2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Washington
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Washington? We have ranked 97 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed 46 schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Washington
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Bellevue College this year in Washington. Based in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,839. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $18,839 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue College
You'll get strong value at Highline Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Des Moines, WA, Highline Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $5,332. The median Science & Tech program debt is $8,958. Highline Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,869 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $8,958 median debt. See the full Highline Community College profile
A rank of #3 makes Olympic College one of the best values in Washington. Located in Bremerton, WA, Olympic College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,472, while out-of-state students pay about $9,740. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $11,497. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,169. That is a strong return on a $11,497 median debt. See the full Olympic College profile
You'll get strong value at Seattle Community College North Campus, which ranked #4 this year. Seattle Community College North Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $5,238 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,796. Seattle Community College North Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,643 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,728. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Seattle Community College North Campus
Spokane Falls Community College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Washington. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $17,031 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. That is a strong return on a $17,031 median debt. Read more about Spokane Falls Community College
Centralia College placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Washington. Based in Centralia, WA, Centralia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,266, with out-of-state students paying around $5,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,140. See the full Centralia College profile
Spokane Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Spokane, WA, Spokane Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $16,486 to complete their Science & Tech program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,984. That is a strong return on a $16,486 median debt. Get the full Spokane Community College report
Bellingham Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in Washington this year. Set in Bellingham, WA, Bellingham Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,431 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,809. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,748. Read the full report on Bellingham Technical College
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,997, while out-of-state students pay about $12,062. Students borrow a median of $19,695 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $50,669 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,695 median debt. Read the full report on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Seattle Community College Central Campus landed the #10 spot for value in Washington this year. Seattle Community College Central Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,238, compared with $5,796 for out-of-state students. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Seattle Community College Central Campus
Everett Community College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Everett, WA, Everett Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,032, while out-of-state students pay about $11,171. Students borrow a median of $13,542 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Everett Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,434 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Everett Community College profile
Clark College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Vancouver, WA, Clark College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,233, while out-of-state students pay about $11,183. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,432. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,356. That is a strong return on a $15,432 median debt. Read more about Clark College
Wenatchee Valley College landed the #13 spot for value in Washington this year. Wenatchee Valley College is a public school based in Wenatchee, WA. Students from in state pay about $4,552 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,054 for out-of-state students. Wenatchee Valley College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,462 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,127 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $11,462 median debt. Read more about Wenatchee Valley College
Lower Columbia College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Longview, WA, Lower Columbia College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,626 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,003 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,340 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,691. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lower Columbia College
Whatcom Community College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Bellingham, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,296, while out-of-state students pay about $11,435. Students borrow a median of $16,588 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Whatcom Community College alumni report median earnings of $44,092 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,588 median debt. Get the full Whatcom Community College report
Tacoma Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Tacoma Community College is a public school based in Tacoma, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,507, while out-of-state students pay about $11,646. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,822. Median earnings reach $47,168 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,822 median debt. Read more about Tacoma Community College
Skagit Valley College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Skagit Valley College is a public school based in Mount Vernon, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,400, while out-of-state students pay about $7,410. The median Science & Tech program debt is $14,056. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,505. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Skagit Valley College
Columbia Basin College landed the #18 spot for value in Washington this year. This public school is set in Pasco, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,555, while out-of-state students pay about $8,668. Columbia Basin College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,170 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,680. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Basin College profile
Walla Walla Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Walla Walla, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,279, compared with $6,700 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,526. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. Read more about Walla Walla Community College
Yakima Valley Community College landed the #20 spot for value in Washington this year. Based in Yakima, WA, Yakima Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,312, with out-of-state students paying around $5,873. Yakima Valley Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $14,649 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,499. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Yakima Valley Community College report
Clover Park Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Lakewood, WA, Clover Park Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,634 in tuition and fees. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $15,154. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,787 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Clover Park Technical College
Grays Harbor College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Aberdeen, WA, Grays Harbor College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,593, compared with $12,553 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,524 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,865. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Grays Harbor College report
Central Washington University landed the #23 spot for value in Washington this year. Set in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, with out-of-state students paying around $27,526. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $21,988. Central Washington University alumni report median earnings of $61,580 a decade after entry. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Central Washington University
Renton Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Renton, WA, Renton Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,330, compared with $7,768 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,582. Renton Technical College alumni report median earnings of $49,782 a decade after entry. Set against $18,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Renton Technical College report
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Western Washington University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Washington
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus landed the #26 spot for value in Washington this year. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a public school based in Tacoma, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, while out-of-state students pay about $43,404. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,151. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,151 median debt. University Of Washington Tacoma Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Eastern Washington University placed #27 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Washington. Based in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,754. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,897. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Eastern Washington University report
Peninsula College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This public school is set in Port Angeles, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,718, compared with $5,270 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,730 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,078. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Peninsula College profile
University Of Washington Bothell Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,919, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,636. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Washington Bothell Campus
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Science & Tech students take on a median of $16,481 in debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Washington State University landed the #31 spot for value in Washington this year. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,903. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Washington State University
City University Of Seattle placed #32 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Washington. Based in Seattle, WA, City University Of Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,929. City University Of Seattle Science & Tech students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on City University Of Seattle
Heritage University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Toppenish, WA, Heritage University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,928. Students borrow a median of $19,148 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,416. That is a strong return on a $19,148 median debt. See the full Heritage University profile
Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kirkland, WA, Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,652. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,366. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,366 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest University College Of Adult And Professional Studies
Seattle University landed the #36 spot for value in Washington this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,721. Students borrow a median of $22,289 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Seattle University
Gonzaga University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,188. Median earnings reach $78,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gonzaga University profile
Whitworth University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,880. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $26,051. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $26,051 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Whitworth University
Seattle Pacific University landed the #39 spot for value in Washington this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,506. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Seattle Pacific University has an acceptance rate of 83%. See the full Seattle Pacific University profile
Saint Martins University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Lacey, WA, Saint Martins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,510. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,818. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,092. Set against $22,818 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Martins University
Antioch University Seattle offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Antioch University Seattle is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $26,260 in tuition and fees. The median Science & Tech program debt is $29,832. Antioch University Seattle alumni report median earnings of $51,541 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,832 median debt. More on Antioch University Seattle
Northwest University landed the #42 spot for value in Washington this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Kirkland, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,035. The median Science & Tech program debt is $22,439. Northwest University alumni report median earnings of $54,914 a decade after entry. Set against $22,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northwest University
Pacific Lutheran University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Tacoma, WA, Pacific Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,667 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,990. Set against $23,667 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Pacific Lutheran University
Walla Walla University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Walla Walla University is a private not-for-profit school based in College Place, WA. Students from in state pay about $34,227 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,635 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,885 ten years out. Set against $27,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walla Walla University
University Of Puget Sound landed the #45 spot for value in Washington this year. Located in Tacoma, WA, University Of Puget Sound is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,898. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,287. University Of Puget Sound alumni report median earnings of $69,594 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Puget Sound has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of Puget Sound report
Whitman College landed the #46 spot for value in Washington this year. Set in Walla Walla, WA, Whitman College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,050 in tuition and fees. Whitman College Science & Tech students take on a median of $17,518 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,589 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Whitman College
Glen Dow Academy Of Hair Design offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Glen Dow Academy Of Hair Design
Shoreline Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Shoreline Community College profile
Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett placed #48 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Washington. Read more about Evergreen Beauty And Barber College Everett
Stylemaster College Of Hair Design offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. See the full Stylemaster College Of Hair Design profile
Seattle Institute Of Oriental Medicine ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Get the full Seattle Institute Of Oriental Medicine report
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 46 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 97 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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