Ok, so I just graduated from UW, and have a little knowledge on this issue. Most people I know goto NSCC (North Seattle) or BCC (Bellevue). SU I heard is a good school, but it’s private so it will be more expensive overall, UW, despite having to pay out of state, is still reasonable as far as college education is concerned. The other advantage of going to community college is that classes are a little slower, so they’re a little “easier”. That isn’t always a good thing for people as when they transfer they get run over roughshod by the fast, competitive environment of a 4-year university. SPU, Seattle Pacific University, is a Jesuit school but it doesn’t really mean you can’t go. The stress level at school really depends on what you study and your work ethic, so go with which ever one you feel more comfortable at.

There is another big point here. Do you intend to go on to graduate school? If so then the huge advantage of going to a university for all four years is that you get to know the professors and they get to know you. Good letters of recommendation from your professors make or break an application to grad school.

Good luck