Best Nursing Schools in Seattle: Rankings, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 25, 2026
Compare 13 Seattle-area nursing programs. UW doctoral grads earn $113,500. Community colleges from $4,301 with ADN earnings up to $83,117.
Why Study Nursing in Seattle?
Seattle's healthcare sector is among the strongest in the Pacific Northwest. UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center (the region's largest nonprofit health system), Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, MultiCare Health System, and Kaiser Permanente Washington all drive demand. The metro has 13 nursing programs with the University of Washington at the top.
Washington State is consistently a top-three state for RN salaries, and Seattle is the epicenter of that pay premium. UW Medicine ICU nurse residencies pay $91,152-165,576 annually plus sign-on bonuses.
University Programs
University of Washington — Seattle
UW's School of Nursing is top-ranked nationally. Doctoral graduates earn $113,500/year at $12,643 in-state tuition. The 42.5% acceptance rate and 84% graduation rate reflect strong selectivity and outcomes. Clinical rotations at UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center (the region's Level I trauma center), and Seattle Children's Hospital.
UW Bothell and UW Tacoma
Both satellite campuses offer Master's nursing with graduates earning $97,725/year at ~$12,600 tuition. Same UW quality, suburban locations.
Seattle University
Master's nursing graduates earn $120,076/year at $54,285 tuition. Jesuit tradition with strong ethics emphasis. 76% acceptance rate and clinical partnerships across Seattle.
Bellevue College
The value standout: BSN graduates earn $97,067/year at just $4,305 tuition. Located on the Eastside, it's the most affordable BSN in the Seattle area.
Seattle Pacific University
Master's graduates earn $97,823/year at $38,814 with a 91% acceptance rate.
Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma)
Doctoral nursing graduates earn $104,932/year at $50,964. Serves the South Sound area.
Community College ADN Programs
| School | Location | Tuition | ADN Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Central College | Seattle | $4,865/yr | $83,117 |
| Everett CC | Everett | $4,301/yr | $74,171 |
| South Puget Sound CC | Olympia | $5,103/yr | $69,107 |
| Tacoma CC | Tacoma | $4,920/yr | $57,956 |
| Pierce College | Lakewood | $4,686/yr | $55,767 |
Seattle Central College has the highest ADN earnings at $83,117 — reflecting Seattle's salary premium even for associate's degree nurses.
Seattle Nursing Salaries
- New graduate RN: $75,000-85,000/year
- Experienced RN: $90,000-120,000/year
- ICU Nurse Resident (UW Medicine): $91,152-165,576 + sign-on bonus
- NP: $120,000-160,000/year
Major employers: UW Medicine, Swedish (Providence), Virginia Mason Franciscan, MultiCare, Kaiser Permanente WA, Seattle Children's, Harborview.
Financial Aid
- Washington College Grant — covers full public college tuition for families earning under ~$78,500 (family of 4)
- College Bound Scholarship — for students who sign up in 7th/8th grade
- Federal Pell Grant — covers community college tuition entirely
Next Steps
Compare Seattle nursing programs on GradeToGrad.
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