At $5,886/yr net price, Lake Washington Institute of Technology graduates earn $50,669/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,669/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,886 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,669/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,669/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 39.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,047 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,219/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,827/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,977/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,820/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,351/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $65,797 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $64,659 | $13,986 |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $51,482 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $49,729 | |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $43,798 | |
| Precision Metal Working. | Associate | $38,289 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $37,568 | $15,500 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $35,594 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $29,685 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Certificate | $28,816 |
The Risk Factor
39.8% of students at Lake Washington Institute of Technology graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lake Washington Institute of Technology delivers solid financial returns for a technical college, with low debt and strong earnings in healthcare programs. Your median debt of $15,047 stays well below national averages, while the $5,886 annual net price makes this one of the most affordable options in the Seattle metro area.
Dental support and nursing programs stand out financially, with graduates earning over $64,000 annually. These healthcare tracks benefit directly from Washington's high medical wages and chronic staffing shortages. Drafting and design engineering also perform well at $51,482, reflecting strong regional demand from Boeing, Amazon, and other tech employers.
The 40% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. You face real odds of leaving without a degree, potentially carrying debt with no credential to show for it. Computer networking graduates earn just $43,798 despite the school's tech-heavy region, suggesting these programs may not align well with local industry needs.
This school works best if you want hands-on technical training without the debt load of a traditional four-year degree. Healthcare-focused students get strong value here. The low percentage receiving aid (12%) suggests most students pay the already-reasonable sticker price rather than qualifying for significant need-based assistance.
Skip Lake Washington if you need extensive academic support or prefer a traditional college experience. The low graduation rate signals that students struggling with self-direction often don't finish. Also avoid the networking program when other Seattle-area schools offer better tech outcomes for similar costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Washington Institute of Technology worth the cost?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers strong value with a low net price of $5,886 per year and graduates earning $50,669 annually after 10 years. However, the 39.8% graduation rate means many students don't finish their programs.
Which programs at Lake Washington Institute of Technology have the best job prospects?
Dental support services and nursing programs at Lake Washington Institute of Technology lead to the highest earnings, with graduates making around $65,000 annually. Engineering technology and design programs also pay well at roughly $50,000 per year.
How much debt do Lake Washington Institute of Technology graduates have?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology graduates typically leave with $15,047 in debt, which is manageable given the low annual cost and decent earning potential. The debt-to-income ratio is reasonable for most programs.
What are the risks of attending Lake Washington Institute of Technology?
The biggest risk at Lake Washington Institute of Technology is the low 39.8% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't complete their programs. Students who do graduate generally see good returns on their investment.