Best Washington Community Colleges (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 42 community colleges serving 218,012 students in Washington (34 public colleges and 8 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. (view national tuition costs).

The top-ranked community colleges in California include Big Bend Community College, Lower Columbia College, and Walla Walla Community College.

Washington community colleges have a diversity score of 0.75, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).

Minority enrollment is 56%, with the majority being Hispanic or Asian and the student:teacher ratio is 15:1.

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

Whatcom Community College Photo - Kulshan Hall

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.

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

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

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.

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

Student by Ethnicity

(WA) School Average

American Indian

Asian

10%

Hispanic

17%

Black

White

44%

Hawaiian

Two or more races

Non Resident

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 2024)

Private, for profit

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

| 1,378 students

ITT Technical Institute-Everett (Closed 2024)

Private, for profit

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

| 279 students

ITT Technical Institute-Spokane Valley (Closed 2024)

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 42 community colleges serving 218,012 students in Washington.

How much do community colleges cost in Washington?

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.

What are the top ranked community colleges in Washington?

The top-ranked community colleges in Washington include Big Bend Community College, Lower Columbia College, and Walla Walla Community College.

What is community college diversity score in Washington?

Community colleges in Washington have a diversity score of 0.75, which is higher than the national average of 0.00 (compared to national diversity statistics).

How diverse are community college in Washington?

Community colleges in Washington have approximately 56% minority enrollment, with the majority being Hispanic or Asian.

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