Top 3 Cloud Computing Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington
Premier cloud computing program with direct Amazon and Microsoft partnerships. 95% job placement rate in Seattle tech scene
Washington State University
Strong cloud infrastructure focus with AWS Academy partnership. Excellent value with growing tech industry connections
Seattle University
Small class sizes and personalized instruction. Strong industry partnerships with Seattle-area cloud computing companies
- 1.Washington has 15+ accredited cloud computing and related IT programs across public and private universities (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.University of Washington ranks #1 in Washington with 84% graduation rate and direct pipeline to Amazon and Microsoft cloud teams
- 3.Washington cloud engineers earn median $132,890 annually—highest in the Pacific Northwest (BLS Washington 2024)
- 4.Seattle is headquarters to Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, providing unmatched internship and career opportunities
- 5.Major employers include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Expedia, and 2,000+ tech startups in the greater Seattle area
Cloud Computing Education in Washington State
Washington state offers exceptional opportunities for cloud computing education, anchored by world-class programs at the University of Washington and supported by the state's position as a global cloud computing hub. Home to Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure headquarters, Washington provides unparalleled access to internships, mentorship, and career opportunities in cloud technologies.
Students benefit from direct industry partnerships, cutting-edge research facilities, and proximity to the companies that literally invented modern cloud computing. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cloud computing rankings. Career-focused students should review our cloud engineering salary guide and explore cloud certification pathways that complement degree programs.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Washington May 2024
6-year completion rate from IPEDS gr2023
Class size and accessibility to instruction
Washington-specific cloud engineering salaries
Partnerships with major cloud providers
Washington Cloud Computing Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,092 | 84% | 17:1 | 95.8 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $11,386 | 76% | 15:1 | 88.2 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $50,328 | 82% | 11:1 | 85.6 |
| 4 | University of Washington Tacoma | Tacoma | Public | $12,092 | 71% | 18:1 | 83.4 |
| 5 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $8,934 | 73% | 19:1 | 81.7 |
| 6 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $48,670 | 78% | 12:1 | 79.8 |
| 7 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $7,890 | 59% | 21:1 | 76.5 |
| 8 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $8,951 | 65% | 18:1 | 75.2 |
| 9 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | Private | $50,220 | 87% | 11:1 | 74.8 |
| 10 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $47,736 | 73% | 13:1 | 72.9 |
| 11 | The Evergreen State College | Olympia | Public | $7,416 | 59% | 22:1 | 69.1 |
| 12 | University of Puget Sound | Tacoma | Private | $58,840 | 81% | 10:1 | 68.4 |
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • Students work on real AWS and Azure projects during coursework
- • Annual cloud computing symposium with industry leaders
- • Internship pipeline directly to Amazon and Microsoft cloud teams
Program Strengths
- Direct AWS and Azure partnerships for hands-on learning
- Faculty with industry experience at major cloud providers
- 95% job placement rate in cloud computing roles
- Access to cutting-edge cloud research labs
- Strong alumni network in Seattle tech scene
Why Ranked #1
UW leads Washington's cloud computing education with its Computer Science and Engineering department offering specialized cloud systems tracks. The program benefits from direct partnerships with Amazon and Microsoft, providing students with real-world experience on enterprise cloud platforms.
Student Reviews
"The cloud computing track at UW gave me hands-on experience with AWS that landed me a cloud architect role at Amazon right after graduation."
— 2024 Graduate
"Having Microsoft engineers as guest lecturers and working on real Azure projects was invaluable for understanding enterprise cloud systems."
— Current Student
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • Students can earn AWS certifications as part of coursework
- • Active research in cloud security and performance optimization
- • Strong placement record in cloud engineering roles
Program Strengths
- AWS Academy partnership for official certification training
- Strong focus on cloud infrastructure and DevOps practices
- Research opportunities in distributed computing
- Affordable tuition with high-quality education
- Growing alumni network in Pacific Northwest tech
Why Ranked #2
WSU's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers a comprehensive cloud computing curriculum with emphasis on distributed systems and cloud infrastructure. The program maintains strong industry partnerships and provides excellent value education.
Student Reviews
"The AWS Academy partnership meant I graduated with both my degree and AWS certifications, making me very competitive in the job market."
— 2023 Graduate
Seattle University
Seattle, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship
- • Located minutes from major tech company offices
- • Strong focus on ethical technology practices
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes for personalized attention
- Strong industry partnerships with Seattle tech companies
- Emphasis on practical cloud application development
- Excellent career services and job placement support
- Modern cloud computing labs and facilities
Why Ranked #3
Seattle University's Computer Science program offers personalized cloud computing education with small class sizes and strong industry connections. Located in the heart of Seattle's tech corridor, students benefit from proximity to major cloud providers.
Washington State University Systems and Cloud Computing
Washington's public university system provides excellent access to cloud computing education across multiple campuses. The University of Washington system leads with campuses in Seattle, Tacoma, and Bothell, each offering computing programs with cloud specializations.
The University of Washington Seattle campus hosts the flagship computer science program with deep industry connections to Amazon and Microsoft. UW Tacoma offers a more intimate learning environment while maintaining strong ties to the Puget Sound tech ecosystem.
Washington State University provides affordable, high-quality education with growing cloud computing initiatives. Regional universities like Western Washington University and Central Washington University offer solid foundational programs, particularly valuable for students seeking smaller class sizes and lower costs.
Private institutions including Seattle University and Pacific Lutheran University provide personalized education with strong industry connections. These schools often maintain smaller program sizes but offer excellent mentorship opportunities and career placement support.
Career Paths
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1299Design and implement enterprise cloud infrastructure and migration strategies
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Automate deployment pipelines and manage cloud infrastructure operations
Cloud Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Implement security controls and compliance frameworks for cloud environments
Site Reliability Engineer
SOC 15-1251Ensure high availability and performance of cloud-based systems and services
Cloud Data Engineer
SOC 15-1243Build and maintain data pipelines and analytics platforms in cloud environments
Cloud Computing Programs by State
California
Texas
Virginia
Georgia
Washington
| Factor | In-State Public | Out-of-State Public | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $10,500 | $32,800 | $49,200 |
| Class Size | Medium (18:1) | Medium (18:1) | Small (12:1) |
| Industry Connections | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
| Research Opportunities | High | High | Medium |
| Financial Aid | Good | Limited | Good |
Which Should You Choose?
- Direct access to Amazon and Microsoft for internships and careers
- High starting salaries ($95K+) and excellent job market
- Hands-on experience with cutting-edge cloud technologies
- Strong alumni networks in major tech companies
- Beautiful Pacific Northwest environment and outdoor recreation
- Prefer warmer weather year-round
- Want more affordable cost of living
- Seek more diverse tech industry beyond cloud computing
- Need more financial aid options for private schools
- Want exposure to different tech ecosystems (Silicon Valley, Austin, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Cloud Computing Programs
Related Cloud Computing Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics
State-specific salary data for cloud computing and related occupations
Tech industry employment data and economic development statistics
Program availability, tuition costs, and admission requirements
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.