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 gives you cheap access and a decent payoff, with one big catch. At $5,886 a year net, this is one of the least expensive four-year options you'll find, and the median debt of $15,047 is low enough that most borrowers can clear it without wrecking their budget. Median earnings of about $51,000 ten years out won't make you rich, but against what you pay to get there, the math works.
The catch is the graduation rate. Under 40% of students finish. That's the central financial risk here: if you take on debt and don't complete, you carry the cost without the earnings bump that makes it worthwhile. The low net price softens the blow, but a non-completion still leaves you worse off.
The one bachelor-level program with reported earnings, Design and Applied Arts, lands right around the school median at just under $50,000. That's a solid outcome for a design credential, but it's the only program-level data available, so treat the rest of the catalog as unknown. Don't assume every path here pays the same.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay under $4,000 a year, cheaper than many community colleges. Above $110,000, your price jumps to $15,351, roughly triple the bottom tier, which changes the value calculation if you're paying full freight.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost, career-focused credential and you're confident you'll finish. If completion is uncertain for you, or you're a high-income family paying the top tier for an unproven program, look harder at the odds before committing.
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.