- Located just outside of Seattle, WA, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) was founded in 1949, and is the only public institute of technology in the state of Washington. LWTech offers six bachelor`s degrees, 47 associate degrees, and 89 professional certificates in 44 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
- LWTech directly serves the communities of Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Kenmore, Mercer Island, Bothell, Woodinville, Carnation, Duvall, North Bend, Fall City, Sammamish, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Clyde Hill, and Medina. LWTech also serves students from outside our service area, as well as students from around the world
School Highlights
Lake Washington Institute of Technology serves 3,620 students (49% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the state community college average of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 49% of the student body (majority Asian and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 50%.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Enrollment: 3,620 students
- Student:teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 49%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lake Washington Institute of Technology ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Washington for:
Category
Attribute
Student Earnings
School Overview
The teacher population of 303 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
Less than 2 yrs
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
303 staff
353 staff
Student Body
The student population of Lake Washington Institute of Technology has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Lake Washington Institute of Technology diversity score of 0.68 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,620 students
4,003 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
# Full-Time Students
1,786 students
2,116 students
# Part-Time Students
1,834 students
1,887 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
290 students
384 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,786 students
2,116 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,834 students
1,887 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
140 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
11%
8%
% Hispanic
9%
14%
% Black
2%
5%
% White
51%
50%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
3%
6%
% Unknown races
18%
7%
Diversity Score
0.68
0.71
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
16%
28%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
1.09%
2.2%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$43,800
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
45%
67%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,000
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,498
$6,292
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
Source: 2021 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Lake Washington Institute of Technology, in Kirkland's Totem Lake area, serves local students from King and Snohomish counties, commuter students from areas like Port Townsend, Gig Harbor and Marysville, and international students from around the globe, including Japan, Tonga, Ireland, Indonesia and the Ukraine. Lake Washington Institute of Technology officially became part of the new community and technical college system on September 1, 1991; the institute became a degree-granting technical college with all the rights and responsibilities of a technical college as prescribed by state law. During the next three years the college replaced its two-year diplomas with Associate of Applied Science degrees. Twenty Association of Applied Science degrees were approved by the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges to be offered to students by the college. LWTech offers the cutting-edge, professional career and technical training needed to rapidly and affordably qualify our students for opportunities in today's job market. With training opportunities in over 100 degree and certificate options in 39 programs, we have something for everyone - including some Bachelor degrees. Adult education programs are also offered. Lake Washington Institute of Technology is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Lake Washington Institute of Technology often compared to?
Lake Washington Institute of Technologyis often viewed alongside schools like Bellevue College by visitors of our site.
What is Lake Washington Institute of Technology's ranking?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology ranks among the top 20% of community college in Washington for: Highest graduate earnings (10 years post graduation).
School Calendar
View the Lake Washington Institute of Technology yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last day for 50% refund
April 22, 2024 (Monday)
Last Day to Withdraw from Classes
May 29, 2024 (Wednesday)
Last Day of Instruction of Spring Quarter
June 12, 2024 (Wednesday)
Last Day to Add Courses Without Instructor Signature
July 07, 2024 (Sunday)
Last Day to Register Online
July 07, 2024 (Sunday)
Recent Articles
Land One of the Fastest Growing Jobs with a Community College Degree
Are you looking for your career path? Consider some of the jobs boasting the fastest job growth today that only need a community college degree.
Establishing Good Relationships with Instructors
Learn how to establish good relationships with community college instructors, and how they can be helpful for your academics.
February 21, 2024
Community Colleges: A to ZExplore the diverse landscape of community colleges with our comprehensive guide, 'Community CollegeS: A to Z.' From academic programs to student support services, this article provides a look at everything community colleges have to offer.