Accounting Degrees in Washington State

Earning an accounting degree in Washington can prepare you for in-demand career paths in accounting, audition, finance, and compliance.

Whether you’re considering a Washington accounting degree or want to know more about accounting and finance jobs in the state, our guide provides detailed insights into the state’s economy, tuition rates, and career paths.

With its thriving economy and highly educated population, Washington is a great place to earn a college degree. Washington is home to over 295,000 college students, according to 2025 data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.

Most college students in Washington attend the state’s public colleges and universities. As of 2023, over 235,000 college students attended a public institution, according to the Washington State Office of Financial Management. From 2022 to 2023, enrollment at Washington public colleges grew by 2% and 5% at community and technical colleges.

The state’s largest colleges by enrollment include the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, Washington State University in Pullman, and Western Washington University in Bellingham. UW and Whitman College, a private institution in Walla Walla, are the only colleges in the state that admit fewer than 50% of applicants, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Washington college students benefit from the state’s low in-state tuition rate at public institutions. The state also offers financial aid programs, including need-based and merit-based programs.

Washington businesses rely on accounting professionals. The state’s demand for accountants ranks at three times the national average, according to Projections Central.

Washington boasts a highly educated population, with 92% of Washingtonians over the age of 25 holding a high school diploma or higher and 38.8% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to 2023 Census data. Eleven two-year colleges, over 60 four-year colleges operate in Washington.

Accredited colleges meet high standards for academic quality. Schools undergo rigorous reviews from independent accrediting agencies to earn and maintain their accreditation status. These reviews examine student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.

Prospective Washington accounting majors should always choose an accredited institution. In addition to signalling academic quality, an accredited degree meets the requirements for more employment, licensure, and certification opportunities. Students at accredited institutions also qualify for more forms of financial aid.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) grants accreditation to colleges in Washington state.

Accounting majors can choose between several delivery formats for their degree. Washington accounting programs offer on-campus, online, and hybrid formats. While the delivery method differs, accredited schools meet the same standards, regardless of how students attend class.

Washingtonians are less likely to choose online programs than residents of other states. However, over 43% of the state’s college students take at least some distance education courses, and around 20% attend fully online programs. By researching delivery formats, students can find an accounting program that best fits their learning style and schedule.

Most Washington college students choose to enroll in on-campus programs. This traditional delivery method requires degree-seekers to attend classes in person at one of Washington’s dozens of college campuses. On-campus learners benefit from opportunities to collaborate with faculty and classmates, and this format appeals to those who benefit from a more structured option.

Earning an accounting degree online improves accessibility for Washington students, especially those in rural areas. During an online accounting degree, learners complete coursework in a virtual format. Online programs may use live, synchronous sessions with videoconferencing or asynchronous classes with no required meeting times.

A hybrid program combines the interaction of on-campus learning with the flexibility of online courses. Students take a mix of in-person and online classes to earn their accounting degree. Hybrid programs appeal to busy students who still want the structure of on-campus learning and student services.

The cost of a Washington accounting degree varies widely depending on the degree level and institution. In general, public institutions charge the lowest tuition rates, while private colleges cost the most. Washington’s four-year colleges and universities charge an average in-state public tuition that falls below the national average.

Financial aid can help accounting majors lower the cost of their degree. By choosing an accredited college, students qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant. Accounting majors can also apply for scholarships and grants to make school more affordable.

Washington in-state tuition rates are among the most affordable in the country, making it a great state to attend a public university. However, some public colleges offer tuition breaks for out-of-state students. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education runs the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which saved college students $616 million in tuition costs in 2024-25.

Some colleges offer in-state or flat tuition rates for out-of-state learners enrolled in fully online programs. Out-of-state students attending Washington colleges may also qualify for financial aid, grants, or scholarships to lower the cost of tuition.

Washington has a higher cost of living than the national average. The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) reports a 112 cost of living index score in 2025. That means the cost of housing, utilities, healthcare, and other living expenses are approximately 12% higher than the national average in Washington.

Housing, transportation, and health costs are among the most expensive categories in the state. Statewide, Washingtonians can expect to spend around 8% above the national average on groceries, and utilities cost around 3% less than the national average.

Cost of living varies by location in the state. Seattle and the Puget Sound area generally have higher costs than more rural parts of the state.

The Evergreen State has a strong economic outlook. Home to 12 Fortune 500 companies, Washington also boasts a global tech hub, a strong aerospace industry, and major research institutions.

The Big Four accounting firms have a large presence in the Puget Sound area, with Deloitte, EY, and KPMG ranking among the top employers for certified public accountants (CPAs) in the area, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Accountants also find many opportunities with tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. State and local governments rely on accounting professionals to manage public funds and monitor tax collection.

Most Washington accountants work in the greater Seattle area. Out of the 37,400 accountants and auditors in Washington state as of May 2024, 24,880 worked in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Only 1 in 3 of accountants in the state work outside of the Puget Sound area.

Washington accountants and auditors prepare financial documents, review records for accuracy, and advise clients on budgeting, taxation, and other financial decisions. These accounting careers report strong growth in Washington, with job growth of more than three times the national level from 2022 to 2032.

Job Outlook in Washington (2022-32): +15.2%

Bookkeepers and auditing clerks support accountants and review financial records. Bookkeepers track revenue and expenses to help businesses budget and manage their financial health, while auditing clerks assist auditors during internal and external audit reviews. These accounting careers, which show strong growth in Washington, typically require an associate degree.

Job Outlook in Washington (2022-32): +7.0%

Financial managers oversee finance and accounting departments. They specialize in areas such as risk management, compliance, and investing. Washington financial managers will see strong job growth along with the highest average salaries for accounting careers. These positions typically require or recommend a master’s degree.

Job Outlook in Washington (2022-32): +16.6%

Washingtonians considering an accounting degree benefit from diverse career opportunities. Those with an associate degree can gain experience while benefiting from average salaries above the national average.

Earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree can help accounting professionals move into higher-paying roles. More than 37,000 accountants and auditors work in Washington, with an average salary of $101,380, according to the BLS. Accountants also benefit from strong projected job growth, particularly compared with national growth projections.

CPAs specialize in taxation, auditing, and management accounting. Accountants who become CPAs can advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Like other states, Washington sets its own requirements to become a CPA, including:

Candidates for a CPA license can begin the examination process with a bachelor’s degree and at least 120 credits. Washington sets specific coursework and experience requirements to qualify for a CPA license. For more information, reach out to the Washington State Board of Accountancy or the Washington Society of CPAs.