Cheapest Computer Science Colleges in Washington

University of Washington-Bothell stands out with a net cost of just $10,898 while producing graduates earning $101,221 annually, creating the strongest return on investment among Washington's 15 Computer Science programs. This strong value reflects the state's tech-heavy economy, where Amazon and Microsoft headquarters drive high demand for skilled programmers. The cost gap between public and private options spans dramatically, from UW-Bothell's sub-$11,000 net price to University of Puget Sound's $38,920. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with five programs under $15,000, while the Washington College Grant helps qualifying students attend state schools tuition-free. Graduation rates vary widely, from Bellevue College's 33.5% to Gonzaga University's 86.9%, suggesting that program structure and student support differ significantly across institutions.

Programs

$10,898 – $38,920

Net Price Range

$72,683

Avg. Program Earnings

61.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Computer Science Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
2	Bellevue College Bellevue, Washington	$11,289	$4,305	33.5%
3	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893	$19,920	39.8%
4	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
5	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
6	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
7	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
8	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992	$33,027	64.2%
9	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820	$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
10	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
11	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
12	City University of Seattle Seattle, Washington	$35,049	$14,589	16.7%
13	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506	$61,492	81.0%	47.7%
14	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
15	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920	$59,900	67.9%	82.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Bothell the best value for Computer Science?

UW-Bothell combines the lowest net cost at $10,898 with the highest graduate earnings at $101,221, creating an strong return on investment. The school maintains a strong 68.2% graduation rate and accepts 88% of applicants. Students also graduate with relatively low debt at $15,351, making it accessible for most families.

How much can I save by choosing a public university over private options?

Public universities in Washington average around $12,000-$14,000 in net costs, while private schools range from $22,618 to $38,920. Washington State University costs $14,401 compared to Seattle University's $34,802, a difference of over $20,000 annually. The Washington College Grant covers full tuition at public colleges for qualifying students, making state schools even more affordable.

Do Computer Science graduates earn enough to justify the costs in Washington?

Most Washington Computer Science programs produce strong earnings, with graduates earning between $41,565 and $101,221 annually. The state's major tech employers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing create high demand for programming talent. Even graduates from moderately priced programs like Central Washington University earn $52,941, well above the national median income.

Which schools have the highest graduation rates for Computer Science students?

Gonzaga University leads with an 86.9% graduation rate, followed by University of Washington-Seattle at 83.7% and Whitman College at 81%. These schools also tend to be more selective, with UW-Seattle accepting just 47.5% of applicants. However, some affordable options like UW-Bothell maintain solid 68.2% graduation rates while being much more accessible.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.