This post highlights the 35 best colleges in the Northwest. Some of the greatest colleges in the world are located in the Pacific Northwest.
The Pacific Northwest provides students with a distinctive and enriching academic experience, from breathtaking natural beauty to a lively cultural environment.
The University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon are a few of the best universities in the area. These universities provide a broad range of academic disciplines, including engineering, science, liberal arts, and humanities.
Since many of these institutions are renowned for their cutting-edge research in industries like environmental science, healthcare, and technology, students can also benefit from significant research possibilities at these institutions.
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In What Region is the Pacific Northwest Located?
The Pacific Northwest is located in a region of the United States. It extends from Washington state, which is situated between the state borders of Southern Oregon and Eastern Idaho in the Northwest of the United States.
Why You Should Study in the Northwest
1. Northerners are known to be friendly
Give a Liverpudlian half an hour, and you’ll undoubtedly learn everything there is to know about their family, themselves, and how wonderful their city is.
The same holds true for residents of Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire. Nothing like a good conversation between strangers on the local public transportation system.
2. They have really good music
We have heard references to Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and Joy Division. All of them originated in Manchester.
Never mind that Liverpool locals The Beatles are a global phenomenon. One of many places in Manchester known for having a great selection of incredible musicians is The Warehouse Project.
3. Cheap nightlife
A night out also becomes affordable with admittance to a club costing anywhere from nothing to £5 (about $7 US), shots costing as little as 80p, spirit mixers costing as little as £1.50, and beers costing as little as the same amount.
If you haven’t taken advantage of the free toast that quite a few clubs offer at departure time, this leaves an awful lot of coin for the chicken nuggets and chips to walk home with at 2 in the morning.
If drinking in bars is more your style, the North West has an average pint price of £2.75 for a lager. In contrast, that same point costs, on average, £3.70 in London (data from pintprice.com).
4. You’ll always have company
With more than 200,000 students scattered over eight universities, the North West of England has a sizable student population. In Manchester alone, there are more than 75,000 students.
There will thus undoubtedly already be a society established that perfectly suits your interests.
5. You will enjoy good food in the Northwest
Some of the best burger and pizza joints in the nation are located up here in the North West, and pop-up eateries are popping up on the streets of Liverpool and Manchester on a weekly basis.
Despite the fact that you are here to study, you should not skip the classics. A pie in Lancashire, Scouse in Liverpool, and Leigh-born Tikka Masala.
6. You will get an easy tour around UK and Europe
If you enjoy weekend getaways, you may get anywhere by train from the North West of England. Scotland is connected to London in a little more than two hours via Virgin Trains.
Additionally, you might travel by ferry for a few days from Liverpool to Dublin or Belfast. Manchester Airport, one of the busiest in all of Europe, is also located in this area.
7. You will learn new words
You’ll undoubtedly pick up a few new phrases in addition to the great variety of accents you’ll hear in the North West of England.
If you visit Liverpool, you’ll immediately realize what “I’m a devoted lad” means. In contrast, if you go to Manchester, you’ll probably hear someone tell you to “give yer’ead a wobble.”
The never-ending debate over what exactly constitutes a bread roll—is it a balm cake, batch, roll, cob, bun, or bin lid? You can’t be sure.
Types of Colleges in the Northwest
There are two types of colleges in the Northwest:
1. Private College
These schools of higher learning fund their academic programs mostly through student tuition fees, donations from alumni, and occasionally endowments.
2. Public College
These are institutes of higher learning that are predominantly funded by state governments.
List of the 35 Best Colleges in the Northwest
Below is a List of the 35 Best Colleges in the Northwest:
- University of Washington
- Whitman College
- University of Portland
- Linfield College
- Seattle University
- George Fox University
- Gonzaga University
- Lewis and Clark College
- University Of Oregon
- Seattle Pacific University
- Washington State University
- Oregon State University
- Northwest University
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Whitworth University
- Pacific University
- Western Washington University
- The College of Idaho
- University of Idaho
- Central Washington University
- Saint Martin’s University
- Portland State University
- The Evergreen State College
- Western Oregon University
- Brigham Young University
- Corban University
- Eastern Washington University
- Multnomah University
- Northwest Nazarene University
- Boise State University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Southern Oregon University
- The University of Puget Sound
- Walla Walla University
- Warner Pacific University.
35 Best Colleges in the Northwest
1. University of Washington
Location: Seattle, Washington.
It is a public university whose main goals are to advance, preserve, and distribute knowledge. They work to make sure that everyone, including those with disabilities, has access to all material and services, especially those offered by information technology.
2. Whitman College
Location: Walla Walla, Washington.
In order to help, Whitman College, a private university, offers the chance to dive right into your major while also having the freedom to study subjects and courses that fall within your range of interests.
The Whitman Internship Grant, which ranges in value from $3,000 to $5,000, is offered to their students each year to help them pay for the internships of their dreams.
They accept transfers from larger comprehensive universities and other four-year liberal arts colleges as well; only new students are accepted. Age, background, or educational goals, are not a barrier at Whitman College.
3. University of Portland
Location: Portland, Oregon.
In order to help students invest in their futures and achieve their educational goals, the University of Portland, a private university, offers them financial options through the financial aid giving procedure.
They offer a variety of scholarships as help, including those for Providence College, music, theater, international students, athletics, and much more.
4. Linfield College
Location: McMinnville, Oregon.
A private university, Linfield College provides three undergraduate degrees; online and continuing education programs are available for bachelor of arts (B.A.) and bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees.
Students enrolled in the online R.N. to B.S.N. program can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree. For their pupils, they provide financial aid.
5. Seattle University
Location: Seattle, Washington.
It is a private institution that emphasizes all aspects of man—mind, body, and spirit—so that students can learn and develop both within and beyond the classroom.
You may take advantage of all the opportunities that a city with a strong economy, arts, and culture has to offer. There is a requirement for health insurance for undergraduate students.
Additionally, they accept first-year candidates, transfers, graduate applicants, and a lot more. They provide their pupils with financial aid.
6. George Fox University
Location: Newberg, Oregon.
A four-year bachelor’s degree program in undergraduate majors is available at the private university George Fox University.
Additionally, they provide Adult Bachelor’s Degree Completion (accelerated programs for working people to obtain their bachelor’s degree).
They also provide graduate programs, such as those leading to master’s and doctoral degrees as well as other degrees above the bachelor’s level. They provide financial aid to their pupils.
7. Gonzaga University
Location: Spokane, Washington.
52 majors, 54 minors, and 37 specializations are available at the private Gonzaga University, which grants 15 undergraduate degrees.
They support their students financially and think that passion and purpose may be connected.
8. Lewis and Clark College
Location: Portland, Oregon.
There are about 32 courses available at the private Lewis and Clark College, and students are encouraged to express preferences for any of them.
There will be three categories for your classes: general education, major requirements, and electives. They have pre-professional programs, 33 minors, and 29 majors available. Financial help is available to their pupils.
9. University Of Oregon
Location: Eugene, Oregon.
In case you’re not sure of your major or minor, the University of Oregon’s 3,000-course options will help you make up your mind.
University of Oregon students receive $246 million in financial help each year. For their pupils, they provide financial aid.
10. Seattle Pacific University
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA.
There are 58 minors and 72 majors available at the private university Seattle Pacific University.
You can pursue any of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) undergraduate degrees as a student. For their pupils, they provide financial aid.
11. Washington State University
Location: Pullman, Washington.
Over 200 disciplines of study, including majors, minors, certifications, and in-major specialties, are available at Washington State University, a public institution of higher learning.
12. Oregon State University
Location: Corvallis, Oregon.
An array of more than 200 undergraduate programs (majors, options, double degrees, etc.) are available to students at Oregon State University, a public institution.
Additionally, they give out more than $20 million in merit-based scholarships to newly accepted undergraduates each year. For their students, they provide financial aid.
13. Northwest University
Location: Kirkland, Washington.
In order to help you start your career, Northwest University, a private university, offers more than 70 majors and programs.
As a way to get real-world experience and become self-employed after college, you learn in classes and then apply that knowledge by working for local businesses.
14. Oregon Institute of Technology
Location: Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Over 200 majors are available at the Oregon Institute of Technology, a public polytechnic university. 200+ Degree Programs with a 4-Year Degree Guarantee.
They also provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields with a creative and professional focus.
Through internships, externships, and field experiences, students are free to pursue their interests and career options.
15. Whitworth University
Location: Spokane, Washington.
More than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at Whitworth University. They provide their students with the necessary tools by encouraging them to consider various viewpoints and pose questions about their beliefs.
16. Pacific University
Location: Forest Grove, Oregon.
The students at Pacific University, a private institution, learn more than only academics there.
You have the chance to examine your passions through their undergraduate programs and enhance your profession through their programs. They also hope to achieve lifelong friendships.
17. Western Washington University
Location: Bellingham, Washington.
Western Washington University has more than 200 academic programs to help you determine which major is best for you. Additionally, they provide more than 40 graduate programs and approximately 200 undergraduate degrees.
18. The College of Idaho
Location: Caldwell, Idaho.
The College of Idaho is a private institution with 16 departments and 26 undergraduate majors, 58 undergraduate minors, three graduate programs, and numerous collaboration programs.
19. University of Idaho
Location: Moscow, Idaho.
The University of Idaho is a public university that helps students find their ideal academic fit by providing more than 300 degrees for undergraduate and graduate students.
It includes undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate degrees in law, business, education, engineering, the liberal arts, food and agriculture, and natural resources.
20. Central Washington University
Location: Ellensburg, Washington.
An excellent 12 online bachelor’s degree completion programs and 10 online graduate degree programs are available through Central Washington University, a public university that provides over 300 majors, minors, and specialties.
21. Saint Martin’s University
Location: Lacey, Washington.
Pre-health majors, 4+1 programs (accelerated bachelor’s/master’s pathways), certification preparation programs, non-degree certificate choices, an intense English as a Second Language program, and more are all available at Saint Martin’s University, a private university.
They give out approximately $20 million in scholarships each year, ranging from $100 to the full cost of school.
22. Portland State University
Location: Portland.
A public university with more than 100 master’s degrees, 48 graduate certifications, and 20 doctoral programs.
23. The Evergreen State College
Location: Olympia, Washington.
The Evergreen State College is a public institution where you have the freedom to select your own path and forge a more promising future for both you and the rest of the world.
Full-time students have the option to enroll in transdisciplinary academic programs as an add-on to standalone classes.
Programs give students the chance to study multiple subjects in a structured way.
24. Western Oregon University
Location: Monmouth, Oregon.
Western Oregon University is a public university. Their popular majors include Education, Business, and Psychology.
25. Brigham Young University
Location: Rexburg, Idaho.
The goal of Brigham Young University is to raise up followers of Jesus Christ who will serve as leaders in their families, the church, and their neighborhoods.
They provide courses in the performing arts, engineering, agriculture, and management. In general, it is divided into 33 departments.
26. Corban University
Location: Salem, Oregon.
Corban University offers more than 50 different academic programs, including graduate, online, and on-campus choices. They provide a wide range of on-campus and online undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs.
Every curriculum integrates a biblical worldview into every lesson while combining academic success with Christian values and goals.
27. Eastern Washington University
Location: Cheney, Washington.
Public higher education is available at Eastern Washington University.
It is academically split into four colleges: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Health Sciences & Public Health; Professional Programs; and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
28. Multnomah University
Location: Portland, Oregon
Multnomah University’s logo represents one of the best universities in the Pacific Northwest. It is similar to Warner Pacific College.
Multnomah is nondenominational, in contrast to how they link Warner Pacific to the Church of God. A bachelor’s degree is an option for Multnomah’s approximately 500 students.
Moreover, a master’s, doctoral, professional certificate, or endorsement through the graduate or professional school of the institution.
Model Bettie Page, author and preacher Luis Palau, and Christian fiction writer Linda Chaikin are all Multnomah University graduates.
29. Northwest Nazarene University
Location: Nampa, Idaho.
You have the chance to look at more than 150 programs at Northwest Nazarene University, a private institution. You can maximize your time by taking courses that are condensed into four- and eight-week programs.
When it comes to your courses, you also have speed freedom. While still attending high school, you can enroll either full- or part-time.
30. Boise State University
Location: Boise, Idaho.
A public institution with more than 200 fields of study, Boise State institution gives students the opportunity to combine minors, certificates, internships, research, opportunities, and more to enhance their educational experiences.
31. Pacific Lutheran University
Location: Tacoma, WA
PLU experience has the potential to be very beneficial and influential.
The teachers here pledge to assist their students and encourage them to get profoundly involved in their subjects of study. This interaction results in ongoing learning and development.
Additionally, PLU provides a wide range of options to its students. Together with my lecturers, you might carry out studies and gather data in the field. A study abroad option in England is also an option.
32. Southern Oregon University
Location: Ashland, Oregon.
The Oregon Center for the Arts at Southern Oregon University, Business, Communication and the Environment, Education, Health and Leadership, Humanities and Culture, Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are some of the academic divisions that Southern Oregon University is divided into.
33. The University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, WA
There are many different classes to choose from academically. In addition to your major, there are other options for your minors.
34. Walla Walla University
Location: College Place, Washington
A private university connected to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Walla Walla University located a few miles from the town of Walla Walla.
It is renowned for its top-notch pre-professional, technical, and liberal arts programs.
The university offers more than 100-degree programs, including well-liked ones in engineering, business, teaching, nursing, and biology.
Walla Walla University is one of the “100 Best Regional Universities” in the West, according to U.S. News & World Report.
35. Warner Pacific University
Location: Portland, Oregon.
For prospective students looking for a Christian college in an urban setting, Warner Pacific College is a wonderful choice. It was established in 1937 in Portland and connected Warner Pacific College to the Church of God.
There are 25 majors available, seven pre-professional programs, and 29 minors to choose from. Accounting, business administration, and education are common majors. Warner Pacific College was regarded as the sixth-best university in the West by U.S. News & World Report.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Colleges in the Northwest
What are the highlights of Seattle University?
Seattle University garnered specialized recognition for its academic programs in business, education, engineering, and nursing as well as its efforts in career development, equity and inclusion, and support for veterans.
What exactly is domestic tuition?
These are tuition payments made on behalf of students who, at the time of enrollment, were U.S. citizens but lived in another state (some universities may treat students from nearby states as local students).
How many major geographic areas make up the Pacific Northwest?
Idaho, Washington, and Oregon are the three US states areas that make up the majority of the Pacific Northwest.
Recommendations
Conclusion
From business and engineering to the arts and humanities, other universities on the list offer a wide variety of degrees.
There is a college on our list that will suit your needs, regardless of whether you want to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) or you want to investigate the arts, social sciences, or humanities.
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