10 Cheapest and Most Affordable Colleges in Washington

Washington offers an excellent balance of affordability and opportunity for students. Community colleges keep resident tuition in the $3,500–$4,500 per year range, well below the national average, while the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship can significantly reduce or even eliminate costs for eligible students. Additional tuition waivers for veterans, foster youth, and tribal members expand access further.

The value goes beyond tuition. With major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and Starbucks, plus emerging biotech, clean energy, and maritime industries, Washington provides abundant internship and career opportunities. Combined with the state’s natural beauty, from the Puget Sound to the Cascades, and vibrant urban centers in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, pursuing a degree here offers both affordability and long-term return.

Key Takeaways

• Washington community and technical colleges charge a state-set tuition of about $4,935 per year for 45 credits, making them some of the most affordable options in the Pacific Northwest.
• The Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship can cover tuition for eligible residents, significantly lowering out-of-pocket costs.
• Community colleges offer direct transfer degrees (DTA/AS-T) designed for seamless junior-year entry at UW, WSU, and other public universities.
• For a fully online and tuition-free alternative, University of the People charges only course assessment fees and is accredited by WSCUC and DEAC.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington

Here are the 10 cheapest and most affordable colleges in Washington, ranked by in-state tuition from lowest to highest. All tuition figures are based on 2025–26 resident tuition and mandatory fees for a full-time student (15 credits per term, 30 credits per year). Always confirm the latest rates on each school’s website.

Highline College (Des Moines)

Serving south Seattle, Highline pairs low tuition with strong transfer and workforce pathways, plus unique access to Sea-Tac–adjacent employers.

Main courses

Liberal arts/DTA transfer, business and accounting, healthcare (MA, CNA, RN pathways), aviation maintenance technology, computer science/IT, early childhood education, and BAS options in areas like cybersecurity and integrated design.

Pros

• Affordable resident tuition with extensive university transfer agreements
• Diverse, supportive campus; robust advising, TRiO, and tutoring
• Aviation and healthcare programs linked to regional employers

Cons

• Primarily a commuter campus with limited on-campus housing
• Aviation cohorts can be competitive
• Upper-division (BAS) courses use higher BAS tuition rates

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,935 (resident lower-division tuition for 45 credits in 2025–26).

Bellevue College (Bellevue)

Bellevue, the state’s largest community colleg, sits in the Eastside tech corridor, giving you direct proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and a deep internship market.

Main courses

University transfer (AA-DTA, AS-T), computer science and IT, business/analytics, international studies, digital media, and multiple applied bachelor’s (BAS) programs (e.g., IT, data, healthcare management).

Pros

• High transfer success and honors options
• Strong CS/IT and business pipelines into Eastside employers
• Modern facilities; extensive online and evening offerings

Cons

• Higher local cost of living than many WA regions
• Large enrollment can limit one-to-one attention
• Some campus-wide and e-learning fees apply each quarter

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,935 (resident lower-division tuition for 45 credits in 2025–26; additional mandatory fees apply).

Olympic College (Bremerton)

Across the water from Seattle, Olympic offers a scenic waterfront setting, strong transfer outcomes, and ties to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

Main courses

AA-DTA transfer, engineering technology and mechatronics, business, nursing and allied health, cybersecurity/IT, and pathways that connect to Western, UW, and WSU.

Pros

• Waterfront campus and hands-on tech labs
• Solid transfer rates and military-adjacent opportunities
• Multiple campus locations (Bremerton, Poulsbo, Shelton)
  

Cons

• Seattle commuting can be ferry-dependent
• Limited on-campus housing; some niche programs only offered seasonally
• Course/lab fees for select technical programs

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,935 (resident lower-division tuition for 45 credits in 2025–26).

Pierce College – Fort Steilacoom (Lakewood)

Pierce College, a South Sound hub with strong health and transfer programs and extensive support for military-connected students near JBLM.

Main courses

Veterinary technology, dental hygiene, nursing, biology and pre-health, business and accounting, teacher education, and DTA/AS-T transfer degrees, plus applied bachelor’s in select fields.

Pros

• Military-friendly services and advising
• Well-regarded health programs; clear transfer pathways
• Transparent per-credit mandatory fee caps published online

Cons

• Popular health programs are selective
• Limited campus housing; parking constraints at peak times
• BAS courses priced at BAS tuition rates

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,935 (resident lower-division tuition for 45 credits in 2025–26).

Skagit Valley College (Mount Vernon & Oak Harbor)

Set between the Cascades and the Salish Sea, Skagit blends transfer, healthcare, and specialty workforce programs with small-college attention.

Main courses

AA-DTA and AS-T transfer, nursing (RN) and allied health, culinary arts, marine technology, environmental and agricultural programs, and BAS options in applied management and environmental conservation.

Pros

• Strong nursing and healthcare pathways
• Scenic campuses with outdoor-learning opportunities
• Excellent transfer agreements across WA publics

Cons

• More rural than Seattle-area colleges; fewer evening offerings
• Specialty technical programs are limited compared with big metros
• Mandatory fees raise the “tuition & fees” line above base tuition

Average annual in-state tuition

$5,700

Northwest Indian College (Bellingham + regional sites)

Northwest Indian College (a tribal college serving Native communities across the PNW) pairs small classes with culturally grounded programs, including Native Environmental Science and business pathways.

Main courses

Native Environmental Science (BS), liberal arts and transfer degrees, and business & entrepreneurship, built around place-based learning and Indigenous knowledge.

Pros

• Culturally responsive curriculum and support services
• Small cohorts and close faculty access
• Multi-site delivery for community access

Cons

• Limited program variety vs. larger colleges
• Fewer niche labs and facilities
• Some online/remote classes add modest tech/activity fees

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,860 (resident tuition $99/credit × 45 = $4,455 + standard full-time quarterly fees $135 × 3 = $405).

Wenatchee Valley College (Wenatchee & Omak)

In the heart of orchard and wine country, WVC offers standout transfer and workforce programs with deep ties to Central WA agriculture and healthcare.

Main courses

AA-DTA transfer, agriculture pathways (tree-fruit, sustainable/organic, ag tech), viticulture/enology, nursing and allied health, business, and liberal arts.

Pros

• Unique ag/viticulture options aligned with local industry
• RN pathways and multiple healthcare ladders
• Two campuses serving a wide rural region

Cons

• Rural location; limited public transit
• Some programs carry lab/special course fees
• On-campus housing is limited

Average annual in-state tuition

$4,935 (resident lower-division tuition for 45 credits; college adds modest quarterly fees).

Centralia College (Centralia)

Centralia blends affordable transfer degrees with hands-on workforce options; students also find strong natural-resources coursework that feeds forestry, fisheries, and wildlife pathways.

Main courses

AA/AS transfer (with guaranteed transfer partners), business and applied management (BAS), health sciences, IT, diesel/welding, and life & environmental sciences (including forestry-related studies).

Pros

• Clear transfer routes to WA public universities
• Mix of academic and career pathways (including BAS)
• Published annual tuition & fees estimate for easy budgeting

Cons

• Smaller research footprint than metro campuses
• Rural setting; some evening options limited
• Program-specific fees in technical areas

Average annual in-state tuition

$5,265

Yakima Valley College (Yakima & Grandview)

An HSI-designated college serving south-central WA, YVC offers robust healthcare and wine/vineyard programs alongside transfer degrees.

Main courses

AA-DTA and AS-T transfer, nursing and allied health, agriculture, and winery/vineyard technology with hands-on training across the valley.

Pros

• Hispanic-Serving Institution with extensive student supports
• Strong agriculture/wine facilities and industry ties
• Multiple campuses and online options

Cons

• Rural/auto-dependent region; limited transit
• Some health programs are competitive entry
• Evening/weekend offerings can vary by term

Average annual in-state tuition

$5,529

Columbia Basin College (Pasco)

CBC serves the Tri-Cities with modern facilities, strong energy-sector and healthcare programs, and multiple nursing pathways (including RN-to-BSN and LPN-to-BSN).

Main courses

AA-DTA transfer, nursing (ADN, RN-BSN, LPN-BSN), energy technology, business, and agriculture, aligned with the region’s nuclear/renewables hub.

Pros

• Specialized energy tech offerings tied to local employers
• Multiple nursing routes with strong outcomes
• Newer labs and program facilities

Cons

• Highest tuition & fees total on this list
• Hot, arid climate; limited cultural amenities vs. Seattle metro
• Program-specific/lab fees in technical areas

Average annual in-state tuition

$8,724 (Financial-aid Cost of Attendance: $2,908/quarter × 3 for tuition & fees).

Key Requirements for Enrolling in the Most Affordable Washington Colleges

Complete the Application Form Submission

Apply through each college’s website (most Washington community and technical colleges have open admissions) and complete your financial aid application too, FAFSA for most students or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) if you’re not eligible for federal aid. The Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship both require a FAFSA/WASFA on file.

Submit Official High School Transcripts

Ask your high school (or GED issuer) to send official transcripts directly to the college. Colleges use them to confirm placement, transfer credits, and program eligibility. (Each campus lists its own document checklist on admissions pages.)

Washington Residency Status Verification

In-state residents pay lower tuition and can access state aid. Washington defines residency for tuition purposes in state policy; the WSAC residency page explains qualifying paths and documentation (e.g., one year of domicile, driver’s license, voter registration, taxes). Undocumented students may also qualify for residency and state aid under HB 1079 and RCW 28B.15.012.

SAT or ACT Score Submission

Most Washington community and technical colleges do not require SAT/ACT for admission; placement often uses transcripts, guided self-placement, or college placement tools. (Selective four-year programs may set additional criteria; check program pages.)

FAFSA Financial Aid Application Completion

File the FAFSA as early as possible and no later than June 30, 2026 for the 2025–26 year (corrections due by Sept. 12, 2026). Then watch your portal for verification requests and award letters. Pair federal aid with the Washington College Grant, one of the most generous need-based programs in the U.S.

How do Washington College Costs Compare to National Averages

At community and technical colleges, Washington’s state-set lower-division resident tuition is $1,645.05 per quarter at 15 credits, or $4,935.15 for three quarters (45 credits) before campus-specific fees, well below the national public four-year average.

For public four-year universities, Washington’s resident tuition is generally a bit above the national average (U.S. public four-year average $11,610 in 2024–25). Examples: UW Seattle lists resident undergraduate tuition of $13,406 (nine-month budget), and WSU Pullman shows resident tuition and mandatory fees that total in the mid-$13k range after the 3.3% 2025–26 increase approved by the Board of Regents. The tradeoff: access to high-wage internship and job markets in tech, aerospace, and biotech.

What Are the Tuition Fees for International Students at Affordable Washington Colleges

At Washington community colleges, international students typically pay around $10–11k per academic year in tuition (three quarters), plus required health insurance. Example: Bellevue College estimates $10,179 for tuition (+ $284 mandatory fees) and $1,329 for medical insurance for 2025–26. Highline College notes that insurance is required for international students and details other estimated costs.

At public universities, nonresident (including most international) tuition is higher. UW Seattle lists $44,640 for nonresident undergraduate tuition (three quarters) in 2025–26; WSU Pullman shows nonresident totals in the mid-$40k range as well. Be sure to add campus fees and living costs for a complete picture.

Typical additional expenses include required student health insurance (university plans), SEVIS I-901 and visa fees, books/supplies, and housing (which ranges from Seattle-metro prices to more affordable regions east of the Cascades). Check each school’s international office for exact requirements and estimated budgets.

How Does University of the People Compare With Most Affordable Colleges in Washington

University of the People (UoPeople) is tuition-free and fully online; you pay a $60 application fee and assessment fees at the end of each course ($160 undergraduate; $400 M.Ed.; $450 MBA/MSIT). For a full degree, UoPeople publishes approximate totals (e.g., $6,460 for a bachelor’s).

Accreditation: UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). You can verify the current status on WSCUC’s directory and UoPeople’s accreditation page.

Which is better for you?

• Choose UoPeople if you need a low-fee, 100% online path with maximum scheduling flexibility.
• Choose Washington community colleges if you want in-person labs, hands-on programs (nursing, aviation maintenance, energy tech), and direct transfer routes to UW/WSU and regional universities, often at a very low resident price with the Washington College Grant.

Ready to Choose the Most Affordable College?

Start by running the numbers for your actual credit load: use the SBCTC tuition table (base $4,935/year for 45 resident credits) and add each campus’s mandatory fees. Then complete the FAFSA (or WASFA) to unlock the Washington College Grant and scholarships like College Bound if you’re eligible. This one-two punch often drops your net cost far below the sticker price.

Next, pick a path that fits your goals. Want a quick, job-ready program? Look at workforce options (healthcare, energy tech, aviation maintenance). Planning a bachelor’s? Start with a DTA/AS-T transfer at a community college, then move to a university like UW or WSU. If you need maximum flexibility and ultra-low course fees, consider UoPeople (WSCUC/DEAC accredited). Before deciding, talk with an advisor, compare program outcomes, and scan internship links in your region.

FAQs

What is the average tuition at Washington’s most affordable colleges?

The state-set lower-division resident tuition at community and technical colleges is $1,645.05 per quarter for 15 credits, $4,935.15 for three quarters, before campus-specific fees.

Which Washington college has the lowest in-state tuition rates?

Community colleges share the same state-based tuition for lower-division courses; differences come from local fees. Compare each campus’s fee page, but the base resident tuition is the same statewide.

Do Washington colleges offer online degree programs?

Yes. Many community colleges offer online pathways and even applied bachelor’s (BAS) options; the system’s guided pathways framework supports structured, flexible routes to completion. Universities also offer extensive online programs.

Do Washington colleges accept transfer credits from other schools?

Yes. Community colleges build DTA/AS-T transfer degrees designed for junior-year entry at Washington public universities (UW, WSU, WWU, CWU, EWU). Check each college’s transfer center for course-by-course rules.

Which Washington college has the best alumni network?

It depends on your field. UW and WSU offer large statewide and global networks; community colleges maintain strong regional employer ties in healthcare, tech, energy, and maritime industries. Review each program’s career pages and alumni connections.

Do Washington colleges offer work-study programs for students?

Yes. Eligible students (after filing FAFSA/WASFA) can access Federal Work-Study positions on many campuses. State aid programs may also be paired with campus jobs and internships. Start with your college’s financial aid office.