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Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington

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2023 Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington

21 Schools Ranked
$4,805 Avg Tuition & Fees*

With all the trade school programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses.

The Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking is one of many tools that Trade College Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 21 schools in Washington to see which basic certificate programs offered the best educational experiences for trade school students.

View our full ranking methodology.

Top Trade Basic Certificate Schools in Washington

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

North Seattle College

Seattle, Washington
180 Total Awards
$5,058 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found North Seattle College to be the best school for trade school students who want to pursue a basic certificate in Washington. North Seattle is a public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 180 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at North Seattle is $5,058. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,547.

Some students may be able to take online classes at North Seattle. In fact, around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on North Seattle College

#2

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
773 Total Awards
$4,472 Average Tuition & Fees

Out of the 21 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Olympic College landed the # 2 spot on the list. OC is a public institution located in Bremerton, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 773 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at OC is $4,472. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,740.

Online courses are available at OC, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 91% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Olympic College Report

#3

Centralia College

Centralia, Washington
114 Total Awards
$4,891 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Centralia College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Centralia College is a small public school situated in Centralia, Washington. It awarded 114 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Centralia College is $4,891. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,381.

Online courses are available at Centralia College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 63% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#4

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington
73 Total Awards
$4,865 Average Tuition & Fees

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Seattle Central College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small public school awarded 73 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Seattle Central is $4,865. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,354.

Online courses are available at Seattle Central, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. In 2020-2021 about 63% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Seattle Central College Report

#5

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
571 Total Awards
$3,928 Average Tuition & Fees

The excellent basic certificate programs at Spokane Community College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Washington. Located in Spokane, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 571 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Spokane Community College full time pay an average of $3,928 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,278.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Spokane Community College. During the 2020-2021 year, about 50% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Spokane Community College Report

#6

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
245 Total Awards
$4,095 Average Tuition & Fees

Bellingham Technical College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 245 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute is $4,095. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,357.

Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2020-2021 year, about 73% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

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#7

Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, Washington
523 Total Awards
$4,901 Average Tuition & Fees

Tacoma Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #7 on the list. Tacoma Community College is located in Tacoma, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 523 basic certificates to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,901 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Tacoma Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,649.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Tacoma Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 92% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Tacoma Community College Report

#8

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, Washington
834 Total Awards
$5,979 Average Tuition & Fees

Clover Park Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. CPTC is located in Lakewood, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 834 basic certificates to qualified students.

The average tuition and fees at CPTC is $5,979. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at CPTC. During the 2020-2021 year, about 43% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#9

Whatcom Community College

Bellingham, Washington
352 Total Awards
$4,982 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #9, Whatcom Community College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Whatcom Community College is located in Bellingham, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 352 basic certificates to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,982 in tuition and fees if they attend Whatcom Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,731.

One thing to take note of is that Whatcom Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 86% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Whatcom Community College Report

#10

Columbia Basin College

Pasco, Washington
141 Total Awards
$5,959 Average Tuition & Fees

Columbia Basin College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Columbia Basin College is a medium-sized public school located in Pasco, Washington that handed out 141 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $5,959 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend CBC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,738.

Some students may be able to take online classes at CBC. In 2020-2021 about 84% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Columbia Basin College Report

#11

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, Washington
259 Total Awards
$4,748 Average Tuition & Fees

Skagit Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #11 on the list. This small public school is located in Mount Vernon, Washington, and it awarded 259 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,748 in tuition and fees if they attend Skagit Valley College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,888.

Skagit Valley College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 64% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#12

Big Bend Community College

Moses Lake, Washington
166 Total Awards
$4,744 Average Tuition & Fees

Big Bend Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #12 on the list. Big Bend Community College is a small public school situated in Moses Lake, Washington. It awarded 166 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Big Bend Community College is $4,744. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,234.

Big Bend Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 74% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#13

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, Washington
322 Total Awards
$4,998 Average Tuition & Fees

Yakima Valley College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Yakima, Washington, the small public school handed out 322 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at YVC is $4,998. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,488.

YVC does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#14

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
92 Total Awards

Walla Walla Community College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Walla Walla Community College is a small public school situated in Walla Walla, Washington. It awarded 92 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Walla Walla Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In 2020-2021 about 55% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#15

Clark College

Vancouver, Washington
90 Total Awards
$4,529 Average Tuition & Fees

Clark College ranked #15 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Vancouver, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 90 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,529 in tuition and fees if they attend Clark College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,133.

Clark College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In 2020-2021 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Clark College Report

#16

Renton Technical College

Renton, Washington
178 Total Awards
$5,784 Average Tuition & Fees

Renton Technical College ranked #16 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Renton, Washington, the small public school handed out 178 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Renton Technical College is $5,784. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,252.

Renton Technical College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Renton Technical College

#17

Everett Community College

Everett, Washington
419 Total Awards
$4,152 Average Tuition & Fees

Everett Community College ranked #17 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Everett, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 419 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,152 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Everett Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,831.

Everett Community College does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Everett Community College

481 Total Awards
$4,710 Average Tuition & Fees

Lake Washington Institute of Technology landed the #18 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. LWTech is a public institution located in Kirkland, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 481 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend LWTech full time pay an average of $4,710 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,390.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LWTech. In 2020-2021 about 54% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#19

Lower Columbia College

Longview, Washington
49 Total Awards
$4,261 Average Tuition & Fees

Lower Columbia College ranked #19 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. LCC is a public institution located in Longview, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 49 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,261 in tuition and fees if they attend LCC full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,514.

One thing to take note of is that LCC does offer online classes in some areas. During the 2020-2021 year, about 86% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Lower Columbia College Report

#20

Grays Harbor College

Aberdeen, Washington
48 Total Awards
$4,605 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #20, Grays Harbor College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Aberdeen, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 48 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,605 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GHC. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,284.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since GHC does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 66% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Grays Harbor College

#21

Peninsula College

Port Angeles, Washington
107 Total Awards
$4,439 Average Tuition & Fees

Peninsula College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best places for trade school students to get a basic certificate. It came in at #21 on the list. Port Angeles, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 107 students in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,439 in tuition and fees if they attend Peninsula College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,919.

Peninsula College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 68% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 21 schools only.

References

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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