2026 Best Value General Education Schools in Washington
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value General Education Schools
Leading the list is University Of Washington Tacoma Campus, our #1 best value for general education in Washington. Set in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. Students borrow a median of $15,729 to complete the general education program here. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Washington Tacoma Campus generally make around $60,476. That is a strong return on a $15,729 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Washington Bothell Campus one of the best values for general education. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bothell. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. General Education graduates carry a median of $15,729 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general education degree recipients from University Of Washington Bothell Campus generally make around $60,476. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $21,754. Early-career general education graduates make about $67,369. That is a strong return on a $21,754 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $15,729. Early-career general education graduates make about $60,476. Set against $15,729 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%.
Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general education, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $21,988. General Education graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
Seattle Pacific University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $52,713. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Northwest University earned the #7 position for value in general education this year. Located in the suburb of Kirkland, Northwest University is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,035. Students borrow a median of $22,439 to complete the general education program here. General Education graduates of Northwest University earn a median of $53,910 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Whitworth University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Located in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $52,880 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for general education graduates is $26,051. General Education graduates of Whitworth University earn a median of $80,115 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Whitworth University admits about 90% of applicants.
City University Of Seattle ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general education schools. Set in the city of Seattle, City University Of Seattle is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,929. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the general education program here. Early-career general education graduates make about $76,698. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt.
Gonzaga University came in at #10 for value in general education this year. Set in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,480 in tuition and fees. General Education graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. General Education graduates of Gonzaga University earn a median of $61,913 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants.
Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
[General Education](/majors/education/general-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
