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Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington

2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington

78 Schools Ranked
$45,700 Average Earnings
$28,703 Avg Student Debt

When it comes to higher education, there are a lot of options for trade school students. 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 Most Popular 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 78 schools in Washington to see which programs were the most popular for trade school students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
2,461 Total Awards
$50,431 Average Earnings
$14,155 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Olympic College to be the most popular school for trade school students in Washington. OC is a small public school situated in Bremerton, Washington. It awarded 2,461 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,155 in student loans.After graduating from OC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,431 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read full report on Olympic College

#2

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, Washington
1,633 Total Awards
$41,883 Average Earnings
$12,183 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Clover Park Technical College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Washington. This small public school is located in Lakewood, Washington, and it awarded 1,633 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,183 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CPTC graduates make an average of $41,883 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 38% were women.

Full Clover Park Technical College Report

#3

Charter College

Vancouver, Washington
1,305 Total Awards
$35,122 Average Earnings
$20,604 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 78 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Charter College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Charter College is a small private for-profit school situated in Vancouver, Washington. It awarded 1,305 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,604 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Charter College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,122 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

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#4

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
1,969 Total Awards
$37,399 Average Earnings
$16,036 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Spokane Community College helped the school earn the #4 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Washington. Located in Spokane, Washington, the medium-sized public school awarded 1,969 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,036 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Spokane Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $37,399 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

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#5

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
835 Total Awards
$47,075 Average Earnings

You’ll be in good company if you attend Bellingham Technical College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 835 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Once they receive their degree, Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $47,075 during the early year of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bellingham Technical College Report

#6

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
1,768 Total Awards

Green River College landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. GRC is a public institution located in Auburn, Washington. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,768 degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Green River College Report

736 Total Awards
$24,905 Average Earnings
$8,374 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #7, Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett is a very small private for-profit school located in Everett, Washington that handed out 736 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett accumulate an average of $8,374 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $100, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $24,905 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 97% were women.

Read full report on Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett

#8

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
747 Total Awards

Bates Technical College came in at #8 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the small public school awarded 747 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

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#9

Renton Technical College

Renton, Washington
613 Total Awards
$58,605 Average Earnings
$15,869 Avg Student Debt

Renton Technical College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This small public school is located in Renton, Washington, and it awarded 613 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,869 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Renton Technical College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $58,605 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Read full report on Renton Technical College

#10

Everett Community College

Everett, Washington
1,579 Total Awards
$39,179 Average Earnings
$12,189 Avg Student Debt

Everett Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #10 on the list. Everett Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Everett, Washington that handed out 1,579 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,189 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Everett Community College graduates make an average of $39,179 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Everett Community College Report

#11

Pima Medical Institute - Renton

Renton, Washington
462 Total Awards
$32,391 Average Earnings
$12,719 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Pima Medical Institute - Renton did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Renton, Washington, the very small private for-profit school awarded 462 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from PMI Renton accumulate an average of $12,719 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $88. During the early years of their career, PMI Renton graduates make an average of $32,391 annually. Around 85% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Pima Medical Institute - Renton

1,272 Total Awards
$51,320 Average Earnings
$12,874 Avg Student Debt

Lake Washington Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #12 on the list. Kirkland, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,272 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,874 in student loans.After graduating from LWTech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,320 during the early years of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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443 Total Awards
$29,982 Average Earnings
$6,491 Avg Student Debt

International Air and Hospitality Academy did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #13 on the list. Vancouver, Washington is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 443 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $6,491 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $93 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, International Air and Hospitality Academy graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $29,982 during the early year of their career. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

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#14

Perry Technical Institute

Yakima, Washington
461 Total Awards
$43,226 Average Earnings
$14,218 Avg Student Debt

Perry Technical Institute landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Yakima, Washington is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 461 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,218 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $407, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Perry Tech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,226 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 19% were women.

Read full report on Perry Technical Institute

#15

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, Washington
974 Total Awards
$37,360 Average Earnings
$13,970 Avg Student Debt

Skagit Valley College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Mount Vernon, Washington, the small public school handed out 974 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,970 in student loans.After graduating from Skagit Valley College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,360 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Skagit Valley College Report

#16

Pima Medical Institute - Seattle

Seattle, Washington
344 Total Awards
$39,351 Average Earnings
$15,912 Avg Student Debt

Pima Medical Institute - Seattle came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. PMI Seattle is a very small private for-profit school situated in Seattle, Washington. It awarded 344 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,912 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $97. Once they receive their degree, PMI Seattle graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,351 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

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#17

Clark College

Vancouver, Washington
1,596 Total Awards
$35,720 Average Earnings
$14,854 Avg Student Debt

Clark College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #17 on the list. Vancouver, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,596 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Clark College accumulate an average of $14,854 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Clark College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $35,720 during the early years of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Clark College

#18

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington
1,229 Total Awards
$56,258 Average Earnings
$13,676 Avg Student Debt

Seattle Central College came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. This small public school is located in Seattle, Washington, and it awarded 1,229 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,676 in student loans.After graduating from Seattle Central, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,258 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full Seattle Central College Report

#19

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
813 Total Awards
$40,019 Average Earnings
$13,999 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Walla Walla Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Walla Walla, Washington, and it awarded 813 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,999 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Walla Walla Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,019 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

Read full report on Walla Walla Community College

#20

Big Bend Community College

Moses Lake, Washington
630 Total Awards
$41,243 Average Earnings
$12,378 Avg Student Debt

Big Bend Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #20 on the list. Moses Lake, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 630 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,378 in student loans.After graduating from Big Bend Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,243 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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#21

Edmonds Community College

Lynnwood, Washington
1,204 Total Awards
$21,931 Average Earnings
$12,390 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #21, Edmonds Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Lynnwood, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,204 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,390 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Edmonds Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $21,931 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Edmonds Community College Report

#22

South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, Washington
1,329 Total Awards
$39,106 Average Earnings
$13,240 Avg Student Debt

South Puget Sound Community College ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. South Puget Sound Community College is located in Olympia, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,329 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $13,240 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from South Puget Sound Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,106 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full South Puget Sound Community College Report

#23

North Seattle College

Seattle, Washington
748 Total Awards
$52,851 Average Earnings
$16,709 Avg Student Debt

North Seattle College landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. North Seattle College is a small public school located in Seattle, Washington that handed out 748 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,709 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, North Seattle graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,851 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Full North Seattle College Report

#24

Divers Institute of Technology

Seattle, Washington
294 Total Awards
$38,896 Average Earnings
$7,540 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Divers Institute of Technology did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This very small private for-profit school is located in Seattle, Washington, and it awarded 294 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $7,540 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $408 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Divers Institute of Technology, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $38,896 during the early years of their career. Around 5% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#25

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, Washington
1,189 Total Awards
$50,689 Average Earnings
$15,170 Avg Student Debt

Shoreline Community College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Shoreline Community College is a small public school located in Shoreline, Washington that handed out 1,189 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,170 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Shoreline Community College graduates make an average of $50,689 annually. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Shoreline Community College Report

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • 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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