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Suburban Colleges in Washington

17 schools in Washington. See our methodology.

University of Washington-Bothell Campus produces graduates earning $78,466 annually, the highest among Washington's 17 suburban colleges. This impressive outcome reflects the campus's connection to the state's tech corridor, where Amazon and Microsoft actively recruit from UW programs. The suburban college market spans dramatically different price points, from Lake Washington Institute of Technology's $5,886 net cost to Northwest University's $26,734. Community colleges like Cascadia and Shoreline serve as affordable pathways into Washington's job market, while private institutions like Pacific Lutheran University achieve 71% graduation rates. The Washington College Grant helps students navigate costs that vary by nearly $21,000 across suburban campuses. These schools collectively enroll over 31,000 students outside major urban centers, providing alternatives to Seattle's high living costs while maintaining access to the state's growing healthcare and aerospace sectors. Acceptance rates remain accessible, ranging from 74.4% to 94.3% at schools reporting this data.
17
Schools
$16,107
Avg. Net Price
$53,995
Avg. Earnings
46.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Suburban Colleges in Washington

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Suburb-Large 5,228 $10,898 68.2%
2 Suburb-Large 970 $12,612 41.2%
3 Suburb-Small 1,214 $23,992 64.2%
4 Suburb-Large 2,179 $5,886 39.8%
5 Suburb-Large 3,487 $10,878 38.6%
6 Suburb-Large 3,109 $10,116 32.4%
7 Suburb-Large 3,354 $13,461 33.2%
8 Suburb-Large 477 $26,734 30.8%
9 Suburb-Large 4,226 $8,302 27.7%
10 Suburb-Midsize 2,042 $22,585 43.6%
11 Suburb-Midsize 677 $7,625 26.9%
12 Suburb-Large 2,350 $21,370 71.0%
13 Suburb-Large 642 $25,161 63.5%
14 Suburb-Large 1,927 $25,884 68.4%
15 Suburb-Large 170
16 Suburb-Large 58
17 Suburb-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What suburban college offers the best return on investment in Washington?

University of Washington-Bothell Campus leads with graduates earning $78,466 annually at a net cost of $10,898. This 68.2% graduation rate institution connects students directly to major tech employers in the Seattle metro area while avoiding downtown living expenses.

How much do graduation rates vary among suburban Washington colleges?

Graduation rates span from 26.9% at Northwest Indian College to 71% at Pacific Lutheran University. Community colleges typically graduate 27-42% of students, while four-year institutions achieve 43-71% completion rates, reflecting different student populations and program structures.

Is attending a suburban college more affordable than urban options?

Net costs range from $5,886 at Lake Washington Institute to $26,734 at Northwest University's online programs. Community colleges average under $12,000 annually, while private four-year institutions cost $21,000-$26,000, both typically less than Seattle campus housing.

Does the Washington College Grant help with suburban college costs?

The state grant program directly reduces costs at these 17 suburban institutions. Students at community colleges like Columbia Basin ($8,302 net cost) and four-year schools benefit from this need-based aid, making education accessible across different income levels.

Where do suburban college graduates find employment in Washington?

Graduates enter Washington's major industries including tech (Amazon, Microsoft), healthcare systems, and Boeing's aerospace operations. Earnings range from $35,447 to $78,466, with technical programs and UW-Bothell connecting directly to high-paying regional employers.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.