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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 2023 rankings named Olympic College the most popular school in Washington for trade school students working on their degree. Located in Bremerton, Washington, the small public school handed out 2,461 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from OC accumulate an average of $14,155 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.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.

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#2

Clover Park Technical College

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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Clover Park Technical College. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. CPTC is located in Lakewood, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,633 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,183 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, CPTC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,883 during the early year of their career. 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

The programs at Charter College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Washington. Charter College is located in Vancouver, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,305 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $20,604 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Charter College graduates make an average of $35,122 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

Read full report on Charter College

#4

Spokane Community College

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

You’ll be in good company if you attend Spokane Community College. The school came in at #4 on this year’s Most Popular 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 1,969 degrees 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.

Read full report on Spokane Community College

#5

Bellingham Technical College

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

Out of the 78 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Bellingham Technical College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Bellingham, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 835 students in 2021-2022.

After graduating from Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,075 during the early years of their career. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Bellingham Technical College

#6

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
1,768 Total Awards

Green River College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in Auburn, Washington, 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. During the early years of their career, Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett graduates make an average of $24,905 annually. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
747 Total Awards

With a ranking of #8, Bates Technical College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Bates Technical College is a small public school situated in Tacoma, Washington. It awarded 747 degrees in 2021-2022.

Of those students who received their degree, 51% 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 ranked #9 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Renton, Washington, the small public school handed out 613 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,869 in student loans. 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. Around 62% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Everett Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Everett, Washington. It awarded 1,579 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,189 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Everett Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,179 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% 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

Pima Medical Institute - Renton did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #11 on the list. PMI Renton is a private for-profit institution located in Renton, Washington. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 462 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,719 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $88, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, PMI Renton graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $32,391 during the early year of their career. 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 landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Lake Washington Institute of Technology is a small public school located in Kirkland, Washington that handed out 1,272 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,874 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from LWTech, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $51,320 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Lake Washington Institute of Technology Report

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

International Air and Hospitality Academy ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Vancouver, Washington, the very small private for-profit school handed out 443 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from International Air and Hospitality Academy accumulate an average of $6,491 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 $93. During the early years of their career, International Air and Hospitality Academy graduates make an average of $29,982 annually. Around 40% of those degree recipients were women.

Full International Air and Hospitality Academy Report

#14

Perry Technical Institute

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

Perry Technical Institute came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. 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.

On average, students take out $14,218 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $407. Once they receive their degree, Perry Tech graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $43,226 during the early year of their career. Around 19% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Perry Technical Institute Report

#15

Skagit Valley College

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

Skagit Valley College landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Skagit Valley College is located in Mount Vernon, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 974 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $13,970 in loans while pursuing their degree.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. Of those students who received their degree, 61% 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 ranked #16 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. 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. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $97 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, PMI Seattle graduates make an average of $39,351 annually. Around 81% of those degree recipients 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 ranked #17 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Clark College is located in Vancouver, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,596 degrees to qualified students.

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. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Clark College Report

#18

Seattle Central College

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

With a ranking of #18, Seattle Central College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Seattle Central is a small public school situated in Seattle, Washington. It awarded 1,229 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Seattle Central accumulate an average of $13,676 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Seattle Central graduates make an average of $56,258 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

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#19

Walla Walla Community College

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

Walla Walla Community College landed the #19 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, the small public school handed out 813 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Walla Walla Community College accumulate an average of $13,999 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Walla Walla Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $40,019 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 57% were women.

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#20

Big Bend Community College

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

Big Bend Community College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Moses Lake, Washington, the small public school handed out 630 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,378 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Big Bend Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $41,243 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Big Bend Community College Report

#21

Edmonds Community College

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

Edmonds Community College landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Lynnwood, Washington, and it awarded 1,204 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,390 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Edmonds Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $21,931 during the early year 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 came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Olympia, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,329 students in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,240 in student loans.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. Around 61% of those degree recipients 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 came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small public school handed out 748 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from North Seattle accumulate an average of $16,709 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from North Seattle, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $52,851 during the early years of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

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#24

Divers Institute of Technology

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

Divers Institute of Technology landed the #24 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Divers Institute of Technology is located in Seattle, Washington and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 294 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $7,540 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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

With a ranking of #25, Shoreline Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This small public school is located in Shoreline, Washington, and it awarded 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.After graduating from Shoreline Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $50,689 during the early years of their career. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

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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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