Unlock Your Psychology Career Potential: Compare the Best Psychology Degree Programs in Washington for 2025
$18,576
Avg. Net Price
84%
Avg. Admitted
25%
Avg. Enrolled
64%
Avg. Graduation Rate
13/1
Avg. Student / Faculty
Psychology Degree Programs in Washington
Find and compare the best psychology degree programs by state.
Number of Schools
In Washington, there are 22 4-year schools that offer psychology degrees
Number of Programs
With 22 schools offering psychology programs, the total number of programs offered in Washington is 93
Number of Graduates
The 93 psychology programs in Washington produced 3,780 psychology graduates in 2021

Washington Psychology Degrees Programs
Top (10) Psychology Programs in Washington
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
2021 Psychology Graduates: 810
Average Cost to Attend: $29,491
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $15,136
Average Net Price: $8,701
Average Admitted: 53%
Average Enrolled: 28%
Average Graduation Rate: 84%
Student / Faculty: 21 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 52%
Washington Ranking: #1
National Ranking: #74
Western Washington University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 252
Average Cost to Attend: $25,503
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $8,210
Average Net Price: $11,388
Average Admitted: 96%
Average Enrolled: 28%
Average Graduation Rate: 68%
Student / Faculty: 17 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 68%
Washington Ranking: #2
National Ranking: #199
Washington State University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 534
Average Cost to Attend: $26,807
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $17,470
Average Net Price: $11,877
Average Admitted: 86%
Average Enrolled: 26%
Average Graduation Rate: 60%
Student / Faculty: 15 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 64%
Washington Ranking: #3
National Ranking: #258
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
2021 Psychology Graduates: 242
Average Cost to Attend: $28,381
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $3,227
Average Net Price: $10,310
Average Admitted: 83%
Average Enrolled: 34%
Average Graduation Rate: 58%
Student / Faculty: 16 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 77%
Washington Ranking: #4
National Ranking: #290
Northwest University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 71
Average Cost to Attend: $46,840
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $807
Average Net Price: $23,169
Average Admitted: 96%
Average Enrolled: 36%
Average Graduation Rate: 58%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 27%
Washington Ranking: #5
National Ranking: #379
Gonzaga University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 113
Average Cost to Attend: $65,751
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $4,796
Average Net Price: $35,529
Average Admitted: 76%
Average Enrolled: 19%
Average Graduation Rate: 85%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 57%
Washington Ranking: #6
National Ranking: #209
Whitman College
2021 Psychology Graduates: 32
Average Cost to Attend: $71,560
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $1,190
Average Net Price: $35,627
Average Admitted: 59%
Average Enrolled: 16%
Average Graduation Rate: 89%
Student / Faculty: 9 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 83%
Washington Ranking: #7
National Ranking: #198
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
2021 Psychology Graduates: 166
Average Cost to Attend: $29,854
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,753
Average Net Price: $7,577
Average Admitted: 83%
Average Enrolled: 25%
Average Graduation Rate: 66%
Student / Faculty: 22 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 61%
Washington Ranking: #8
National Ranking: #406
Pacific Lutheran University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 57
Average Cost to Attend: $62,153
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $2,455
Average Net Price: $23,568
Average Admitted: 88%
Average Enrolled: 18%
Average Graduation Rate: 69%
Student / Faculty: 11 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 63%
Washington Ranking: #9
National Ranking: #420
Eastern Washington University
2021 Psychology Graduates: 547
Average Cost to Attend: $24,030
Average Amount Grant / Scholarship: $6,734
Average Net Price: $13,650
Average Admitted: 97%
Average Enrolled: 32%
Average Graduation Rate: 50%
Student / Faculty: 20 / 1
Full-Time Instructors: 78%
Washington Ranking: #10
National Ranking: #853
Psychology Programs Offered in Washington
There are 93 undergraduate psychology programs offered by 22 different 4-year colleges, comprising 9 public and 13 private schools.
Additionally, psychology programs in Washington produced 2,681 bachelor’s graduates, 997 master’s graduates and 102 doctorate graduates.
The table below details the programs offered and the total number of graduates in Washington.
Psychology Graduates | BS | MA | PhD |
Clinical Child Psychology | – | 25 | – |
Clinical Psychology | – | – | 18 |
Community Psychology | 83 | – | – |
Comparative Psychology | – | 8 | – |
Counseling and Applied Psychology | 100 | 159 | 39 |
Counseling Psychology | – | 24 | 6 |
Developmental Psychology | 63 | – | – |
Educational Psychology | – | 7 | 3 |
Experimental Psychology | – | 3 | – |
Forensic Psychology | 1 | – | – |
General Psychology | 1,601 | 31 | 20 |
Industrial Organizational Psychology | – | 25 | 6 |
Marriage and Family Therapy | – | 88 | – |
Medical Psychology | 16 | – | – |
Medical Social Work | – | 113 | – |
Mental Health Counseling | – | 60 | – |
Research Psychology | 573 | 22 | 5 |
School Psychology | – | 64 | – |
Social Work | 244 | 368 | 5 |
Total Graduates | 2,681 | 997 | 102 |
Credits Accepted for Washington Schools
The types of academic credits available to Washington students are varied and include:
- Dual enrollment
- Credit for life experiences
- Advanced placement (AP) credits
Psychology Admission, Enrollment, and Graduation in Washington
On average, Washington schools admitted 84% of students who applied to 4-year institutions. Of those who were offered admission, 25% enrolled.
The average freshman retention rate for Washington schools is 79%, compared to 71% for all universities nationwide.
The overall graduation rate for 4-year colleges and universities in Washington is 64%, compared to 56% for all universities nationwide.
The top three schools in Washington for highest graduation rate are Whitman College (89%), Gonzaga University (85%), and University of Washington-Seattle Campus (84%).
The top three schools with the highest number of psychology graduates in Washington are University of Washington-Seattle Campus (810), Eastern Washington University (547), and Washington State University (534).
Region | Washington | U.S. |
Applied | 8,323 | 8,766 |
Admitted | 84% | 73% |
Enrolled | 25% | 26% |
1st Year Return | 79% | 71% |
Graduation | 64% | 56% |
Student & Faculty Information in Washington
In the fall of 2021, Washington schools that offered psychology programs had an average of 55% full-time instructional or research faculty members and 43% part-time instructional faculty members.
The average student-to-faculty ratio for Washington schools offering psychology programs is 13:1.
The table below shows a comparison of the percentage of full-time instructional and research faculty members and the student-to-faculty ratio between Washington and the United States as a whole:
Region | Washington | U.S. |
Full-Time Instructional | 50% | 56% |
Full-Time Research | 6% | 6% |
Part-Time Instructional | 43% | 35% |
Student Faculty Ratio | 13:1 | 15:1 |
Tuition and Student Expenses in Washington
If you’re an undergraduate psychology student in Washington, the average tuition you’ll pay depends on the institution you choose. Typically, tuition costs range from $6,656 to $48,510 per year, with an average of $20,758. In addition to tuition, you’ll also need to budget for books and supplies, which can cost between $900 and $1,212 annually, with an average of $967.
The three most affordable undergraduate psychology schools in Washington are Eastern Washington University ($24,030), Central Washington University ($24,416), and Western Washington University ($25,503). Meanwhile, the three most expensive institutions are the Seattle University ($66,345), Gonzaga University ($65,751), and Pacific Lutheran University ($62,153).
As for prospective graduate psychology students, the average cost of tuition and fees for graduate programs varies widely based on the school and program chosen. Graduate tuition costs between $8,000 and $29,084 per year, with an average of $15,313. However, most graduate programs also require additional fees, such as application fees, technology fees, and library fees, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In-state graduate fees typically range from $100 to $2,029, with an average of $802.
The three most affordable graduate psychology schools in Washington are Heritage University ($9,872), Central Washington University ($12,127), and Western Washington University ($12,490). Meanwhile, the three most expensive graduate programs are Pacific Lutheran University ($29,684), Walla Walla University ($24,348), and Northwest University ($19,055).
If you’re curious about how Washington schools stack up against national averages, you can compare average total expenses in the table below. Note that these figures don’t take into account financial aid, grants, loans, or scholarships. If you’re interested in that information, you can find it in the sections below.
Average Expenses for Psychology Schools | Washington | U.S. |
On Campus Room & Board | $12,089 | $11,729 |
On-Campus Living Expenses | $3,370 | $3,474 |
Total Living Expenses | $15,459 | $15,203 |
Tuition for In-State, Undergraduate | $20,758 | $21,301 |
Books and Supplies, Undergraduate | $967 | $1,254 |
Total Undergraduate Expenses | $37,184 | $37,758 |
In-State, Graduate Tuition | $15,313 | $14,479 |
In-State, Graduate Fees | $802 | $1,155 |
Total Graduate Expenses | $16,115 | $15,634 |
Cost to Attend, Financial Aid, Net Price in Washington
Average Net Price
In Washington, the cost to attend a college or university that offers psychology programs is a significant financial investment. The key term to know for college affordability is the net price.
The average net price for a college or university in Washington that offers psychology programs is $18,576. This figure is calculated based on the most recent data provided by each institution to the US Department of Education.
Net price is determined by adding up the costs of tuition, room and board, living expenses, books, and supplies and then subtracting the average financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans, received by federal financial aid recipients.
Financial | Washington | U.S. |
Cost to Attend | $37,184 | $37,758 |
Average Financial Aid | $15,226 | $13,984 |
Percent Receiving Aid | 80% | 90% |
Net Price | $18,576 | $17,524 |
Net Price by Family Income
Depending on the federal, state, or institutional grant aid available, the table below shows the average amount students pay to attend Washington universities shown by family income bracket.
Students may pay more or less depending on their individual circumstances; however, these are the average costs as tracked by the university and reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Average Net Price by Income | 2020-2021 | 2021-2022 |
$0 – $30,000 | $6,843 | $5,825 |
$30,001 – $48,000 | $7,673 | $6,598 |
$48,001 – $75,000 | $10,784 | $9,078 |
$75,001 – $110,000 | $15,764 | $13,525 |
$110,001 and more | $19,266 | $17,244 |
Additional Top Ranked Psychology Degree Programs in Washington
Find information on each school’s ranking, number of graduates, net price, and graduation rate along with a link the school’s full 2025 report.
Rank | School | # of Graduates | Net Price | Graduation |
#11 | Whitworth University | 62 | $27,438 | 75% |
#12 | University of Puget Sound | 53 | $28,221 | 74% |
#13 | Saint Martin’s University | 66 | $23,964 | 61% |
#14 | Seattle University | 143 | $36,671 | 75% |
#15 | Seattle Pacific University | 187 | $26,153 | 66% |
#16 | Central Washington University | 221 | $17,645 | 54% |
#17 | Heritage University | 60 | $7,976 | 54% |
#18 | Walla Walla University | 119 | $25,421 | 63% |
#19 | Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education | 39 | $22,863 | 40% |
Psychology Salary Reports for Washington
We use annual surveys of 100,000 psychologists to compile data on salary, employment projections, cost-of-living adjustments, comparisons to related professions, salary based on years of experience, and rankings by city.
- Industrial Organizational Psychologists
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
- Psychology Teachers
- Forensic Psychologists
- School Psychologists
- Health Care Social Workers
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors
- Marriage and Family Therapists
in addition to school websites, our Career, Salary and Program Source Data Comes from