Best Online Nursing Programs in Washington (2026)

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Washington Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$140,998
Salary OutlookWashington offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyWashington Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in Washington offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Washington offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Washington students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Nursing Schools in Washington

The following schools offer accredited online nursing programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Washington.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, WA BOC Score 76.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Washington State University

Pullman, WA BOC Score 74.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA BOC Score 73.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 1

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Columbia Basin College

Pasco, WA BOC Score 61.3
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 30%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$6,555
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$8,668
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Green River College

Auburn, WA BOC Score 56.8
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 40%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$4,711
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$5,263
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 49

Source:Accreditor: Northwest Commission on Colleges and UniversitiesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, WA BOC Score 55.9
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 60

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Washington

Nursing professionals in Washington experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Washington.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Washington)
Registered Nurse$124,200
Licensed Practical Nurse$83,150
Nurse Anesthetist$274,390
Nurse Midwife$158,970
Nurse Practitioner$156,100
Nursing Assistant$49,180

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Nursing Degree in Washington?

Choosing a program in Washington can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Washington offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Local nursing programs are designed to meet Washington Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing programs in Washington accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Washington, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Nursing pay in Washington compare to other states?

Washington offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Washington a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for nursing in Washington?

The Washington Board of Nursing oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Washington. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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