Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Washington

South Seattle College stands out as the most affordable option for teacher education in Washington, with a net cost of just $6,802 compared to the $36,371 at Gonzaga University. This $29,569 gap highlights the dramatic cost differences between public community colleges and private universities in the state. Teacher education graduates across Washington's 16 programs earn between $41,193 and $44,818 annually, positioning them well in a state where Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing create steady demand for skilled educators to train the next generation of tech and aerospace workers. The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers the highest graduation rate at 83.70% while maintaining a relatively affordable $13,485 net cost. Meanwhile, schools like Eastern Washington University accept 96.12% of applicants, providing accessible pathways into teaching careers that support Washington's growing economy.

Programs

$6,802 – $38,920

Net Price Range

$43,478

Avg. Program Earnings

60.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	South Seattle College Seattle, Washington	$6,802	$4,865	26.2%
2	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893	$19,920	39.8%
3	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
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	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
8	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
9	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992	$33,027	64.2%
10	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820	$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
11	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161	$36,035	63.5%	94.3%
12	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
13	Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland, Washington	$26,734	$14,652	30.8%
14	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
15	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
16	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920	$59,900	67.9%	82.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,569 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive teacher education programs in Washington?

South Seattle College's $6,802 net cost reflects the affordability of community college teacher preparation programs, while Gonzaga University's $36,371 represents premium private education. Public universities like Eastern Washington University ($13,091) and University of Washington-Seattle ($13,485) fall in the middle range. The Washington College Grant significantly reduces costs at public institutions for qualifying students.

How do teacher education earnings compare across different Washington universities?

Western Washington University graduates earn the highest at $44,818 annually, while Eastern Washington University graduates start at $41,193. The $3,625 earnings difference is relatively small compared to the dramatic cost variations between schools. Pacific Lutheran University graduates earn $44,551 despite the school's $21,370 net cost, showing strong return on investment.

Is the University of Washington-Seattle worth the higher cost for teacher education?

With an 83.70% graduation rate and $43,426 average earnings, UW-Seattle produces successful teachers despite its $13,485 net cost. The school accepts only 47.52% of applicants, making it the most selective teacher education program in the state. Students pay more but gain access to Seattle's extensive school district network and educational resources.

Where can students find the most accessible teacher education programs in Washington?

Eastern Washington University accepts 96.12% of applicants with a $13,091 net cost, making it highly accessible. Central Washington University also welcomes 93.49% of applicants at $14,715 net cost. These public universities provide affordable pathways into teaching careers with graduation rates of 47.20% and 49.90% respectively.

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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.