Washington Colleges & Universities


Washington is home base for Microsoft and seven other Fortune 500 companies. The state offers high paying jobs in software, health care, and other industries. Washington schools provide excellent educations in old and new careers, including green technology.

Washington Schools: For Innovative Minds
Nicknamed the Evergreen State, Washington is geographically diverse: Eastern Washington is a mixture of high desert, grassland, and mountains; Western Washington is a temperate rain forest. But in addition to its great natural beauty, Washington has a flourishing economic scene. Home to eight Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft, Washington combines scenery with job security. According to CNNMoney.com, in addition to Microsoft, Washington is headquarters to the following Fortune 500 giants:
  •   Costco Wholesale
  •   Amazon.com
  •   Paccar
  •   Weyerhaueser
  •   Starbucks

Colleges and universities in Washington might prepare you to work for one of the state's Fortune 500 companies, or possibly to begin your own start-up.
Washington Schools Can Prepare You For The State's Top Industries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the U.S. Census Bureau, the following are Washington's largest industries:
  •   Health care
  •   Retail trade
  •   Manufacturing

The industries that pay the highest median salaries in Washington, according to the BLS, include:
  •   Computer and mathematical science occupations: $82,310
  •   Health care: $74,350
  •   Management: $111,060

Health care professionals can also earn very competitive salaries. Registered nurses in Washington earn a median hourly salary of $34,06, and there were over 52,000 of them in 2008, says the BLS.

Why Earn a Degree From a Washington School?
Washington is home to many of the nation's innovative, forward-thinking minds. Washington industries and Washington schools reflect this thinking. Green jobs are also on the rise in Washington, and colleges and universities are offering new green education programs.
Campus Programs

  • DeVry University

     Campus Locations: Bellevue, Federal Way

    DeVry University provides quality education that employers respect, and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (ncahlc.org), the same organization that accredits many other well-known public and private schools.

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  • University of Phoenix

     Campus Locations: Renton, Spokane Valley

    With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, we can help you reach your goal while you work—and much sooner than you might expect.

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  • The Art Institutes

     Campus Locations: Seattle

    The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.

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  • DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management

     Campus Locations: Bellevue, Federal Way

    A degree from DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management gives you the credibility to succeed in your career, whether you are just starting out, already in the work force or contemplating a career change. For more than 34 years, Keller has delivered relevant, practical graduate management education that has helped thousands of alumni transform their skills and sharpen their competitive edge.

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  • International Academy of Design and Technology

     Campus Locations: Tukwila

    Prepare for a creative career in design, technology or business at the International Academy of Design & Technology. Convenient campus locations across the United States.

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  • Kaplan College

     Campus Locations: Renton

    Don't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.

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  • Argosy University

     Campus Locations: Seattle

    At Argosy University/Seattle we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.

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  • Kitchen Academy

     Campus Locations: Tukwila

    Kitchen Academy in Seattle, WA can help you turn your passion for food into an exciting new career in as little as just 30 weeks. You’ll concentrate exclusively on developing your cooking and baking skills in our well-equipped kitchens. The Kitchen Academy program was created to help aspiring professionals like you can learn the techniques it takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced culinary environment.

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  • ITT Technical Institute

     Campus Locations: Everett, Seattle, Spokane, Spokane Valley

    With over 100 campuses nationwide and online programs offered as well, the ITT Technical Institutes may have a program that is convenient for you. ITT Tech is dedicated to teaching technology.

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  • Carrington College

     Campus Locations: Spokane

    Carrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from seven conveniently located campuses.

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  • Golden Gate University

     Campus Locations: Seattle

    Advance your career with a certificate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree from Golden Gate University. We’ve educated working professionals just like you for more than 100 years.

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Washington Metro Areas
Washington Facts & Stats
State Website: http://access.wa.gov/

Admission to Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd)

Area: 184,824 km2 (18th)

Capital: Olympia

Population (as of 2000): 5,894,121 (15th)

Economy: Agriculture: Seafood, dairy products, apples, cattle, wheat, potatoes, nursery stock; Industry: Aerospace, software development, food processing, paper products, lumber and wood products, chemical products, tourism.

Largest City: Seattle

Bird: American Goldfinch or Wild Canary

Citizens: Washingtonians

Dance: Square Dance

Fossil: Columbian Mammoth

Gem: Petrified Wood

Flower: Coast Rhododendron

Fruit: Apple

Insect: Green Darner Dragonfly

Highest Point: Mt. Rainier; 14,410 feet, 4th

Lowest Point: Pacific coast, sea level, 3rd

Marine Mammal: Orca

Motto: Alki, or "Bye and Bye"

Nicknames: "The Evergreen State"

Origin of Name: Named after George Washington

Song: "Washington, My Home", written by Helen Davis, arranged by Stuart Churchill

Folk Song: "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On" by Woody Guthrie

Sports / Baseball: Seattle Mariners (MLB)

Sports / Basketball: Seattle Sonics (NBA), Seattle Storm (WNBA)

Sports / Football: Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

Sports / Soccer: Seattle Sounders (USL First Division and W-League)

Tree: Western Hemlock
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Public/Private Universities