The Best Entrepreneurship Programs in Washington for 2026
The best entrepreneurship programs in Washington are the accredited schools that graduate their students and charge honestly for it, not the ones with the biggest name. Hakia analyzed 5 business programs in Washington on graduation rate, selectivity, cost, and outcomes to rank where a bachelor's in entrepreneurship actually pays off. In-state tuition among the 5 ranked programs in Washington runs from $3,291 to $11,869 a year, a $8,578 spread for the same credential.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus tops the list with a 93.6 Hakia Score on an 85% graduation rate, at $11,869 a year in-state. Across all 5 ranked schools, the average graduation rate is 55%, ranging from 37% to 85%. The national median pay in the field is $123,835 a year per the BLS, the same benchmark every ranked school here feeds into regardless of tuition paid.
Below is the full ranked table, followed by a school-by-school look at every ranked program and what actually separates them: cost, completion, selectivity, and where the degree leads. Every figure is drawn from federal IPEDS and BLS data, and no school pays for placement.
Key Takeaways on the Best Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus ranks first among Washington's business programs with a 93.6 Hakia Score and an 85% graduation rate.
- In-state tuition across the 5 ranked Washington programs spans $3,291 to $11,869 a year, a $8,578 gap for the same bachelor's in entrepreneurship.
- The 5 ranked Washington programs graduate 55% of students on average, from 37% to 85%.
- 5 of the 5 ranked schools are public, where the in-state rate drives the lowest cost for Washington residents.
- National median pay in the field is $123,835 (BLS), the benchmark every ranked Washington program feeds into regardless of tuition.
Hakia analyzed 5 accredited programs in Washington reported to IPEDS, scoring each on graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes. No school is rewarded for sticker price alone, and none pays for inclusion.
The 5 Best Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington, Ranked for 2026
| # | Program | Type | In-state tuition | Grad rate | Admit rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA | Public | $11,869 | 85% | 39% | 93.6 |
| 2 | Washington State UniversityPullman, WA | Public | $11,305 | 60% | 87% | 73.9 |
| 3 | Green River CollegeAuburn, WA | Public | $4,205 | 39% | NR | 68.6 |
| 4 | Central Washington UniversityEllensburg, WA | Public | $7,231 | 54% | 91% | 64.8 |
| 5 | Lake Washington Institute of TechnologyKirkland, WA | Public | $3,291 | 37% | NR | 60.3 |
NR — not reported by the institution in the latest IPEDS collection.
How the Top Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington Compare
Each program scores 0 to 100 on the Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. Longer bars rank higher.
The Top Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington, School by School
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WA · Public
- Grad rate
- 85%
- Admit rate
- 39%
- In-state
- $11,869
- Out-of-state
- $42,105
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates 85% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on a 93.6 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 93.6, #1 of 5
- 85% graduation rate
- $11,869 in-state vs $42,105 out-of-state
- Most selective program here
University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a public institution in Seattle, WA. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #1 of the 5 analyzed here with a 93.6 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That is the highest score in the ranking, well above the 72.2 group average. The program graduates 85% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. University of Washington-Seattle Campus admits 39% of applicants, more selective than the 72% average for the group. Its completion rate lands among the strongest in a group where graduation runs from 37% to 85%. It is one of the larger campuses in the ranking, enrolling 56,997 students.
On cost, University of Washington-Seattle Campus charges $11,869 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $42,105 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $47,476 in tuition for residents, against $168,420 for non-residents. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,291 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to $11,869 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. The spread makes the program a clearer value for WA residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the draw here is above-average completion paired with genuine selectivity.
Washington State University
Pullman, WA · Public
- Grad rate
- 60%
- Admit rate
- 87%
- In-state
- $11,305
- Out-of-state
- $27,864
Washington State University graduates 60% of its students, above the 55% average across this ranking, on a 73.9 Hakia Score.
- Hakia Score 73.9, #2 of 5
- 60% graduation rate
- $11,305 in-state vs $27,864 out-of-state
- Admits just 87% of applicants
Washington State University is a public institution in Pullman, WA. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #2 of the 5 analyzed here with a 73.9 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits above the 72.2 group average, in the middle third of the 5 ranked programs. The program graduates 60% of its students, above the 55% average across the ranked schools. Washington State University admits 87% of applicants, less selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 37% to 85%.
On cost, Washington State University charges $11,305 a year in-state, roughly 2.5x the $27,864 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $45,220 in tuition for residents, against $111,456 for non-residents. That puts it at the higher end on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,291 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to $11,869 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its above-average completion.
Green River College
Auburn, WA · Public
- Grad rate
- 39%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $4,205
- Out-of-state
- $4,757
At $4,205 a year in-state, Green River College is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 68.6 Hakia Score on a 39% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 68.6, #3 of 5
- 39% graduation rate
- $4,205 in-state vs $4,757 out-of-state
- 7,967 students enrolled
Based in Auburn, WA, Green River College is a public institution. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program lands at #3 of the 5 ranked here, earning a 68.6 Hakia Score that weighs graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and outcomes. That sits below the 72.2 group average, in the middle third of the 5 ranked programs. The program graduates 39% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 37% to 85%. The university enrolls 7,967 students overall.
On cost, Green River College charges $4,205 a year in-state, versus $4,757 for out-of-state students. Over four years that is about $16,820 in tuition for residents, against $19,028 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,291 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to $11,869 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. That median runs roughly 29x the program's annual in-state tuition. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA · Public
- Grad rate
- 54%
- Admit rate
- 91%
- In-state
- $7,231
- Out-of-state
- $25,340
Central Washington University ranks #4 of the 5 bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs in this analysis, with a 64.8 Hakia Score and a 54% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 64.8, #4 of 5
- 54% graduation rate
- $7,231 in-state vs $25,340 out-of-state
- Admits just 91% of applicants
Central Washington University is a public institution in Ellensburg, WA. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #4 of the 5 analyzed here with a 64.8 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 72.2 group average, in the lower third of the 5 ranked programs. The program graduates 54% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Central Washington University admits 91% of applicants, less selective than the 72% average for the group. That is more open than the 39% rate at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, the most selective program on this list. Its completion rate lands in the middle of the pack in a group where graduation runs from 37% to 85%.
On cost, Central Washington University charges $7,231 a year in-state, roughly 4x the $25,340 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $28,924 in tuition for residents, against $101,360 for non-residents. That puts it mid-pack on price on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,291 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to $11,869 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. It earns its place in the top 5 on the balance of cost, completion, and outcomes.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WA · Public
- Grad rate
- 37%
- Admit rate
- NR
- In-state
- $3,291
- Out-of-state
- $8,804
At $3,291 a year in-state, Lake Washington Institute of Technology is among the more affordable bachelor's in entrepreneurship programs ranked here, holding a 60.3 Hakia Score on a 37% graduation rate.
- Hakia Score 60.3, #5 of 5
- 37% graduation rate
- $3,291 in-state vs $8,804 out-of-state
- Lowest in-state tuition here
Lake Washington Institute of Technology is a public institution in Kirkland, WA. Its Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship program ranks #5 of the 5 analyzed here with a 60.3 Hakia Score, a composite of graduation rate, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes. That sits below the 72.2 group average, in the lower third of the 5 ranked programs. The program graduates 37% of its students, below the 55% average across the ranked schools. Its completion rate lands toward the lower end in a group where graduation runs from 37% to 85%. It is one of the smaller campuses here, with 3,564 students.
On cost, Lake Washington Institute of Technology charges $3,291 a year in-state, roughly 2.7x the $8,804 out-of-state rate. Over four years that is about $13,164 in tuition for residents, against $35,216 for non-residents. That puts it among the most affordable on this list, where annual in-state tuition runs from $3,291 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology to $11,869 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. The spread makes the program a clearer value for WA residents than for out-of-state students. Graduates step into a field with a $123,835 national median salary reported by the BLS. For prospective students, the main draw here is its low in-state cost.
What a Bachelor's in Entrepreneurship Costs in Washington
In-state tuition among the 5 ranked entrepreneurship programs in Washington runs from $3,291 to $11,869 a year. Lake Washington Institute of Technology anchors the low end at $3,291, while University of Washington-Seattle Campus sits at the top at $11,869. At public schools that in-state figure is the resident rate; out-of-state students routinely pay two to three times as much, which can reorder this list entirely for anyone moving in from elsewhere.
Run the four-year math and the gap widens: about $13,164 in tuition at the low end against roughly $47,476 at the high end for the same bachelor's in entrepreneurship. Against the national median of $123,835 a year, the cheaper degree pays its tuition back far faster.
A higher price does not automatically buy a stronger degree. Weigh each school's graduation rate and net price, not just its sticker tuition, and use its net price calculator for your own situation before comparing.
Accreditation and Value: What to Check First
Every school ranked here is accredited and reports to the federal IPEDS system, so the Hakia Score never rewards an unaccredited program for being cheap or convenient. Accreditation is what makes an entrepreneurship degree count with employers, licensing boards, and other schools, so confirm it on the program's own page before enrolling, not after.
Low tuition only pays off when the degree finishes and counts. That is why this ranking weighs completion alongside cost: a cheap program that graduates a fraction of its students is not a bargain. Where a field carries programmatic accreditation on top of institutional accreditation, look for it too.
Entrepreneurship Careers and Pay After a Washington Program
Every degree on this list points toward the same national labor market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts national median pay in the field at $123,835 a year, a figure that applies across the profession rather than to any single school here, and it holds whether a graduate paid $3,291 or $11,869 a year in tuition. That is the core tradeoff this ranking is built to expose: a higher price does not buy a higher starting salary in the federal wage data.
Full occupational detail, including job-growth projections and state-level wage breakdowns, is published by the BLS. Graduates of any ranked Washington program compete in that same national pay structure.
Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best entrepreneurship bachelor's degree in Washington?
By Hakia Score, University of Washington-Seattle Campus ranks first among the 5 entrepreneurship programs in Washington we analyzed, with a 93.6 score and an 85% graduation rate. The score weighs graduation rate, selectivity, in-state cost, and outcomes, so the top school balances all four rather than winning on any one.
How much does an entrepreneurship bachelor's degree cost in Washington?
In-state tuition among the ranked Washington programs runs from $3,291 to $11,869 a year. These are resident rates at public schools; out-of-state students pay more, so confirm your residency status and check the out-of-state column before comparing.
Is an online entrepreneurship bachelor's degree respected by employers?
Yes, when the school is accredited. An accredited online degree lists the same on a transcript as the on-campus version, and accreditation, not delivery format, is what protects the credential. Every program ranked here is accredited and reporting to the federal IPEDS system.
What salary can graduates expect?
The BLS reports a national median of $123,835 a year for the field. That is a national benchmark, not an Washington-specific figure or a promised outcome for any single school, but it is the number every tuition dollar on this page should be measured against.
How We Rank Entrepreneurship Bachelor's Programs in Washington
Every program earns a Hakia Score from 0 to 100, built only from federal data (IPEDS, the U.S. Department of Education, and BLS) and scored against its true peers: programs in the same field at the same degree level. No reputation surveys, no pay-to-play. Here is how the score is weighted:
- Outcomes44%
Graduation rate (26%) and real per-school graduate earnings (18%). Does the program get students to the finish line, and where do they land?
- Selectivity & academics38%
Admissions selectivity (24%) and the academic profile of admitted students (14%).
- Scale & value18%
Enrollment (7%), cost-to-earnings value (6%), and the number of graduates a program produces (5%).
Weights renormalize over the data each program actually reports, so a school missing a metric (many open-access colleges do not publish entrance scores or earnings) is never penalized for it. Scores are percentiles within the peer group, curved to a 0-to-100 scale. What the score does not measure: individual instructor quality, specific course content, or campus culture. Verify those directly with the program.