Washington
Lower CostAvg In-State
$25,917
Avg Out-of-State
$40,701
Universities
3
Avg SAT
1283
California
Avg In-State
$29,815
Avg Out-of-State
$50,425
Universities
3
Avg SAT
1465
Potential Savings
By choosing Washington over California, you could save approximately:
$3,898
Per year (in-state)
$15,592
Over 4 years
Top Affordable Universities
Washington - Most Affordable
Washington State University
Pullman
$11,584
California - Most Affordable
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles
$13,401
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington or California cheaper for college?
Washington has lower average tuition by $3,898 for in-state students.
How many universities are in Washington vs California?
Washington has 3 universities in our database, while California has 3 universities.
Which state has more selective universities?
California has more selective universities on average, with a 8% acceptance rate.
Can I get in-state tuition in Washington as an out-of-state resident?
Yes, most states including Washington allow you to establish residency after 12 months, which can unlock in-state tuition rates and save you $14,784 per year.
What are the average SAT scores for Washington and California colleges?
The average SAT score for Washington universities is 1283, while California averages 1465.
Data sourced from U.S. Department of Education IPEDS