# Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-08-03 | Schools: 31 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-washington

## Methodology

Computer Science programs in Washington ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Key Findings

- The University of Washington-Seattle Campus has the highest graduation rate at 84%.
- Saint Martin's University has a net price of $28,119, nearly double that of the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus at $10,163.
- Graduates from the University of Washington campuses earn $78,466 on average, significantly higher than the state average of $57,342.
- Washington State University graduates have an average debt of $19,500, which is lower than Saint Martin's $22,500.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Saint Martin's University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-martins-university) | Lacey, WA | 55% | $62,092 | $28,119 | $22,500 | 0.36x |
| 2 | [Washington State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/washington-state-university) | Pullman, WA | 61% | $68,905 | $14,971 | $19,500 | 0.28x |
| 3 | [Seattle University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-university) | Seattle, WA | 74% | $75,272 | $34,662 | $19,883 | 0.26x |
| 4 | [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-seattle-campus) | Seattle, WA | 84% | $78,466 | $14,091 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 5 | [Whitman College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whitman-college) | Walla Walla, WA | 81% | $67,589 | $33,313 | $18,437 | 0.27x |
| 6 | [Western Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-washington-university) | Bellingham, WA | 65% | $62,569 | $21,193 | $18,500 | 0.3x |
| 7 | [Pacific Lutheran University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pacific-lutheran-university) | Tacoma, WA | 70% | $66,990 | $19,589 | $22,578 | 0.34x |
| 8 | [Central Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-washington-university) | Ellensburg, WA | 52% | $61,580 | $18,476 | $19,500 | 0.32x |
| 9 | [Gonzaga University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gonzaga-university) | Spokane, WA | 87% | $78,892 | $35,119 | $24,454 | 0.31x |
| 10 | [Seattle Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-pacific-university) | Seattle, WA | 62% | $64,506 | $24,488 | $24,000 | 0.37x |
| 11 | [Bellevue College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellevue-college) | Bellevue, WA | 35% | $56,310 | $11,430 | $12,375 | 0.22x |
| 12 | [Eastern Washington University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-washington-university) | Cheney, WA | 45% | $57,897 | $13,886 | $19,500 | 0.34x |
| 13 | [Whitworth University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whitworth-university) | Spokane, WA | 70% | $58,561 | $26,534 | $25,000 | 0.43x |
| 14 | [University of Washington-Tacoma Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-tacoma-campus) | Tacoma, WA | 63% | $78,466 | $10,163 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 15 | [University of Puget Sound](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-puget-sound) | Tacoma, WA | 68% | $69,594 | $38,394 | $25,000 | 0.36x |
| 16 | [Tacoma Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tacoma-community-college) | Tacoma, WA | 32% | $47,168 | $8,376 | $13,000 | 0.28x |
| 17 | [Whatcom Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/whatcom-community-college) | Bellingham, WA | 36% | $44,092 | $11,795 | $10,643 | 0.24x |
| 18 | [South Puget Sound Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-puget-sound-community-college) | Olympia, WA | 44% | $45,039 | $9,132 | $11,000 | 0.24x |
| 19 | [Walla Walla University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/walla-walla-university) | College Place, WA | 62% | $61,885 | $23,329 | $26,842 | 0.43x |
| 20 | [Clark College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clark-college) | Vancouver, WA | 37% | $42,356 | $11,465 | $10,881 | 0.26x |
| 21 | [Columbia Basin College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/columbia-basin-college) | Pasco, WA | 30% | $46,680 | $8,317 | $14,829 | 0.32x |
| 22 | [University of Washington-Bothell Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-washington-bothell-campus) | Bothell, WA | 67% | $78,466 | $12,319 | $14,615 | 0.19x |
| 23 | [Cascadia College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/cascadia-college) | Bothell, WA | 37% | $54,133 | $12,281 | $6,368 | 0.12x |
| 24 | [Green River College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/green-river-college) | Auburn, WA | 40% | $50,712 | $13,803 | $11,891 | 0.23x |
| 25 | [Seattle Central College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/seattle-central-college) | Seattle, WA | 31% | $43,307 | $8,819 | $12,000 | 0.28x |
| 26 | [Edmonds College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edmonds-college) | Lynnwood, WA | 31% | $48,144 | $11,010 | $11,855 | 0.25x |
| 27 | [Highline College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/highline-college) | Des Moines, WA | 37% | $47,869 | $9,879 | $9,500 | 0.2x |
| 28 | [Pierce College District](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pierce-college-district) | Lakewood, WA | 31% | $47,532 | $10,222 | $12,000 | 0.25x |
| 29 | [Spokane Falls Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spokane-falls-community-college) | Spokane, WA | 31% | $38,955 | $7,409 | $12,000 | 0.31x |
| 30 | [Spokane Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/spokane-community-college) | Spokane, WA | 35% | $41,984 | $5,473 | $13,501 | 0.32x |
| 31 | [Yakima Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yakima-valley-college) | Yakima, WA | 31% | $43,499 | $11,843 | $13,966 | 0.32x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Computer Science Colleges in Washington." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-08-03. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-computer-science-washington

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.