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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 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 awarded 2,461 diplomas to qualifed students 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. During the early years of their career, OC graduates make an average of $50,431 annually. 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

Out of the 78 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Clover Park Technical College landed the # 2 spot on the list. Lakewood, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 1,633 students in 2021-2022.

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

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Charter College is a great place for trade school students. This small private for-profit school is located in Vancouver, Washington, and 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. 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.

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#4

Spokane Community College

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

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Spokane Community College is a great place for trade school students. Located in Spokane, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 1,969 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $16,036 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Spokane Community College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,399 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Spokane Community College Report

#5

Bellingham Technical College

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

The programs at Bellingham Technical College helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular trade school schools in Washington. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 835 diplomas to qualifed 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. Of those students who received their degree, 41% were women.

Read full report on Bellingham Technical College

#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 located in Auburn, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 1,768 degrees to qualified students.

Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

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

Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett is a very small private for-profit school situated in Everett, Washington. It awarded 736 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,374 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $100.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. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett

#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. Located in Tacoma, Washington, the small public school handed out 747 degrees in 2021-2022.

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. 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.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. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

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#10

Everett Community College

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

Everett Community College ranked #10 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. This medium-sized public school is located in Everett, Washington, and it awarded 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.

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#11

Pima Medical Institute - Renton

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

Pima Medical Institute - Renton ranked #11 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Renton, Washington is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 462 students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $12,719 in loans while pursuing their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $88 if they 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 came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington ranking. Lake Washington Institute of Technology is a small public school located in Kirkland, Washington that handed out 1,272 degrees 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. During the early years of their career, LWTech graduates make an average of $51,320 annually. 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 landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. International Air and Hospitality Academy is a private for-profit institution located in Vancouver, Washington. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 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 ranked #14 on this year’s Most Popular Trade Schools in Washington list. Located in Yakima, Washington, the very small private not-for-profit school handed out 461 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Perry Tech accumulate an average of $14,218 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $407, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. 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.

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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #15 on the list. This small public school is located in Mount Vernon, Washington, and it awarded 974 degrees in 2021-2022.

Degree recipients from Skagit Valley College accumulate an average of $13,970 in student debt by the time they complete 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.

Read More…

#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. 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.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. Of those students who received their degree, 81% were women.

Read More…

#17

Clark College

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

With a ranking of #17, Clark College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for trade school students working. This medium-sized public school is located in Vancouver, Washington, and it awarded 1,596 degrees in 2021-2022.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,854 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Clark College graduates make an average of $35,720 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read More…

#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 public institution located in Seattle, Washington. The school has a small population, 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. During the early years of their career, Seattle Central graduates make an average of $56,258 annually. 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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #19 on the list. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, the small public school awarded 813 diplomas to qualifed students 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. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Walla Walla Community College Report

#20

Big Bend Community College

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

Big Bend Community College landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Moses Lake, Washington, the small public school awarded 630 diplomas to qualifed 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. 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.

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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 did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for trade school students. It came in at #21 on the list. 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. During the early years of their career, Edmonds Community College graduates make an average of $21,931 annually. Around 55% of those degree recipients 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 landed the #22 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular trade school programs. Located in Olympia, Washington, the small public school awarded 1,329 diplomas to qualifed students in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $13,240 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, South Puget Sound Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $39,106 during the early year of their career. Around 61% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#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 is located in Seattle, Washington and has a small student population. In 2021-2022, this school awarded 748 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,709 in student loans. During the early years of their career, North Seattle graduates make an average of $52,851 annually. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on North Seattle College

#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. 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.

Degree recipients from Divers Institute of Technology accumulate an average of $7,540 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 $408. Once they receive their degree, Divers Institute of Technology graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,896 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 5% 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. Located in Shoreline, Washington, the small public school handed out 1,189 degrees in 2021-2022.

On average, students take out $15,170 in loans while pursuing their degree. Once they receive their degree, Shoreline Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,689 during the early year of their career. 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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