Besides the University of Washington, the most well-known university in the state, you might want to consider these five Hidden Gem Colleges in Washington State.

Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA. 

Size: 1,524 Students

As one of the Colleges That Change Lives, Whitman's strong liberal arts program benefits those looking to work closely with challenging and supportive faculty who become mentors and friends. Standout majors include biology—students can take advantage of combined degrees such as Biology-Geology or Biology-Environmental studies or even design their own combined major such as Biology-Psychology. Whitman is also known for strong programs in English, Psychology, Economics, Politics, biochemistry, and Studio art. 

Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA. 

Size: 12,447 Students

Known as an environmental leader, Western Washington University provides access to the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. Skiers, bikers, kayakers, and hikers will always have things to do in Bellingham. There is a major for virtually every student At WWU, including Nursing, Business, Engineering, and Computer Science. Its new Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) degree program is an interdisciplinary, experiential program where students engage in coastal and marine-focused research. Sustainability is a priority at WWU. If you have an electric vehicle, you can charge it on campus.

Seattle University, Seattle, WA.

Size: 4,151

For students who prefer an urban location, Seattle U provides just that—big music venues, major sports, and 13 Fortune 500 companies are just a rail ride away. As a Jesuit Catholic institution, Seattle U focuses on social justice and service learning. For example, nursing students can go on medical missions abroad. Just 30% of Seattle U's students identify as Catholic, so it is inclusive to everyone. Its new core curriculum will start in fall 2025 and focus on significant societal challenges. Seattle U's offers 65 undergraduate majors, but the biggest is business. Albers School of Business & Economics allows students to choose from 9 majors and 7 minors. 

The University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA

Size: 1,835 Students

University of Puget Sound (UPS) provides a liberal arts education centered on experiential learning with a global perspective. Its specialty is Asia. Puget Sound's Pac Rim study abroad program is a unique school-sponsored combination of a semester of study and travel, followed by a summer opportunity for an internship or research project, volunteer work, or further language study in Asia. Some of the most popular majors are Business, Psychology, Biology, and International Political Economy. Located in Tacoma, students also have easy access to museums, businesses, and culture in nearby Seattle when they are not traveling on one of UPS's many approved study abroad programs.

The Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA. 

Size: 1,625 Students

With a progressive approach to education, The Evergreen State College features an interdisciplinary curriculum without traditional majors. Instead of grades, students receive in-depth narratives from professors. Students can design their own paths of study by combining interests from the sciences, arts, and humanities, or they can select a "pre-built path," such as Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences or Political Economy, Global Studies, And Environmental Justice. Evergreen emphasizes learning by doing. From cutting-edge labs to the Evergreen organic farm, students dive into unique, hands-on opportunities to explore their passions. Evergreen's unique learning structure isn't for most students, but it is a special place for a student seeking the freedom to create their own path.