Tuition and College Costs
College costs generally include tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation. College costs vary and will depend on the type of school attended and the number of courses taken.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are applied to the cost of instruction and the use of some campus facilities. The following table may not include all required fees. Check with each institution for more information. Get more information about residency.
| 2021-22 Resident Undergraduate Tuition and Fees | |
Colleges and Universities |
Estimated Tuition and Fees* |
Research Universities |
|
| University of Washington | $11,380 |
| Washington State University | $10,997 |
Comprehensive Universities |
|
| Central Washington University | $7,368 |
| Eastern Washington University | $6,896 |
| The Evergreen State College | $7,389 |
| Western Washington University | $7,572 |
Private Four-Year Non-Profit Colleges and Universities |
|
| Antioch University | $22,035 |
| Bastyr University | $26,895 |
| City University of Seattle | $19,035 |
| Cornish College of the Arts | $34,200 |
| Gonzaga University | $46,920 |
| Heritage University | $18,392 |
| Northwest University | $33,980 |
| Pacific Lutheran University | $46,200 |
| Saint Martin's University | $39,940 |
| Seattle Pacific University | $47,244 |
| Seattle University | $48,090 |
| University of Puget Sound | $53,800 |
| Walla Walla University | $29,931 |
| Western Governor's University | $7,040 |
| Whitman University | $55,968 |
| Whitworth University | $46,250 |
Community & Technical Colleges |
$4,332 |
*Additional fees may be charged
Tuition Savings in Other Western States
Washington students may be eligible for reduced out-of-state tuition at participating institutions via the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Student Access Programs. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students can choose from hundreds of programs outside their home state and pay no more than 150 percent of that institution’s resident tuition rate. Requirements vary by program and institution. Learn more on the WICHE website.
More About College Costs
Living expenses
Living expenses
- Room and board includes food and the cost of living in a college dorm or apartment.
- Books and supplies are required for most classes. Costs will vary depending on the types of courses taken.
- Personal expenses include items like clothing, groceries, and laundry.
- Transportation expenses include gas, parking, and travel home for the holidays.
Cost of not going to college
Cost of not going to college
While the cost of college can be high, the cost of not going is even higher. Over a lifetime, a college graduate will earn about $1 million more than someone with only a high school diploma. And the more education you have, the more likely you are to:
- Live longer
- Have better health
- Stay employed
- Enjoy your work
- Earn more money
- Change careers more easily
| Median Annual Income of All Workers Age 25 and Up* | |
| No high school diploma | $19,405 |
| High school diploma or GED | $26,894 |
| Some college or associate degree | $32,874 |
| Bachelor's degree | $46,805 |
| Advanced degree | $61,287 |
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007
Tax benefits
Tax benefits
You may be eligible for federal income tax credits and other deductions.
See IRS Publication 970: Tax Deductions for College Expenses for information about tax credits and deductions, including the following:
- American Opportunity Credit
- Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
- Student Loan Interest Deduction
- Tuition and Fees Deduction