15 Military Friendly Colleges in Washington

1University of Washington-Seattle Campus
1400 NE Campus Parkway | Seattle, WA 98195

The University of Washington (UW) Seattle Campus takes pride in being the foremost military-friendly college in Washington on our list. With over 820 students benefiting from GI Bill benefits, UW has a rich legacy of educating veterans, active duty military personnel, and military-dependent students. Engaging in Student Veteran Life offers an avenue for involvement, initiated by student veterans to aid fellow veterans in their college transition.

Veterans at UW are eligible for transfer credit based on their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands impressively high at 97%, while part-time students maintain a retention rate of 67%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,159
Grad: $24,056

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 408
Grad: 318

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 97%
Part Time: 67%

2 Washington State University
French Administration Building | Pullman, WA 99164

Washington State University (WSU) extends priority registration for Fall and Spring semesters to veterans, active duty members, reservists, National Guard members, and spouses. Additionally, the WSU Veterans Center serves as a valuable resource for assistance or a space for veteran students to connect with one another.

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, WSU provides financial support. At the Pullman campus, the school offers up to $650 per year for a maximum of 21 students. Similarly, at the Tri-Cities campus, 3 students are eligible for up to $650 per year, while at the Vancouver campus, 6 students may receive the same support.

Veterans at WSU may receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits stands at 80%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 52%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,141
Grad: $12,415

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 569
Grad: 82

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 52%

3 Saint Martin’s University
5000 Abbey Way SE | Lacey, WA 98508

Saint Martin’s University (SMU) has been a staunch supporter of the military community for over 40 years. The Veterans Center serves as a hub providing support, resources, and a sense of community. Additionally, the SMU Vet’s Club offers veterans opportunities to engage, collaborate on shared objectives, and actively participate in various initiatives.

As part of its commitment, SMU actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending an unlimited maximum contribution per year to an unlimited number of students.

Veterans at SMU are eligible to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 82%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 20%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $22,798
Grad: $12,839

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 201
Grad: 41

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 82%
Part Time: 20%

4 University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
1900 Commerce St, Tacoma, Washington 98402-3100

UW Tacoma hosts a Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) dedicated to assisting students with military connections.

Comprising two key staff groups—the Veteran and Military Services Staff and the Veterans Incubator for Better Entrepreneurship (VIBE) Staff—the VMRC aims to aid military learners and eligible dependents in accessing VA educational benefits and Washington state tuition waivers.

Within the VMRC, VIBE operates as an entity providing an immersive training environment to bolster the entrepreneurial aspirations of military veterans. Additionally, it fosters an understanding of the ongoing startup life cycle.

Moreover, student veterans have the opportunity to engage with UW Tacoma’s Student Veterans Organization.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $9,919
Grad: $14,841

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 270
Grad: 56

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 73%
Part Time: 25%

5 Seattle University
900 Broadway | Seattle, WA 98122

Seattle University is home to a veterans’ community with many ways to get help. These include the Outreach Center, SU Veterans Community (SUVC) student club, School Certifying Officials, VA Work-study, and VetCorp Navigator.

Seattle U participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers 120 undergrad students up to $14,000 per year. 50 grad students get up to $5,000 per year. And, 10 doctoral students get up to $10,000 per year.

Veterans may be eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 78%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $21,828
Grad: $17,751

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 141
Grad: 63

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 78%
Part Time: N/A

6 Seattle Pacific University
3307 3rd Ave West | Seattle, WA 98119

Seattle Pacific University (SPU) has a dedicated point of contact for support services for veterans, military service members, and their families.

Plus, SPU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. It offers an unlimited number of undergrad students up to $12,500 each, per year.

Veterans are eligible for transfer credit of military training. The retention rate for full time students who get military benefits is 100%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $23,334
Grad: $16,334

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 74
Grad: 18

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 100%
Part Time: N/A

7 Western Washington University
516 High St | Bellingham, WA 98225

Western Washington University (WWU) stands as another military-friendly college in Washington, featuring a well-acknowledged student veteran organization.

As part of its commitment, WWU actively engages in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending an unlimited maximum contribution per year to 12 undergraduate students.

Veterans at WWU are eligible to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits is 83%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 50%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,263
Grad: $2,088

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 346
Grad: 24

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 50%

8 Eastern Washington University
526 5th St | Cheney, WA 99004

Eastern Washington University (EWU) boasts an acclaimed Veterans Resource Center (VRC), the largest of its kind in the northwest. This center plays a crucial role in aiding military students in transitioning to student life, offering amenities such as a lounge, study area, and computer lab.

Veterans at EWU are entitled to receive transfer credit for their military training. The retention rate for full-time students benefiting from military benefits is 77%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 57%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,717
Grad: $7,454

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 222
Grad: 75

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 57%

9 University of Washington-Bothell Campus
18115 Campus Way NE, Bothell, Washington 98011-8246

UW Bothell has been designated a veteran supportive campus by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Services team is there to provide help to eligible military connected learners who want to use their education benefits from the VA.

The campus also has a range or student veteran resources. Including career services, resume writing, Facebook groups and a robust list of referrals.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $10,243
Grad: $16,767

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 145
Grad: 14

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 83%
Part Time: 100%

10 Everett Community College
2000 Tower Street, Everett, Washington 98201

Everett Community College features a dedicated Veterans’ Resource Center where staff is ready to assist veterans and facilitate the activation of VA education benefits. Qualifying veterans can also inquire with the center regarding book assistance. In the event of leaving college due to active military service, there is no requirement to reapply, as long as the return occurs within five years of the last quarter of attendance.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,947
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 310
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 83%

11 Pierce College-Puyallup
9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, Washington 98498-1999

Pierce College is committed to supporting veterans and their families.

The Veterans Services Offices located at Pierce College’s Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses serve as a vital connection between the College and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These offices have certifying officials dedicated to aiding veteran students by verifying their documentation and submitting it to the VA.

Additionally, the campus hosts a Veterans Resource Center, which serves as a conduit between students and the Veterans Benefits Office. Its primary role involves furnishing information about additional support available to veterans.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $3,088
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 449
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 51%
Part Time: 36%

12 South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, Washington 98512-6292

South Puget Sound Community College is approved to provide education and training benefits to veterans. The Veterans Office is there to help guide you through the application process. There are also school certifying officials who could advice you as an SPCC student.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $2,925
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 223
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 77%
Part Time: 46%

13 DigiPen Institute of Technology
9931 Willows Rd NE, Redmond, Washington 98052

DigiPen participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, making it an approved institution where veterans can utilize their education benefits.

Within DigiPen’s Office of Financial Aid, a key objective is catering to the requirements of individuals eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits. Financial Aid Advisors are readily accessible to address queries from students with military affiliations. They offer assistance on matters ranging from veterans’ benefits to certification and related issues.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $22,325
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 48
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 80%
Part Time: 75%

14 Bates Technical College
1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, Washington 98405

Bates Technical College has specific programs of study that hold approval from the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA). This accreditation allows eligible military learners who are enrolled to access VA benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.

Moreover, the college houses a Veterans Resource Center, serving as an additional support network for students with military affiliations. This center fosters peer connections and offers vital information regarding available benefits.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $4,421
Grad: N/A

# of Students Earning 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Undergrad: 242
Grad: N/A

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 67%
Part Time: 65%

15 The Evergreen State College
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW | Olympia, WA 98505

Evergreen State College stands as the final military-friendly institution in Washington on our list. The school boasts a Veterans Resource Center, providing a confidential and supportive environment for students with military connections. Additionally, students have the opportunity to join the Veterans of Evergreen Transition and Support (V.E.T.S.) group, which advocates for veterans’ needs.

Evergreen actively participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, extending an unlimited maximum contribution per year to 10 students.

Veterans can benefit from transfer credits for their military training at Evergreen. The retention rate for full-time students receiving military benefits stands at 81%, while part-time students have a retention rate of 33%.

Average Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits Awarded

Undergrad: $6,529
Grad: $7,056

# of Students

Undergrad: 83
Grad: 6

Retention Rates For Students Who Receive Benefits

Full Time: 81%
Part Time: 33%