Lake Washington Institute of Technology Photo #1

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

  • 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 (26-27)

  • 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
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
Four or more years
Four or more years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1949
Total Faculty
167 staff
156 staff
School Motto
'Connect to Your Future!'

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 0.77. The school's diversity has grown by 8% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,564 students
3,791 students

Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
24:1

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Full-Time Students
1,741 students
1,835 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
1,823 students
1,956 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
3,564 students
3,741 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,741 students
1,835 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,823 students
1,956 students
% Asian
12%
9%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Hispanic
15%
19%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Black
5%
6%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
38%
40%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
6%
8%
% Non Resident races
6%
3%
% Unknown races
17%
14%
Diversity Score
0.78
0.77

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

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
$36,300

Tuition & Financial Aid

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
46%
70%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$15,000
$11,794

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,498
$6,242

Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

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 to Withdraw from Classes
November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Last day of fall quarter instruction
December 12, 2026 (Saturday)
First day of winter quarter instruction
January 11, 2027 (Monday)
Last day for 100% refund
January 15, 2027 (Friday)
Last Day to Withdraw Without "W" on Transcript
January 25, 2027 (Monday)

Recent Articles

Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Learn how to evaluate licensure pass rates before enrolling in community college career programs, compare exam results, identify warning signs, and choose training that supports professional licensing and employment goals.
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
A college course may transfer without counting toward your major. Learn how to check degree requirements, identify elective credits, avoid graduation delays, and protect your community college transfer plan.
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Should you transfer with 45 credits, 60 credits, or an associate degree? Compare university requirements, tuition savings, graduation timelines, and transfer benefits to choose the best path for your goals.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 3,564 students
  • Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
  • Minority enrollment: 62%
  • Source: Verified school update

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

King County, WA community colleges have a diversity score of 0.79, which is higher than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in King County, WA is Seattle Central College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

Quick Links