Best Community Colleges in Washington State of 2023

Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, WA, is the best community college in Washington. Students can pursue a wide range of certificates and degrees in subjects like business, agriculture, aviation, biology, engineering, and mathematics. Individuals that need guidance can meet with an adviser to explore their career options and plan an educational pathway that suits their interests. High school students can get a head start by enrolling in dual-credit programs, and students interested in pursuing a four-year degree can meet with a counselor to explore their transfer options. Big Bend Community College also provides a wide range of on-campus activities and amenities for students, including athletics programs, student clubs, and an on-campus writing center.

Walla Walla Community College stands out as the community college with the highest graduation rate out of the schools we reviewed. 50% of students complete their education at WWCC, showcasing the school’s dedication to providing high-quality education and student support services. Students at WWCC can choose from a variety of educational pathways like educational and social sciences, business and consumer services, and transitional studies. Walla Walla Community College also offers several unique majors, including carpentry and energy systems technology. The school provides online courses for students that need flexible schedules, and their Career Services Department offers workshops, mock interviews, resume-building services, and advising sessions to help students get the most out of their degrees.

Everett Community College offers a variety of university transfer, professional, technical, vocational, job skills, basic skills, and personal enrichment courses across eight academic pathways. Programs range from popular majors like accounting and biology to less common programs like fire science and mechatronics. EvCC stands out by offering a high-quality transitional studies program, which helps individuals earn GED certificates and develop their English and math skills before transferring into an associate or certificate program. Through the Corporate and Continuing Education Center, EvCC helps businesses train their employees and provides professional development courses and certifications to help individuals advance their careers. Working professionals can also enroll in online classes to pursue their degrees on their own schedules.

South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, WA, offers unique programs like cultural studies, manufacturing, and machining through 10 different educational pathways. The school offers several associate’s degrees and direct transfer agreement programs for students planning to pursue four-year degrees. SPSCC stands out from other community colleges in the area by providing innovative learning opportunities like learning communities. Learning communities allow students to combine two or more courses in the same classroom, enabling students to connect with their peers and professors while integrating different disciplines and subjects. SPSCC is also a smart choice for working professionals as the school offers evening and online classes that let students plan their education around their other obligations.

Students interested in pursuing a STEM degree at a four-year university should have Shoreline Community College at the top of their lists. The school offers transfer degrees in general studies, natural sciences, and physical sciences, allowing students to begin their studies at Shoreline before finishing at a four-year university. Shoreline Community College provides programs for students with varying backgrounds and goals. Adult learners, for example, benefit from flexible online classes, while career training and technical programs help working professionals advance their careers. SCC also provides GED preparation programs and college readiness courses for students interested in returning to school and completing their education. Advising and tutoring services are available to all students at no cost, and the school’s career and personal support services help ensure students are set up for success following graduation.

Bellevue College offers Washington residents an incredibly affordable education. At only $116.05 per credit, Bellevue’s resident tuition rates are highly competitive compared to other community colleges in the area. Bellevue College offers a wide range of programs of study, including anthropology, art, accounting, geology, mathematics, and philosophy. Unlike many community colleges, Bellevue College also offers bachelor’s degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in computer science, digital marketing, and nursing. Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete a separate application. Bellevue supports students throughout their education via a variety of helpful services, including academic advising, on-campus and online tutoring, counseling, career support services, and technology training.

Students that want to ensure they receive personalized instruction should strongly consider Edmonds College. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 13-to-one, Edmonds College in Lynnwood, WA, can provide exceptional support to each of its students, helping them graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to enter the workforce or pursue a four-year degree. The school has an open admissions policy, making it accessible to all students with a high school diploma or GED, and Edmonds offers credit for life experiences, helping experienced professionals complete their degrees more quickly. Edmonds College also stands out by providing FastTrack programs. These programs can be completed in six months or less and allow students to enter the job market as quickly as possible. FastTrack programs include home health aide, desktop support, basic bookkeeping, android development, and business management.

Based in Vancouver, WA, Clark College is a great choice for high school students that want to earn college credit and get a head start on their degrees. Clark College participates in Washington’s Running Start program, which allows high school students to attend college classes and earn college credit tuition-free. Clark College’s areas of study span many in-demand disciplines, including business, manufacturing, communication, science, engineering, healthcare, and education. At $122.73 per credit, Clark College is already affordable for residents, and students can offset their education costs further via scholarships. The Clark College Foundation scholarship program awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students annually. The school also hosts a financial wellness program to help students manage their personal finances. This program offers quarterly finance workshops, one-on-one financial coaching, and resources to help students plan and achieve their financial goals.

Bates Technical College is located in Tacoma, WA, near Seattle and Olympia. The college offers courses across three campuses, and students can access a wide range of on-campus resources. This includes career advising services, a veteran’s center, disability support services, workforce education services, math boot camps, tutoring centers, and many other valuable resources designed to support students throughout their time at Bates Technical College. To enroll, students must provide proof of high school graduation or GED completion. Before getting started, they’ll need to attend a virtual information session, apply for financial aid, establish college placement, and register for classes. Students can choose from a wide range of programs, ranging from accounting and digital media to cybersecurity and software development. The school also offers continuing education courses to help professionals advance their careers or pursue new careers.

With 57 areas of study, Centralia College gives students the option to pursue a wide range of careers and disciplines. These areas of study include popular majors like accounting, office administration, nursing, and education. Centralia also offers a selection of bachelor’s degree programs, including applied management, diesel technology, behavioral healthcare, and information technology. Centralia College is an excellent choice for students that need help paying for college due to the school’s focus on helping students get the financial aid they need to pursue their degrees. The financial aid office works with students to help them apply for federal financial aid, find scholarships they may be eligible for, and find work-study opportunities.