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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.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since North Seattle does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#2

Olympic College

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Olympic College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. This small public school is located in Bremerton, Washington, and it awarded 773 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend OC full time pay an average of $4,472 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,740.

OC 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 91% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Olympic College Report

#3

Centralia College

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

The excellent basic certificate programs at Centralia College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Washington. This small public school is located in Centralia, Washington, and it awarded 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. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,381.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Centralia College. 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 full report on Centralia College

#4

Seattle Central College

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

The excellent basic certificate programs at Seattle Central College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the best trade school schools in Washington. This small public school is located in Seattle, Washington, and 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,354.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Seattle Central. 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 full report on Seattle Central College

#5

Spokane Community College

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

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around you if you attend Spokane Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Spokane Community College is a public institution located in Spokane, Washington. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 571 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Spokane Community College full time pay an average of $3,928 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,278.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Spokane Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. 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 came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Bellingham, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out basic certificates to 245 students in 2021-2022.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,095 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,357.

One thing to take note of is that Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute does offer online classes in some areas. 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 landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the medium-sized public school awarded 523 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Tacoma Community College is $4,901. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,649.

Tacoma Community College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 92% of undergraduates took at least one course online 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 ranked #8 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Lakewood, Washington, the small public school handed out 834 basic certificate awards 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 full report on Clover Park Technical College

#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.

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

Whatcom 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, 86% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#10

Columbia Basin College

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

Columbia Basin College ranked #10 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. This medium-sized public school is located in Pasco, Washington, and it awarded 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,738.

CBC 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. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2020-2021 academic year, around 84% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#11

Skagit Valley College

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

Skagit Valley College ranked #11 on this year’s Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington list. Skagit Valley College is a small public school situated in Mount Vernon, Washington. It awarded 259 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Skagit Valley College is $4,748. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,888.

One thing to take note of is that Skagit Valley College does offer online classes in some areas. 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 came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. 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.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,744 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Big Bend Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,234.

Big Bend 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. 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

Yakima Valley College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best basic certificate trade school programs. YVC is located in Yakima, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 322 basic certificates to qualified students.

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.

One thing to take note of is that YVC does offer online classes in some areas. 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 More…

#14

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
92 Total Awards

Walla Walla 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 #14 on the list. Walla Walla Community College is located in Walla Walla, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 92 basic certificates to qualified students.

Online courses are available at Walla Walla Community College, 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, 55% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Read More…

#15

Clark College

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

Clark College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Vancouver, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 90 basic certificate awards in 2021-2022.

In-state students pay an average of $4,529 in tuition and fees if they attend Clark College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,133.

One thing to take note of is that Clark College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

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 a public institution located in Renton, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 178 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

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

One thing to take note of is that Renton Technical College does offer online classes in some areas. In fact, around 49% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

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. Everett Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Everett, Washington. It awarded 419 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Everett Community College is $4,152. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,831.

Everett 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 86% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

481 Total Awards
$4,710 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #18, Lake Washington Institute of Technology did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. LWTech is a public institution located in Kirkland, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 481 basic certificates in 2021-2022.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at LWTech is $4,710. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,390.

LWTech 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 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

With a ranking of #19, Lower Columbia College did quite well on this year’s best schools for trade school students working on their basic certificate. Lower Columbia College is a small public school located in Longview, Washington that handed out 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. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $5,514.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LCC. In fact, around 86% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Lower Columbia College

#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.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at GHC is $4,605. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,284.

One thing to take note of is that GHC does offer online classes in some areas. In 2020-2021 about 66% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Grays Harbor College Report

#21

Peninsula College

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

Peninsula College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Basic Certificate Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Port Angeles, Washington, the small public school awarded 107 diplomas to qualifed basic certificate students in 2021-2022.

Students from Washington who attend Peninsula College full time pay an average of $4,439 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $4,919.

Peninsula College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 68% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2020-2021.

Full Peninsula College Report

Best Trade Basic Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

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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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