In-state tuition (1 year)
Rank #30 nationally
$12,260
All states
2025-26Rank #30
2025-26Rank #30Washington College Cost 2025-26
$12,260 in-state, $38,500 out-of-state. Community college: $5,435.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26
$12,260
In-state
$49,040
4-year sticker
$38,500
Out-of-state
#30
National rank
Washington college cost breakdown
In-state tuition
$12,260
Out-of-state
$38,500
2-year in-district
$5,435
Estimated COA
$26,160
Washington's $12,260/yr in-state tuition ranks #30 nationally (lowest = #1) and exceeds the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).
Four-year sticker cost in Washington
Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.
4-year sticker (tuition only)
No room/board
$49,040
Estimated COA (1 year)
Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)
$26,160
Out-of-state tuition (1 year)
Premium +$26,240
$38,500
Community college (1 year)
Public 2-year in-district
$5,435
Washington vs neighboring states
Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.
Compare Washington with another state
Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.
Compare any two states
Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.
States with similar in-state tuition
Key takeaways — Washington college costs
- Washington public 4-year in-state tuition averages $12,260/yr—rank #30 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $38,500/yr (rank #44), premium +$26,240.
- Four-year sticker (tuition only): $49,040 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $26,160/yr × 4 ≈ $104,640.
- Public 2-year in-district: $5,435/yr (US avg $4,150).
- Washington is $310 above the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
- Washington does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions.
- Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.
Washington college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college
Washington public 4-year institutions charge an average of $12,260 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #30 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $38,500/yr (rank #44), premium +$26,240.
Community college in Washington: Public 2-year in-district: $5,435/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.
Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Washington ≈ $26,160/yr in-state.
Four-year sticker cost in Washington
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $49,040 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $104,640.
Out-of-state students pay about $154,000 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $104,960 more than in-state over 4 years.
These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.
Washington 529 plan tax benefits
Washington does not offer a state income tax deduction or credit for 529 contributions. Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.
529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).
Link your 529 savings goal to Washington tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.
Washington financial aid and scholarship programs
Washington College Grant (formerly State Need Grant) is Washington's largest financial aid program, covering tuition for eligible low- and middle-income students. College Bound Scholarship guarantees tuition coverage for students who sign up in middle school and meet income/GPA thresholds.
Who this Washington guide helps
- Families comparing Washington tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
- High school students in Washington evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
- 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Washington public college costs.
- Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.
When to use other tools
- You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
- You're comparing private college costs in Washington (this page covers public only).
- You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
- You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).
Washington college cost checklist
- Note Washington in-state tuition: $12,260/yr (rank #30).
- Out-of-state: $38,500/yr (premium +$26,240).
- Community college: $5,435/yr (2-year in-district).
- Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
- Check Washington 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
- Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
- Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.
Washington college cost FAQs
Washington averages $12,260 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #30 nationally (lowest = #1).
Out-of-state tuition averages $38,500/yr in Washington (rank #44), a premium of $26,240 above in-state.
Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $5,435/yr in Washington (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.
Four years of in-state tuition totals about $49,040 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $26,160/yr × 4 ≈ $104,640.
Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. WA residents should check /529-calculator for Washington-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.
Washington College Grant is the state's largest financial aid program (need-based). State Need Grant and College Bound Scholarship also available.
Washington ranks #30 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.
Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.
Most Washington public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Washington driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.
Yes. Most Washington state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.
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