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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 located in Bremerton, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 2,461 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $14,155 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, OC graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,431 during the early year of their career. Around 50% of those degree recipients 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. Clover Park Technical College is a small public school located in Lakewood, Washington that handed out 1,633 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from CPTC accumulate an average of $12,183 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. 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.

Read full report on Clover Park Technical College

#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. Located in Vancouver, Washington, the small private for-profit school awarded 1,305 diplomas to qualifed students 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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Spokane Community College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Spokane Community College is located in Spokane, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,969 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,036 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Spokane Community College graduates make an average of $37,399 annually. 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

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Bellingham Technical College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Bellingham Technical College is a small public school located in Bellingham, Washington that handed out 835 degrees in 2021-2022.

During the early years of their career, Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute graduates make an average of $47,075 annually. Around 41% of those degree recipients were women.

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#6

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
1,768 Total Awards

Green River College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #6 on the list. GRC is a medium-sized public school situated in Auburn, Washington. It awarded 1,768 degrees in 2021-2022.

Around 54% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Green River College

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 located in Everett, Washington and has a very small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 736 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,374 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $100, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $24,905 during the early year of their career. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

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#8

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
747 Total Awards

Bates Technical College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Bates Technical College is located in Tacoma, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 747 degrees to qualified students.

Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Bates Technical College Report

#9

Renton Technical College

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

Renton Technical College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Renton, Washington, the small public school handed out 613 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,869 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Renton Technical College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,605 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

Full Renton Technical College Report

#10

Everett Community College

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

With a ranking of #10, Everett Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Everett Community College is a medium-sized public school situated in Everett, Washington. It awarded 1,579 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Everett Community College accumulate an average of $12,189 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

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. During the early years of their career, PMI Renton graduates make an average of $32,391 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

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

Lake Washington Institute of Technology came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Kirkland, Washington, the small public school handed out 1,272 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from LWTech accumulate an average of $12,874 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, LWTech graduates make an average of $51,320 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 62% were women.

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

With a ranking of #13, International Air and Hospitality Academy 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 Vancouver, Washington, and it awarded 443 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $6,491 in student loans. 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. During the early years of their career, International Air and Hospitality Academy graduates make an average of $29,982 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 40% 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #14 on the list. Located in Yakima, Washington, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 461 degrees 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. During the early years of their career, Perry Tech graduates make an average of $43,226 annually. 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 came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Skagit Valley College is a small public school located in Mount Vernon, Washington that handed out 974 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,970 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Skagit Valley College graduates make an average of $37,360 annually. 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 landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Seattle, Washington, the very small private for-profit school handed out 344 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,912 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $97, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from PMI Seattle, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $39,351 during the early years of their career. Around 81% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Pima Medical Institute - Seattle Report

#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. This medium-sized public school is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it awarded 1,596 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $14,854 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Clark College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,720 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% 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

With a ranking of #18, Seattle Central College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small public school handed out 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. Once they receive their degree, Seattle Central graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $56,258 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% 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 came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. This small public school is located in Walla Walla, Washington, and it awarded 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. This small public school is located in Moses Lake, Washington, and it awarded 630 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,378 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Big Bend Community College graduates make an average of $41,243 annually. Around 62% of those degree recipients 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

Edmonds Community College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Edmonds Community College is located in Lynnwood, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,204 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $12,390 in loans while pursuing their degree. 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. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read full report on Edmonds Community College

#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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #22 on the list. South Puget Sound Community College is a small public school located in Olympia, Washington that handed out 1,329 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from South Puget Sound Community College accumulate an average of $13,240 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

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#23

North Seattle College

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

With a ranking of #23, North Seattle College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. Seattle, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 748 students in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from North Seattle accumulate an average of $16,709 in student debt by the time they complete 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. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

Read More…

#24

Divers Institute of Technology

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

Divers Institute of Technology did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #24 on the list. Seattle, Washington is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 294 students 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 full report on Divers Institute of Technology

#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. Located in Shoreline, Washington, the small public school 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.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. Of those students who received their degree, 56% 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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