs of a wide variety of students, but ultimately choosing a college comes down to a particular student’s preferences. Private colleges and universities generally focus on academics, with fewer, more specialized degree programs and smaller class sizes. However, students should consider the higher tuition costs and fewer options for extracurriculars and degree programs.
Readers should assess their personal needs when choosing a college, such as their budget for tuition, their preferences for large or small classes, the type of college experience they want, and what kind of degree they want to pursue.
Can I get more scholarship money at a private university?
While typically more expensive, private schools offer a lot of financial aid — sometimes more than public schools — to defray the cost of tuition. Students can apply for need-based and merit-based scholarships through their school or research independent scholarship and grant options. During the 2018-2019 school year, students at nonprofit private institutions received an average of $24,080 in grants and scholarships.
Readers should always research their prospective schools’ financial aid options before applying. Applicants can learn more about financial aid policies through a college’s website or by contacting the admissions office.
