If committing to a four-year bachelor’s degree isn’t feasible for you, a two-year associate’s degree at a community college might be a perfect alternative. Explore our list of the best community colleges in Washington to find the right fit for you.
The state of Washington is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the western United States. It is distinct from Washington, D.C., the capital and only federal district of the United States. Washington state is bordered by the U.S. state of Virginia to the southwest and south along the Potomac River, and by the U.S. state of Maryland on the other sides.
The city of Washington, D.C., was named after George Washington, a Founding Father and the first President of the United States, while the federal district was named after Columbia, a personification of the nation.
Washington College hosts approximately 128 international students from around the globe, as well as several students with dual citizenship between the United States and another country.
Many developed countries have community colleges tailored to meet local educational and academic needs. In the United States, for instance, there are Community Colleges in California, Community Colleges in San Diego, as well as those in Florida and Alaska.
Community colleges appeal to some students due to their lower tuition fees, emphasis on practical skills over theory, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in fields such as carpentry, electrical repair, plumbing, cosmetology, culinary arts, automotive technology, and more.
If you’re interested in exploring these practical professions, a community college can be an excellent starting point.
For international students seeking affordable education options, there are resources like lists of low-tuition universities in California and information on the best countries where you can study for free or at a low cost.
In Washington state, the average tuition costs approximately $4,058 per year for in-state students and $7,211 for out-of-state students at community colleges. Private community colleges typically have higher average annual tuition fees, around $18,546 per year.
If you’re an international student looking to attend a community college with affordable tuition, you can explore resources such as lists of the cheapest community colleges in the USA for international students or find options in Toronto, Canada.
Universities and four-year colleges do not offer these programs, only community colleges do, and these colleges provide students with a quality, hands-on education that will allow them to enter the workforce immediately after completing the program.
It takes no more than two years to complete a community college program and earn an associate’s degree, certificate, diploma, or required qualification that is recognized and accepted by employers worldwide. Additionally, credit from your program can transfer to a university or four-year college.
Community Colleges in Washington for International Students
Below is a list of community colleges in Washington for international students and their locations;
- Bates Technical College International Programs, Tacoma
- Bellevue College International Education and Global Initiatives, Bellevue
- International students at Bellingham Technical College, Bellingham
- International students at Big Bend Community College, Moses Lake
- International Programs Cascadia College, Bothell
- International Programs Centralia College, Centralia
- Clark College International Programs, Vancouver (WA)
- Clover Park Technical College International Education , Lakewood
- Columbia Basin College International Student Program, Pasco
- Edmonds College International Student Services, Lynwood
- Everett Community College International Education, Everett
- International Programs Green River College, Auburn
- International Student Programs Highline College, Des Moines
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology International Programs, Kirkland
- International Programs at Lower Columbia College, Longview
- North Seattle College International Programs, Seattle-Northgate
- Olympic College of International Education , Bremerton
- Services for International Students and Faculty Peninsula College, Port Angeles
- International Education Pierce College, Lakewood and Puyallup
- Renton Technical College International Student Services, Renton
- Seattle Central College International Education Programs, Seattle – Capitol Hill/Downtown
- Shoreline Community College International Education , Seattle – Northeast Suburbs
- International Program Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon
- International Student Services at South Puget Sound Community College, Olympia
- South Seattle College Center for International Education , West Seattle
- Spokane Community Colleges Global Education, Spokane
- International Programs at Tacoma Community College, Tacoma
- International students at Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla
- International students at Wenatchee Valley College, Wenatchee
- International Programs at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham
- International Student Program Yakima Valley College, Yakima
Community College Requirements in Washington
Washington State is an open admissions institution, which means we do not require specific test scores or GPA for your admission to the College. To enroll, you must complete an online application for admission and submit an official high school transcript or high school equivalency (e.g., GED).
Without further ado, let’s move on to community colleges in Washington…
Community Colleges in Washington
The best community colleges in Washington serve as a springboard for further education in a variety of fields of study without causing financial hardship. They also go beyond the college level to provide career and technical training for professionals to achieve higher income levels.
These public institutions of higher learning are known for their affordability and for offering programs that students can complete in two years. The average cost of attending Washington community colleges is significantly lower than that of private universities.
Community colleges are listed below;
1. Big Bend Community College
Located in Moses Lake, Washington, Big Bend College has 2,044 students and runs a quarter-long academic year. It is one of the community colleges in Washington. Big Bend offers credit for life experience and has an open admissions policy. This comprehensive college is well equipped with educational and human resources to provide developmental learning and career/technical advancement programs.
Top Big Bend Community College Programs;
- Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Associate Degree in General Studies and Liberal Arts
- Associate Degree in Management Marketing
- Associate Degree in Health Sciences
- Associate Degree in Business Administration
The College’s tuition is $4,350 for 100% admission.
Visit the college website
2. South Puget Sound Community College
South Puget Sound is a two-year junior public college located in Olympia, Washington. It has an enrollment of 4,872 part-time and full-time students. It is one of the community colleges in Washington that offers a variety of programs, and in 2023, it will offer its first Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Craft Beverage Management and Quality Assurance to pursue career goals in the field.
Top Community College Programs in South Puget Sound;
- Associate Degree in Arts and Communication
- Associate Degree in Biology-DTA/MRP
- Associate Degree in Science, Track 2
- Associate Degree in Accounting
- Associate Degree in Engineering, Construction Technology-AAS-T
The College’s tuition is $6,939 with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Visit the college website
3. Pierce College Puyallup
Pierce College is one of the top community colleges in Washington State. It offers a variety of associate degrees, primarily in the arts and sciences, and three bachelor’s degrees in applied science. The college has two main campuses: Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, Lakewood, and Pierce College Puyallup.
Pierce College’s Top Programs;
- Associate Degree in Business
- Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene
- Associate Degree in Education
- Associate Degree in Arts, Humanities and Communications
- Associate Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
The College’s tuition is $6,420 with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Visit the college website
4. Tacoma Community College
Located in Tacoma, Washington, this public college has an enrollment of over 11,000 students. As a community college in Washington, Tacoma offers 43 associate degree programs, 33 professional health and technical certificate programs, and three bachelor’s degree programs. TCC boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1 and offers financial aid opportunities to help students pay for their education .
Top Tacoma Community College Programs;
- Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health and Applied Management
- Associate Degree in Retail and Retail Operations
- Associate Degree in Business/Commerce
- Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences
The college’s tuition is $6,774.
Visit the college website
5. Everett Community College
Students attend Everett College to easily apply to a four-year school, develop essential skills, or prepare for a career advancement. As a community college in Washington, Everett College offers more than 90 majors and programs through its Corporate Center and Continuing Education Center . You can study things like automotive technology programs or earn an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with direct transfer to most universities.
Top Everett Community College Programs;
- Associate Degree in Health Care Assisting
- Associate Degree in Welding Technology/Welder
- Associate Degree in Fire Science/Fire Suppression
- Associate Degree in Business Administration and Management
- Associate Degree in Business/Commerce
The college’s tuition is $6,557 with a 100% acceptance rate.
Visit the college website
6. Shoreline Community College
This college offers transfer degrees and a wide range of professional and work-related degrees and certificate programs. Shoreline has international students from over 45 countries. It awards 140 scholarships annually, provides student support services, and provides over $14.4 million in financial aid. The college is one of the community colleges in Washington.
The best programs from the Shoreline community;
- Associate Degree in Music Technology
- Associate Degree in Child Development
- Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
- Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Human Studies
- Associate Degree in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
The college’s tuition fee is $5,287,000 with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Visit the college website
7. Bates Technical College
As one of the community colleges in Washington, this two-year school offers a variety of educational pathways, ranging from applied science degrees to industry certificates and academic certificates. The college has direct transfer agreements with several four-year colleges. The college offers career services to existing students to help them navigate their education and achieve their career goals.
Bates Technical College’s Top Programs;
- Associate Degree in Electronics, Electrical and Communications Engineering
- Associate Degree in Industrial Electronics Technology
- Associate Degree in Design and Visual Communications
- Associate Degree in Diesel Mechanical Technology
- Associate Degree in Biomedical Engineering
The college’s tuition fee is $5,151,000 with an acceptance rate of 100%.
Visit the college website
8. Renton Technical College
As a community college in Washington, Renton Tech prepares a diverse student population for careers through educational opportunities. Graduates of the school are eligible to earn a full-time or part-time vocational certificate. The college’s graduation rate of 66 percent is the highest in the state for community and technical colleges and one of the highest in the nation.
Renton Technical College’s Top Programs;
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology
- Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Networks, and LAN/WAN Management.
- Associate Degree in Dental Assisting
- Culinary Arts Associate of Applied Science
- Associate Degree in Construction/Real Estate Maintenance
The college’s tuition is $4,735.
Visit the college website
9. Clark College
Clark College accepts approximately 11,000 incoming degree seekers each quarter. In 2014, it established its first four-year undergraduate medical degree program and has since become a recognized four-year college. It is one of the community colleges in Washington.
Clark College’s Top Programs;
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Cyber Security
- Associate Degree in Business Administration
- Associate Degree in Machine Tool Engineering
- Phlebotomy Technician Certificate
The college’s tuition is $6,248.
Visit the college website
10. Lake Washington Institute of Technology.
LWTech is the only public technology college in Washington. The college offers certificate programs and technical academy courses. As one of the community colleges in Washington, it has one of the highest completion rates in Washington and offers degree transfer to undergraduate programs at several Washington universities.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s Top Programs;
- Bachelor’s degree in Design and Visual Communications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Programming
- Associate Degree in Computer Graphics
- Associate Degree in Animation, Interactive Technologies, Video Graphics and Special Effects
- Associate Degree in Accounting Technology
It is the community college with the lowest tuition at $2,555.
Visit the college website
This is the end of the list of community colleges in Washington. I hope you find this article useful and get all the information you need.
Community Colleges in Washington – Frequently Asked Questions
Are community colleges in Washington State free?
Washington State offers two significant initiatives for free community college education: the Washington College Scholarship and the Seattle Promise.
The College Bound Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition, certain fees, and provides a small book allowance. Eligible students are those in grades 7 or 8 from low-income families.
On the other hand, Seattle Promise is a last-dollar program that enables graduates of local public high schools to apply for a tuition scholarship covering remaining tuition costs for up to two years at any Seattle-area public college. Low-income students can also apply for the Seattle Promise Equity Scholarship to help cover additional expenses beyond tuition, such as books, food, or housing.
Eligibility Criteria
For the College Bound Scholarship in Washington, students must meet the FAFSA income eligibility requirements.
Seattle Promise Scholars need to maintain good academic standing and attendance, and they are required to meet with their advisor every quarter to remain eligible.
How many community colleges are there in Washington?
Washington State is home to 27 community colleges and universities, collectively serving a student population of 119,907.