Affordable Online Degrees for Washington Residents
Your next opportunity starts close to home.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in Washington
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
Washington residents have access to many respected colleges and universities, but finding a program that balances quality, flexibility and affordability can be challenging.
American College of Education (ACE) was founded on the belief that higher education should be accessible to more students. As a fully online college, our affordable tuition helps working professionals pursue career growth without putting their personal schedule or financial goals on hold.
Students choose ACE because they want an education that aligns with their professional goals and fits their busy lives. Our high student satisfaction¹ is driven by practical coursework, supportive faculty and programs that help students build skills they can use both right away and as they advance their careers. We’re excited to offer that opportunity to Washington residents.
Why Choose ACE?
Earning a degree should create opportunities, not unnecessary financial stress. At ACE, we help students pursue their educational goals through online programs2 with flexible coursework, supportive faculty and tuition designed to make higher education more accessible.
How ACE Compares
Washington is home to respected institutions such as the University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University and Central Washington University. While these schools offer established traditional academic programs, ACE takes a different approach.
As a college built specifically for online learning, we focus on helping working adults earn degrees that fit their schedules, career aspirations and budgets. Compare your options and see why students across the country choose ACE to support their professional growth.
| ACE | University of Washington | Washington State University | Western Washington University | Central Washington University | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-4 starts |
| Student to faculty ratio | 11:13 | 20:14 | 15:14 | 18:14 | 15:14 |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0005 (total program cost) | $18,7924 (average annual in-state cost) | $14,8454 (average annual in-state cost) | $13,8784 (average annual in-state cost) | $13,2204 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
ACE is committed to providing high-quality programs at tuition rates designed to help students invest in their futures without taking on excessive debt. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.6
Our Unique Academic Experience
At ACE, every program is developed with the needs of today’s students in mind. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current industry standards, emerging trends and workplace expectations, helping students gain knowledge they can apply immediately in their careers.
Plus, our faculty bring valuable professional experience into the classroom, connecting academic concepts to real-world situations and helping students build practical skills that support long-term success.
Your experience also includes:
- Consistent course design: Courses follow a familiar structure that makes it easier to navigate content and focus on learning
- Flexible online learning: Aside from hands-on experiences required by select programs, students can complete coursework on their own schedules without mandatory live class sessions
- Comprehensive student support: Access tutoring, writing assistance, an extensive online library and other academic resources designed to support student success.
How ACE Supports Aspiring Washington Teachers
A career in education often begins with earning the qualifications needed for initial teaching licensure. ACE offers initial licensure certificates and teaching-focused master’s degree programs that help aspiring educators develop expertise in instructional methods, classroom management, assessment practices and educational technology.
You can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree at ACE and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in Washington, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Whether you’re looking to become an educator, grow your expertise or advance into administration, ACE equips you with the research, strategies, pedagogies and skills you need.
Business
Dive into today’s business landscape and discover how to address its challenges with relevant skills, practices and technologies that are designed to make a difference.
Healthcare
Healthcare administrators and public health professionals are a driving force in ensuring quality patient care. ACE prepares you to succeed in non-clinical healthcare roles.
Nursing
Nurses looking to become leaders or educators should look no further than ACE to support their career goals with innovative and applicable practices that lead to positive patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in Washington?
Yes! ACE is approved to enroll students in Washington and other SARA participating states through its home-state authorization in Indiana. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online Washington colleges might not?
ACE combines affordability, flexibility and quality in a learning environment designed specifically for online students. Our faculty are experienced professionals, and our programs focus on practical skills that can be applied directly in the workplace. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.7
How can an ACE degree help me get a Washington teaching certificate?
Our initial licensure programs equip future educators with foundational teaching knowledge, effective instructional strategies, purposeful assessment techniques and innovative technologies that help prepare them for success in the classroom.
1Student Right to Know. Accessed June 2, 2026.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3Internal research conducted in March 2026
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of Washington, Washington State University, Western Washington University, Central Washington University. Accessed June 2, 2026.
5This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
6Internal research completed in November 2025