- 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 3,564 students (49% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is lower than the state community college average of 24:1.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is more than the state average of 60%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,564 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
- Minority enrollment: 62%
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
The teacher population of 167 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
(WA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
Four or more years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Total Faculty
167 staff
156 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
18
Student Body
The student population of Lake Washington Institute of Technology has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Lake Washington Institute of Technology diversity score of 0.78 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,564 students
3,791 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
24:1
# Full-Time Students
1,741 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Students
1,823 students
1,956 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
240 students
324 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,741 students
1,835 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,823 students
1,956 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
150 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
n/a
1%
% Asian
12%
9%
% Hispanic
15%
19%
% Black
5%
6%
% White
38%
40%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
6%
3%
% Unknown races
17%
14%
Diversity Score
0.78
0.00
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)
44%
36%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$43,800
$36,400
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
46%
70%
Median Debt for Graduates
$15,000
$11,794
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,498
$6,242
Acceptance Rate
n/a
75%
Source: 2025 (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.
In what neighborhood is Lake Washington Institute of Technology located?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology is located in the North Rose Hill neighborhood of Kirkland, WA.
School Calendar
View the Lake Washington Institute of Technology yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last day of spring quarter instruction
June 16, 2026 (Tuesday)
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