This state report card is derived from "Measuring Up 2004," the national report card for higher education. Its purpose is to provide the public and policymakers with information to assess and improve postsecondary education in each state. "Measuring Up 2004" is the third in a series of biennial report cards. The report card grades states in six overall performance categories: (1) Preparation: How adequately are students in each state being prepared for education and training beyond high school?; (2) Participation: Do state residents have sufficient opportunities to enroll in education and training beyond high school?; (3) Affordability: How affordable is higher education for students and their families?; (4) Completion: Do students make progress toward and complete their certificates and degrees in a timely manner?; (5) Benefits: What benefits does the state receive as a result of having a highly educated population?; and (6) Learning: What is known about student learning as a result of education and training beyond high school? Findings for Washington include: (1) Over the past decade, Washington has improved in preparing students to succeed in college. This year Washington receives a B- in preparation; (2) Over the past decade, Washington has seen a decline in the proportion of students enrolling in higher education. Washington receives a C in participation this year; (3) Over the past decade, Washington has made no notable progress in providing affordable higher education opportunities. Washington receives an F in affordability this year; (4) Washington, over the past decade, has made substantial improvement in the number of students who earn a certificate or degree in a timely manner. Washington receives an A- in completion this year; (5) Over the past decade, Washington has seen a substantial improvement in the benefits accruing to the state from having a more highly educated population. This year Washington earns an A- in benefits; and (6) Like most states, Washington received an Incomplete in learning because there are no comparable data that would allow for meaningful state-by-state comparisons in learning. This report also includes additional information, questions and answers, state grades, and "Measuring Up 2004" resources. [For "Measuring Up 2004: The National Report Card on Higher Education," see ED508096.]