Rankings / By State
Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington
- 31
- Schools
- $57,726
- Avg. Earnings
- 51%
- Avg. Graduation
- $16,771
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,302
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 31 schools run from $38,955 to $78,892, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus delivers the most for the money: roughly $78,466 in median earnings against $10,163 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Spokane Community College is the lowest-cost school here at $5,473 a year in net price.
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Gonzaga University graduates 87% of its students, versus a 51% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Cascadia College carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.12× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Saint Martin's University ($62,092 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Gonzaga University ($78,892), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Spokane Community College costs $5,473 a year and University of Puget Sound costs $38,394. Yet their graduates earn $41,984 and $69,594, nowhere near the $32,921 price gap.
- On value, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus beats Gonzaga University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Washington-Tacoma Campus and Gonzaga University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
Technology is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $58K within a decade, and software developer roles are projected to grow 25%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Saint Martin's University #1 overall | $62,092 ▲ +8% vs avg | $28,119 | 55% | 80 |
| 2 Washington State University #2 overall | $68,905 ▲ +19% vs avg | $14,971 | 61% | 74 |
| 3 Seattle University #3 overall | $75,272 ▲ +30% vs avg | $34,662 | 74% | 74 |
| $78,466 ▲ +36% vs avg | $14,091 | 84% | 73 | |
| $67,589 ▲ +17% vs avg | $33,313 | 81% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington
This analysis ranks 31 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $57,726 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 51% and an average net price of $16,771.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — Net Price: $10,163 | Graduation Rate: 63%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Gonzaga University — 87% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Gonzaga University — Median alumni earnings: $78,892
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Technology Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the technology workforce?
$57,897
Median earnings (10yr)
45%
Median graduation rate
$12,319
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Computing, data, and information-systems programs train for one of the highest-paying and fastest-moving corners of the labor market. Starting salaries are strong, and hiring increasingly rewards demonstrable skill over pedigree. The field is cyclical, though, and specific tools age quickly. What endures is fundamentals and the habit of learning new ones.
Start with the medians across these 31 schools. Graduates earn a median of $57,897 ten years after enrollment, or about $9,897 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 45%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $12,319 a year with about $14,615 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 25% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.4%.
What we’re seeing: employers reward programs with strong industry ties, co-ops, and project portfolios over brand alone. Graduates here post median earnings of $57,897 ten years after enrollment. That premium holds as long as graduates keep their skills current against a fast-shifting stack.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Saint Martin's University lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $62,092 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $28,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Washington State University lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $68,905 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,971 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Seattle University lands at #3 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $75,272 a decade after enrolling, 30% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,662 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Washington-Seattle Campus lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (88/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,091 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Whitman College lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $67,589 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,313 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Western Washington University lands at #6 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $62,569 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,193 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Pacific Lutheran University lands at #7 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $66,990 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,589 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Central Washington University lands at #8 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $61,580 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,476 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Gonzaga University lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $78,892 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $35,119 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Seattle Pacific University lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $64,506 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,488 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Bellevue College lands at #11 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $56,310 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,430 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Eastern Washington University lands at #12 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $57,897 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,886 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Whitworth University lands at #13 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $58,561 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,534 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,163 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of Puget Sound lands at #15 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $69,594 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,394 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Tacoma Community College lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (65/100). Graduates earn a median $47,168 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,376 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Whatcom Community College lands at #17 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $44,092 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,795 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
South Puget Sound Community College lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (66/100). Graduates earn a median $45,039 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,132 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Walla Walla University lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $61,885 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,329 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Clark College lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (65/100). Graduates earn a median $42,356 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,465 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Columbia Basin College lands at #21 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $46,680 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,317 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Bothell, WA · 91% accepted · $12,319 net
Why it ranks #22
University of Washington-Bothell Campus lands at #22 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (32/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,319 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Cascadia College lands at #23 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $54,133 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,281 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Green River College lands at #24 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $50,712 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Seattle Central College lands at #25 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $43,307 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,819 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Edmonds College lands at #26 with a 60/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (50/100). Graduates earn a median $48,144 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,010 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Highline College lands at #27 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,869 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,879 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Pierce College District lands at #28 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $47,532 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,222 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Spokane Falls Community College lands at #29 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,955 a decade after enrolling, 33% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,409 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Spokane Community College lands at #30 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,984 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,473 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Yakima Valley College lands at #31 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (44/100). Graduates earn a median $43,499 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,843 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 31 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Software Developers and related roles — a field with $132,270 median pay and 25% projected growth.
See the Software Developer career guide →Choosing the right computer science program can feel daunting, especially with so many options in Washington. Each of these schools offers a path toward a career in technology, where the average earnings for graduates reach $57,342. With the demand for tech professionals continuing to rise, families are weighing their choices carefully.
The best schools on this list are differentiated by important outcomes: graduation rates, average earnings, and the amount of debt students carry. These factors are crucial for assessing not just the value of a degree, but also its potential return on investment. As you explore the schools below, consider how they measure up in these categories and what that might mean for your future.
Take, for instance, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus, which boasts an impressive 84% graduation rate and a net price of $14,091. In contrast, Saint Martin's University has a lower graduation rate of 55% and a significantly higher net price of $28,119. These differences could influence your decision as you consider your academic goals and financial circumstances.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 19 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Saint Martin's University leads the group at 3%, with Eastern Washington University (1.9%) and Seattle University (1.9%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Tacoma Community College leads at 12.2%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 25.2% across this list. Seattle University posts the highest success rate at 40.3%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.59 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Seattle University reaches 1.85, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we compare the University of Washington-Bothell Campus and Washington State University, the differences in outcomes become clear. The Bothell Campus graduates 67% of its students, while WSU sees a graduation rate of 61%. However, WSU graduates have slightly higher average earnings at $68,905 compared to Bothell's $78,466. This suggests that while Bothell may have a stronger completion rate, WSU might offer better financial returns upon graduation.
As you weigh your options, think about what matters most to you. If a strong graduation rate is your priority, the University of Washington-Seattle Campus stands out. However, if you're looking for a balance of earnings and manageable debt, Washington State University could be worth considering. Look closely at how these factors align with your personal goals and financial situation.
Ultimately, the data here highlights a crucial truth: not all degrees are created equal. Families must consider how each school's outcomes translate into real-life opportunities. For example, students from the University of Washington campuses are likely to earn significantly more, setting them up for financial stability. This choice can shape not just a career, but a family's future.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington ranking? +
Saint Martin's University in Lacey, WA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $62,092 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 55% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Gonzaga University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $78,892 ten years after enrollment, well above the $57,726 average across the 31 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus leads: graduates earn a median $78,466 against net price of about $10,163 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Gonzaga University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 87%, compared with a 51% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $16,771 a year across the 31 ranked schools with cost data. Spokane Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,473. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 31 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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