Upon graduating from high school, the majority of students look into college admission. There are many factors that need to be considered since such a choice can determine their whole life. Questions such as the location, field of study as well as costs need to be answered before applying.
However, paying for college doesn’t have to mean being in debt for the rest of your life. There is a wide array of schools that offer cheap tuition fees as well as various financial aid packages, which can help decide to enroll way easier. For example, the state of Washington owns many cheap colleges in beautiful locations.
The state of Washington is incredibly popular with international students. It epitomizes the American lifestyle in a safe and friendly environment. In this article, we will be looking at the cheapest universities in Washington. Because of the diversity of this state, each college has professional advisors to help international students settle into life here.
Affordable Universities and Colleges in Washington
1. Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Kirkland
- In-State Tuition Fees – $2,748
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $7,683
- International Tuition Fees – $7,683
This is the only public institute of technology, in Washington. Kirkland itself is home to companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Nintendo. If looking for opportunities at these companies, it would perhaps be advantageous to attend this institution in the hopes of being selected for an internship.
Despite being a relatively small college, its tuition fees are incredibly low. It is one of the cheapest universities in Washington. It does only provide 8 different Bachelor’s degrees, so your educational needs would have to be quite specific if wanting to attend here.
2. Bellevue College, Bellevue
- In-State Tuition Fees – $3,468
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $8,821
- International Tuition Fees – $8,821
Bellevue College is the third largest institute of higher learning in Washington. Located in a 100-acre wooded area, it combines a beautiful location with a solid education. Its highest enrolled programs are Business and Accounting and IT. The college makes a point of mentioning the quality of transfer degrees. Many students that attend here transfer with a junior status after earning associate degrees.
The tuition in this university in Washington is very cheap and it no doubt entices many people from Washington State. Also, its out-of-state and international fees are also extremely low.
3. Central Washington University, Ellensburg
- In-State Tuition Fees – $6,037
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $20,144
- International Tuition Fees – $20,144
Central Washington University is ranked as one of the top 40 schools in the west for providing quality education at an affordable price. It offers over 135 majors with its most popular programs being Elementary Education and Teaching and General Psychology. If on-campus studying is not an option, this university is one of the top two online colleges in Washington.
Although its out-of-state and international tuition fees are more than three times the amount of in-state fees, the university welcomed more than 400 students from 36 countries, just last year. This gives an idea of the quality of education it provides.
4. Northwest Indian College, Bellingham
- In-State Tuition Fees – $4,032
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $4,032
- International Tuition Fees – $4,032
Only 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Northwest Indian College provides specific education for Native Indians. It is an accredited tribal college serving Washington State. Its most popular programs include Native Studies Leadership and Tribal Governance and Business Management. The college’s ethic promotes Indigenous self-determination and knowledge.
Because of the specific nature of these colleges degree programs, it is unlikely to attract people from out-of-state or other countries. This is perhaps the reason that it does not vary its tuition fees depending on the student’s location. Although a very niche college, it is important to include this institution as it provides an important education at a very affordable price.
5. The Evergreen State College, Olympia
- In-State Tuition Fees – $6,678
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $24,138
- International Tuition Fees – $24,138
The Evergreen State College has a slightly different approach to learning than other colleges in the U.S. Instead of basing a students’ progress purely on grades, it focuses on narrative evaluations. The structure of their educational system also allows students to combine a variety of different academic programs. According to Washington Monthly, Evergreen is the third-best university for completing your Master’s degree. They actually pride themselves on their Master of Environmental Studies program.
With all of these accreditations, there is no wonder that the out-of-state and international fees are so high in comparison to other colleges, in the state. However, it is the second cheapest university in Washington in terms of in-state tuition and fees.
6. Columbia Basin College, Pasco
- In-State Tuition Fees – $3,944
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $5,920
- International Tuition Fees – $5,920
Columbia Basin College can offer a variety of programs including one-year certificates, as well as two-year and four-year degrees. It is important to note that it provides English as a second language as one of its programs. Although not a very well-known college, it has attributes that are quite impressive. It is home to the Bechtel National Planetarium, the Elisabeth Moore Observatory, and even a research farm.
This is a cheap tuition institution in Washington. However, its quality of education is not to be scoffed at. The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition fees is incredibly small, and the college is certainly worth looking into if you are not eligible for financial aid.
7. Seattle Community College Central Campus, Seattle
- In-State Tuition Fees – $3,468
- Out-of-State Tuition Fees – $3,468
- International Tuition Fees – $3,468
Our last cheap institution in Washington is Seattle Community College, a thriving institution that attracts many students from around the world. The top three countries represented in its student population are China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. It is one of the most diverse colleges in Washington State with students from 83 countries. In alignment with its cultural diversity, the college has a Vietnamese Student Association. Social Science/STEM is the most popular degree program here.
There is no wonder that this college is one of the most diverse. Its tuition fees are the same across the board, no matter where a student is from. Not only are they the same, but they are some of the lowest in Washington. If considering moving to the U.S from an Asian country, this college would be a very comfortable place to receive an education and immerse slowly into American life.
8. Shoreline Community College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $108.83
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $200.16
- International Students Tuition (per credit hour): $286.70
- All Tuition Fees
Shoreline Community College offers more than 100 programs, courses, and degrees. Moreover, it’s also home to over 900 international students from around the world. While attending this cheap community college in Washington, students are able to attend various shows and events throughout the year. What’s more, this college offers dozens of scholarships and financial aid packages to the majority of its students.
9. Pierce College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $110.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $124.85
- International Students Tuition (per credit hour): $288.13
- All Tuition Fees
Pierce College is one of the biggest colleges in Washington, having over 17,000 students each year. This institution has many campuses all over the state and offers a wide array of courses in fields, such as Humanities, Healthcare, Education or STEM. What’s more, this school is accredited by various agencies, which help provide its students with scholarships and admission to universities.
10. Seattle Central College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $110.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $124.85
- International Student Tuition (per credit hour): $288.13
- All Tuition Fees
With over 25 fields of study, Seattle Central College offers career training, certificates, bachelor’s degrees as well as high school programs for those who didn’t graduate. Located in the heart of Seattle, there are also many other activities that the students can partake in in this cheap college in Washington, such as sightseeing, or visiting the famous Space Needle.
11. North Seattle College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $110.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $124.85
- International Students Tuition (per credit hour): $288.13
- All Tuition Fees
This college was founded in 1970 and each year, it enrolls around 18,000 students. North Seattle College offers more than 40 career training, continuing education, degrees, and college preparation programs. Due to its attractive location, this school is a popular choice for many prospective students looking for quality teaching as well as a good location.
12. Tacoma Community College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $110.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $124.85
- International Student Tuition (per credit hour): $288.13
- All Tuition Fees
This cheap college in Washington offers degrees, certificates, English-learning, high school credits, and many more programs. Tacoma Community College is open for admission to all students, regardless of their nationality and citizenship. What’s more, this school has a wide array of scholarships and financial aids and the majority of its students are eligible.
13. Olympic College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $110.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $124.85
- International Student Tuition (per credit hour): $288.13
- All Tuition Fees
Located in Bremerton, this public community college first opened in 1946. Olympic College offers college transfer, degrees, certificates and alternate programs in various fields of study. Moreover, this school allows its students to adjust their class schedules as well as tuition payments so that everyone can afford to attend it.
14. Renton Technical College
- In-State Tuition (per credit hour): $127.26
- Out-of-State Tuition (per credit hour): $141.85
- International Student Tuition (per year): $305.13
- All Tuition Fees
Renton Technical College offers courses in Culinary Arts, Business Management, Health & Human Services, just to name a few. This technical college assures that its students have an 85% guaranteed job placement after graduating as well as it helps them in acquiring various internship positions. Since its foundation 75 years ago, this school is one of the best community colleges in the United States.
15. Peninsula College
- In-State Tuition (per year): $141.76
- Out-of-State Tuition (per year): $156.35
- International Student Tuition (per credit hour): $319.63
- All Tuition Fees
Peninsula College, one of the cheapest colleges in Washington, was established in 1961 and is located in Port Angeles. It offers various bachelor’s and associate degrees, transfer programs, professional training and many more. Moreover, it offers online classes as well as distance learning for those who are not able to physically attend classes. It’s a relatively small college, serving around 2,000 students per year, which makes it an appealing choice for those who prefer smaller classrooms and close contact with their professors.
16. Spokane Community College
- In-State Tuition (per semester): $1,375.50
- Out-of-State Tuition (per semester): $1,696.50
- International Student Tuition (per semester): $3,190.45
- All Tuition Fees
Spokane Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the state of Washington. Some of its programs include cosmetology, healthcare, culinary arts, welding, and many more. This cheap college in Washington owns six campuses all over Spokane and gives its students support as well as scholarships for other four-year colleges or universities.
Overall, Washington is a fantastic location of choice for any student. It combines natural beauty with a lively, young scene in the urban areas. It has a variety of opportunities to suit everyone’s needs. It is especially popular with international students which have created a beautiful society of cultural diversity.
We hope that this article on cheap universities in Washington was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
