Best colleges for Computer Science in Washington
Ranked by graduate earnings
University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University are the top bachelor's Computer Science programs in Washington by graduate earnings. University of Washington-Seattle Campus leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $128,887, College Scorecard. University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Washington-Bothell Campus and Washington State University award the most Computer Science degrees in Washington: 631, 291 and 254 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 34 Washington colleges offer Computer Science and award 2,044 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
Top 9 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public · Bachelor's degree | $128,887 | 631 | 85% | — | $16,118 |
| 2 | Seattle University Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $85,285 | 237 | 76% | $31,900 | $24,980 |
| 3 | Seattle Pacific University Seattle Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $82,557 | 32 | 62% | $24,653 | $18,908 |
| 4 | Washington State University Pullman Public · Bachelor's degree | $79,519 | 254 | 60% | — | $22,453 |
| 5 | Gonzaga University Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $76,636 | 58 | 86% | $30,006 | $27,000 |
| 6 | Bellevue College Bellevue Public · Bachelor's degree | $73,214 | 62 | 36% | — | — |
| 7 | Whitworth University Spokane Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $62,139 | 26 | 71% | $23,510 | $27,000 |
| 8 | Central Washington University Ellensburg Public · Bachelor's degree | $52,362 | 63 | 54% | — | $19,467 |
| 9 | University of Puget Sound Tacoma Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $66,055 | 15 | 68% | $35,057 | $25,000 |
Top certificate or associate program
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Martin's University Lacey Private not-for-profit · Certificate Small program | $91,138 | 14 | 52% | $22,131 | $14,667 |
Colleges awarding the most Computer Science degrees in Washington
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle Public | 631 | $128,887* |
| 2 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell Public | 291 | $128,887* |
| 3 | Washington State University Pullman Public | 254 | $79,519 |
| 4 | Seattle University Seattle Private not-for-profit | 237 | $85,285 |
| 5 | Central Washington University Ellensburg Public | 63 | $52,362 |
| 6 | Bellevue College Bellevue Public | 62 | $73,214 |
| 7 | Gonzaga University Spokane Private not-for-profit | 58 | $76,636 |
| 8 | Tacoma Community College Tacoma Public | 51 | Not reported |
| 9 | North Seattle College Seattle Public | 42 | Not reported |
| 10 | Seattle Pacific University Seattle Private not-for-profit | 32 | $82,557 |
ShowHide the other 24 Washington colleges offering Computer Science
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Computer and Information Research Scientists (SOC 15-1221).
Top skills
What Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Washington
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Computer Science programs in Washington.
Which Washington colleges award the most Computer Science degrees?+
University of Washington-Seattle Campus (631 graduates a year), University of Washington-Bothell Campus (291 graduates a year) and Washington State University (254 graduates a year) award the most Computer Science degrees in Washington, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 34 Washington colleges offer Computer Science.
What is the best college for Computer Science in Washington?+
By graduate earnings, University of Washington-Seattle Campus leads among bachelor's Computer Science programs in Washington, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $128,887, College Scorecard. Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University follow. By degrees awarded, University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the largest, with 631 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which Computer Science program in Washington has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Washington-Seattle Campus tops the list at $128,887. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Computer and Information Research Scientists earn in Washington?+
The average annual wage for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Washington is $194,360 (median $202,400), across about 2,050 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Computer Science program?+
The Computer Science program focuses on the study of computation, information, and automation. This field encompasses both theoretical and applied disciplines, making it suitable for individuals interested in technology and…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Computer and Information Research Scientists?+
The national job outlook is about +19.7% growth with around 3,200 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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