Best Colleges in the Northwest (2025)

The northwestern United States is one of the most naturally beautiful areas in the country. It's also home to several top colleges and universities that can help you further your career while enjoying an awesome college experience.

In this article, we list the best private and public universities in the Pacific Northwest to consider as you think about where you may want to spend the next four years after high school. For each option, we'll provide some basic information about the school and share our thoughts on why the school stands out as a top option.

Top colleges in the Northwest for 2025

University of Washington

Location: Seattle, Washington

Acceptance rate: 53%

Undergraduate enrollment: 36,201

Retention rate: 94%

In-state tuition: $12,076

Out-of-state tuition: $39,906

 

The University of Washington is one of the oldest universities on the West Coast. The school sees discovery as one of its top values and takes pride in helping students develop innovative solutions to complex problems. The School of Medicine is one of the best in the country, and the university's education, social work, and computer science programs also rank highly.

Reed College

Location: Portland, Oregon

Acceptance rate: 44%

Undergraduate enrollment: 1,548

Retention rate: 87%

In-state tuition: $62,730

Out-of-state tuition: $62,730

Reed College is a private liberal arts and sciences college located in Portland, Oregon, specifically in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, southeast of downtown Portland. The college was founded in 1908 and is referred to as "one of the most intellectual colleges in the country." Students can pursue a bachelor of arts degree in 40 programs and majors, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 9-to-1.

University of Portland

Location: Portland, Oregon

Acceptance rate: 81%

Undergraduate enrollment: 3,589

Retention rate: 88%

In-state tuition: $49,864

Out-of-state tuition: $49,864

The University of Portland is a private Catholic university that first opened its doors in 1901. The university offers 40 undergraduate programs, 18 graduate programs, and over 1,300 courses. The average student-to-faculty ratio is 11-to-1, and the school is a top national producer of Fulbright scholars. 

Seattle University

Location: Seattle, Washington

Acceptance rate: 82%

Undergraduate enrollment: 4,241

Retention rate: 85%

In-state tuition: $49,335

Out-of-state tuition: $49,335

Seattle University is a private Jesuit Catholic school in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The university is home to eight colleges and offers students over 120 academic programs. Many alums have gone on to work for Boeing, Microsoft, or Amazon. 

University of Oregon

Location: Eugene, Oregon

Acceptance rate: 93%

Undergraduate enrollment: 18,602

Retention rate: 85%

In-state tuition: $14,421

Out-of-state tuition: $40,464

The University of Oregon works hard to prepare college students for fulfilling lives and exceptional careers through its 300-plus undergraduate programs and more than 120 graduate programs. Known for its strong athletics program, the university is home to the University of Oregon football team, a powerhouse in college sports. 

Marine biology students often take classes along the coast, and the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center ranks seventh in the country for environmental law. The university is also highly regarded for its school of education and STEM programs, offering well-rounded opportunities both academically and athletically.

Whitman College

Location: Walla Walla, Washington

Acceptance rate: 59%

Undergraduate enrollment: 1,559

Retention rate: 81%

In-state tuition: $55,982

Out-of-state tuition: $55,982

Whitman College is a top-ranking liberal arts college with friendly faculty and countless opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom. You'll enjoy looking at the nearby mountains each day almost as much as you enjoy collaborating and learning alongside your peers. 

Many students get opportunities to partner with faculty members on funded research or contribute to co-authored articles in published journals. 

Gonzaga University

Location: Spokane, Washington

Acceptance rate: 76%

Undergraduate enrollment: 4,986

Retention rate: 93%

In-state tuition: $48,470

Out-of-state tuition: $48,470

Gonzaga University believes in the model of educating the entire person. The university's goal is to help each student connect their academic passion with a deeper purpose. 

Ninety-eight percent of students receive scholarships or grants, and Gonzaga's 92% first-year retention rate speaks to its ability to help students acclimate and feel at home.

Lewis & Clark College

Location: Portland, Oregon

Acceptance rate: 79%

Undergraduate enrollment: 2,116

Retention rate: 82%

In-state tuition: $57,404

Out-of-state tuition: $57,404

Lewis & Clark College began in Albany but moved to Portland in 1938. The college values giving students the freedom to express their interests and be themselves.  

Lewis & Clark features three schools and ranks as a top innovative university in the nation. Its libraries are well-stocked, and the school is always looking to implement cutting-edge technology into its studies.

Seattle Pacific University

Location: Seattle, Washington

Acceptance rate: 92%

Undergraduate enrollment: 2,640

Retention rate: 79%

In-state tuition: $35,646

Out-of-state tuition: $35,646

Seattle Pacific University is a private Christian institution that opened in 1891. Students can choose from 72 majors, 58 minors, and an interdisciplinary General Education degree program. The student-to-faculty ratio is 13-to-1, so you'll have a chance to interact with your professors throughout your time in school. You may also find mentorship or apprenticeship opportunities during your college experience.

Northwest University

Location: Kirkland, Washington

Acceptance rate: 96%

Undergraduate enrollment: 778

Retention rate: 78%

In-state tuition: $33,980

Out-of-state tuition: $33,980

Northwest University, located in Kirkland, Washington, is a private Christian university set in the scenic suburb of Kirkland, just east of Seattle. The school offers over 70 academic programs with small class sizes and a strong emphasis on spiritual development alongside academic excellence. The beautiful Kirkland campus provides students with easy access to both urban opportunities and outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest.

Stanford University

Location: Stanford, California

Acceptance rate: 4%

Undergraduate enrollment: 7,645

Retention rate: 92%

In-state tuition: $56,169

Out-of-state tuition: $56,169

Stanford University, situated in northwest California, is consistently ranked among the world's leading institutions. Known as the "Harvard of the West," Stanford combines academic excellence with a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The university's proximity to major tech companies in California creates unique opportunities for internships and research partnerships. 

Honorable mentions

We don't want this article to go on forever, but we also don't want to sign off without mentioning a few other top choices in the area for anyone looking to further explore Pacific Northwest schools.

• Reed College (Portland, Oregon)
• Western Washington University (Bellingham, Washington)
• University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, Washington)
• Whitworth University (Spokane, Washington)
• Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon)
• North Idaho College (community college in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
• Montana State University (Bozeman, Montana)
• Washington State University (Pullman, Washington)

What to consider when choosing a college in the Northwest

With so many colleges to consider in the Pacific Northwest, how do you know which one is right for you? And how do you start your search?

We know you have several options, so we want to help you narrow down your choices. Here are some things to keep in mind as you look at different schools:

• School size. Do you prefer a larger campus with more activities and opportunities, or would you rather be in a more intimate setting?
• Class size. Think about the student-to-faculty ratio and how you best learn. Would you rather be in larger lecture-style classes, or does the thought of having closer relationships with your professors and more opportunities for in-class discussions excite you?
• Tuition costs. College is a major investment, and you might be attracted to schools that don't cost as much. You may also think about which schools can provide the best scholarships, student loans, or financial aid.
• Housing options. This one is hard to evaluate without seeing the campus in person, which is always a good idea before making a final decision. Consider the quality of the on-campus dorms, or figure out if your preferred school allows students to live off campus.
• Campus amenities. Does the school have one large library or multiple libraries that are easier to access from different points on campus? What about fitness and recreational centers? What's the food scene like? All good things to consider.
• Proximity to a major city. Some students want to go to school near a major city like Seattle, Tacoma, or Portland, where they'll have easy access to entertainment options and internships within large companies. 
• Proximity to nature. Imagine how refreshing it would be to head off to the lake or trail after class to disconnect and enjoy some time in nature. If this has value to you, look for schools that offer easy access to the great outdoors.

Discover how College Rover helps you find the best school for you

The Northwest is home to a number of great schools, and we think each college would be a great choice. However, we also know that choosing the right school comes down to individual needs and preferences that can vary from student to student. Don't be afraid to make a decision based on the factors that are most important to you. 

If you want additional help thinking about colleges and universities, College Rover can help you research schools, degree programs, and more. We've built a massive database of schools to evaluate various options and compare them alongside each other.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.