Find Trade Colleges

Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington

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 2023 rankings named North Seattle College the best school in Washington for trade school students working on their basic certificate. North Seattle is a small public school situated in Seattle, Washington. It awarded 180 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend North Seattle full time pay an average of $5,058 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,547.

Depending on your major, you 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.

Full North Seattle College Report

#2

Olympic College

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Olympic College. The school came in at #2 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Bremerton, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 773 students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at OC is $4,472. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,740.

One thing to take note of is that OC does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 91% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#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 located in Centralia, Washington that handed out 114 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Centralia College full time pay an average of $4,891 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,381.

Centralia 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 63% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Full Centralia College Report

#4

Seattle Central College

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Seattle Central College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Seattle Central is a small public school situated in Seattle, Washington. It awarded 73 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,865 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Seattle Central. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,354.

Seattle Central does offer online classes for certain degree levels. 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

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Spokane Community College is a great place for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Spokane Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Spokane, Washington. It awarded 571 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Spokane Community College is $3,928. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,278.

Spokane 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. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 50% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Spokane Community College

#6

Bellingham Technical College

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

Bellingham Technical College ranked #6 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute is located in Bellingham, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 245 basic certificates to qualified students.

Students from Washington who attend Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute full time pay an average of $4,095 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,357.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute. In fact, around 73% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Bellingham Technical College

#7

Tacoma Community College

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

Tacoma Community College ranked #7 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Tacoma Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Tacoma, Washington that handed out 523 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Tacoma Community College is $4,901. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,649.

Tacoma 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 92% took at least some of their classes online.

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 a small public school situated in Lakewood, Washington. It awarded 834 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $5,979 to cover tuition and fees at CPTC. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

CPTC 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 43% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#9

Whatcom Community College

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

Whatcom Community College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school handed out 352 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

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.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Whatcom Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Whatcom Community College

#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. CBC is located in Pasco, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 141 basic certificates to qualified students.

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.

One thing to take note of is that CBC does offer online classes in some areas. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 84% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Columbia Basin College Report

#11

Skagit Valley College

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

Skagit Valley College came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Mount Vernon, Washington, the small public school handed out 259 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Skagit Valley College full time pay an average of $4,748 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,888.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Skagit Valley College. In 2020-2021 about 64% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Skagit Valley College Report

#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 located in Moses Lake, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 166 basic certificates to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,744 in tuition and fees if they attend Big Bend Community College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,234.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Big Bend Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. During the 2020-2021 year, about 74% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

#13

Yakima Valley College

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

With a ranking of #13, Yakima Valley College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Located in Yakima, Washington, the small public school handed out 322 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend YVC full time pay an average of $4,998 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,488.

Online courses are available at YVC, 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, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Yakima Valley College

#14

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
92 Total Awards

Walla Walla Community College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. Walla Walla Community College is a public institution located in Walla Walla, Washington. The school has a small population, and 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 fact, around 55% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Clark College

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

Clark College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. Clark College is a medium-sized public school located in Vancouver, Washington that handed out 90 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Clark College full time pay an average of $4,529 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,133.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Clark College does offer online classes for certain majors. 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.

Read full report on Clark College

#16

Renton Technical College

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

Renton Technical College came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Renton Technical College is located in Renton, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 178 basic certificates to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $5,784 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Renton Technical College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $6,252.

Online courses are available at Renton Technical 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 49% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#17

Everett Community College

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

Everett Community College landed the #17 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Everett, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 419 basic certificate awards 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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Everett Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 86% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Everett Community College Report

481 Total Awards
$4,710 Average Tuition & Fees

Lake Washington Institute of Technology 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 #18 on the list. LWTech is located in Kirkland, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 481 basic certificates to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,710 in tuition and fees if they attend LWTech full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,390.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at LWTech. During the 2020-2021 year, about 54% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Lake Washington Institute of Technology Report

#19

Lower Columbia College

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

Lower Columbia 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 #19 on the list. Located in Longview, Washington, the small public school handed out 49 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend LCC full time pay an average of $4,261 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,514.

LCC 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. 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. GHC is a public institution located in Aberdeen, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 48 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,605 in tuition and fees if they attend GHC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,284.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at GHC. In fact, around 66% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#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.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,439 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Peninsula College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,919.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Peninsula College. In 2020-2021 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

Best Trade Basic Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

View Best Trade Basic Certificate Schools Nationwide >

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.

Find Trade Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited trade schools across the U.S.