Best Washington Community Colleges (2024-25)

For the 2024-25 school year, there are 43 community colleges serving 153,363 students in Washington (34 public colleges and 9 private colleges).

The average tuition for community colleges in Washington is approximately $4,105 per year for in-state students and $7,359 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $19,532 per year (view national tuition costs).

The top-ranked community colleges in California include Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Big Bend Community College, and Lower Columbia College.

The average community college acceptance rate in Washington is 96% (compared to national acceptance rates).

Minority enrollment is 90%, with the majority being Black and the student:teacher ratio is 11:1.

Pierce College District Photo - Students gather outside the Gaspard Building on the Puyallup Campus.

Whatcom Community College Photo - Kulshan Hall

Walla Walla Community College Photo - The Fourth of July is celebrated with fireworks over the Dietrich Dome on Walla Walla Community College's campus

Highline College Photo - Looking west from the plaza outside the library and student union.

Lower Columbia College Photo - Lower Columbia College's state-of-the-art Health and Science Building

South Puget Sound Community College Photo - The Center for Student Success at South Puget Sound Community College's Olympia Campus

Edmonds College Photo - Edmonds Community College's Culinary Arts prepares students for positions as cooks, kitchen managers, servers and hosts. The college's newest offering is a one-year Baking certificate.

Bates Technical College Photo - Dental Assisting students learn in a real-world dental office, open to the public.

Student by Ethnicity

(WA) School Average

American Indian

Asian

Hispanic

Black

15%

White

10%

Hawaiian

46%

Two or more races

11%

Unknown

Washington All Ethnic Groups Ethnicity Breakdown

[+] Show Closed Community Colleges in Washington

Community Colleges in Washington (Closed)

School

Location

Students

The Art Institute of Seattle (Closed 2020)

Private, for profit

2323 Elliott Ave
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 448-0900

| 1,378 students

ITT Technical Institute-Everett (Closed 2016)

Private, for profit

1615 75th Street Sw, Suite 220
Everett, WA 98203
(425) 583-0200

| 279 students

ITT Technical Institute-Spokane Valley (Closed 2016)

Private, for profit

13518 E Indiana Avenue
Spokane, WA 99216
(509) 926-2900

| 295 students

Frequently Asked Questions

How many community colleges are located in Washington?

There are 43 community colleges serving 153,363 students in Washington.

How much do community colleges cost in Washington?

What are the top ranked community colleges in Washington?

The top-ranked community colleges in Washington include Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Big Bend Community College, and Lower Columbia College.

What is community college acceptance rate in Washington?

The average community college acceptance rate in Washington is 96% (compared to national acceptance rates).

What is community college diversity score in Washington?

Community colleges in Washington have a diversity score of 0.73, which is lower than the national average of 0.75 (compared to national diversity statistics).

How diverse are community college in Washington?

Community colleges in Washington have approximately 90% minority enrollment, with the majority being Black.

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