Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington
World-class CS program with direct connections to Microsoft and Amazon. Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science leads in AI and systems research
Washington State University
Strong engineering focus with hands-on projects and industry partnerships. Excellent value with comprehensive support services
Seattle University
Small class sizes and personalized attention in the heart of Seattle's tech scene. Strong alumni network in local tech companies
- 1.Washington has 18 accredited computer science bachelor's programs, led by the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School
- 2.UW Seattle ranks among top 10 CS programs nationally with 89% graduation rate and direct recruiting from Microsoft, Amazon, and Google
- 3.In-state tuition at public universities averages $12,000—significantly lower than comparable programs in California or Massachusetts
- 4.Washington software developers earn median $140,280 annually—20% above the national average (BLS Washington 2024)
- 5.Seattle metro area employs 156,000+ software developers with major employers including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and Expedia
Computer Science Education in Washington State
Washington state offers exceptional opportunities for computer science students, anchored by the University of Washington's world-renowned program and supported by the largest concentration of tech companies outside Silicon Valley. With Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in the Seattle area, students have unparalleled access to internships, mentorship, and career opportunities.
The state's CS programs benefit from strong industry connections and relatively affordable tuition compared to other tech hubs. For context on national rankings, see our best computer science bachelor's programs guide. Students interested in specific career paths should review our software engineer salary guide and AI/ML engineer compensation for Washington-specific data.
Washington's unique position as home to major cloud computing providers also makes it ideal for students interested in cloud computing careers and data science programs. The state's emphasis on sustainable technology and aerospace engineering through Boeing adds additional career dimensions for CS graduates.
Based on 18 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Washington May 2024, Washington Student Achievement Council
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 data
Class size and faculty accessibility
Washington-specific salaries and job placement
Acceptance rate indicating academic rigor
Washington Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,076 | 89% | 18:1 | 94.8 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $11,841 | 71% | 15:1 | 82.4 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $50,328 | 80% | 11:1 | 79.6 |
| 4 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $11,516 | 70% | 19:1 | 76.8 |
| 5 | University of Washington Bothell | Bothell | Public | $12,076 | 72% | 21:1 | 75.2 |
| 6 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $11,268 | 65% | 17:1 | 72.9 |
| 7 | University of Washington Tacoma | Tacoma | Public | $12,076 | 68% | 20:1 | 71.5 |
| 8 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $48,700 | 75% | 12:1 | 70.3 |
| 9 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | Private | $51,490 | 86% | 11:1 | 69.8 |
| 10 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $10,281 | 58% | 22:1 | 67.4 |
| 11 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $46,722 | 67% | 13:1 | 66.1 |
| 12 | Whitman College | Walla Walla | Private | $58,028 | 88% | 9:1 | 65.7 |
| 13 | The Evergreen State College | Olympia | Public | $11,484 | 58% | 21:1 | 62.8 |
| 14 | Whitworth University | Spokane | Private | $49,950 | 78% | 12:1 | 62.3 |
| 15 | Heritage University | Toppenish | Private | $21,908 | 45% | 9:1 | 58.9 |
| 16 | Northwest University | Kirkland | Private | $35,820 | 60% | 14:1 | 57.2 |
| 17 | Walla Walla University | College Place | Private | $29,838 | 62% | 13:1 | 55.8 |
| 18 | DigiPen Institute of Technology | Redmond | Private | $35,000 | 53% | 8:1 | 54.1 |
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • Median starting salary: $115,000 for bachelor's graduates
- • 95% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- • Home to major research centers in AI, graphics, and security
- • $12,076 in-state tuition—exceptional value for program quality
Program Strengths
- World-class faculty including Turing Award winners and industry leaders
- Direct industry partnerships with Microsoft Research, Amazon, and Google
- Leading research in AI, machine learning, robotics, and human-computer interaction
- Competitive admission (15% acceptance rate) ensuring motivated peer groups
- Strong alumni network throughout Seattle tech companies and Silicon Valley
Why Ranked #1
UW Seattle's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering consistently ranks among the top 10 CS programs nationally. With an 89% graduation rate and direct recruiting partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta, it offers unmatched career outcomes in the heart of the Pacific Northwest tech ecosystem.
Student Reviews
"The connections UW has with local tech companies are incredible. I had internship offers from Microsoft and Amazon before junior year, and the career services team made the application process seamless."
— Sarah Chen, UW CS '24
"The research opportunities here are unmatched. I worked on autonomous vehicle algorithms with professors who are literally defining the future of transportation technology."
— Marcus Rodriguez, UW CS '23
Washington State University
Pullman, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • 71% graduation rate with strong job placement in Pacific Northwest
- • Average starting salary: $85,000 for in-state graduates
- • Significant research funding growth in AI and cybersecurity
- • Strong transfer pathways from Washington community colleges
Program Strengths
- Strong emphasis on software engineering and practical programming skills
- Excellent senior capstone projects with real industry clients
- Small class sizes with 15:1 student-faculty ratio
- Growing research programs in cybersecurity and data science
- Active alumni network in Seattle, Portland, and Silicon Valley
Why Ranked #2
WSU offers a comprehensive CS program with strong engineering fundamentals and hands-on project experience. While located in a smaller college town, the program maintains excellent industry connections and provides outstanding value at $11,841 in-state tuition.
Student Reviews
"WSU gave me the hands-on experience that employers actually want. The capstone project I did for a local startup became my first full-time job offer."
— Kevin Tran, WSU CS '24
Seattle University
Seattle, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • 80% graduation rate with high student satisfaction scores
- • Average starting salary: $92,000 in Seattle market
- • Strong alumni network in local startups and established tech companies
- • Active partnerships with Seattle tech community organizations
Program Strengths
- Small class sizes with individualized faculty mentorship
- Strong ethics and social responsibility components in curriculum
- Excellent internship placement in Seattle tech companies
- Diverse student body with strong support for underrepresented groups
- Modern facilities with industry-standard development tools
Why Ranked #3
Seattle University combines small liberal arts college attention with the advantages of Seattle's tech ecosystem. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized education, while the downtown Seattle location provides easy access to internships and networking opportunities.
Student Reviews
"The professors at Seattle U actually know your name and care about your success. I got incredible mentorship that helped me land internships at both Amazon and a local fintech startup."
— Amanda Foster, Seattle U CS '23
Washington State University System and Options
Washington's public higher education system provides multiple pathways for computer science education, anchored by the University of Washington system with campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma. The main Seattle campus houses the prestigious Paul G. Allen School, while the Bothell and Tacoma campuses offer more accessible admission with the same UW degree credential.
Washington State University in Pullman serves as the state's land-grant institution, emphasizing practical engineering education and research. The school has been expanding its computer science offerings and recently launched new programs in cybersecurity and data science.
Regional universities like Western Washington University in Bellingham and Central Washington University in Ellensburg provide quality CS education at lower costs, often serving as excellent alternatives for students seeking smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. These programs maintain strong job placement rates in the Seattle metro area.
- University of Washington System: Three campuses offering CS degrees with shared resources and faculty
- Washington State University: Land-grant research institution with growing tech programs
- Regional Universities: WWU, CWU, EWU providing accessible, high-quality CS education
- Community College Transfer: Strong 2+2 pathways, especially through Seattle Central and Bellevue College
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Design and develop software applications, systems, and platforms for major tech companies
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Analyze complex datasets to drive business decisions and build predictive models
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-2051Develop artificial intelligence and machine learning systems for cutting-edge applications
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations to optimize software deployment and infrastructure
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational systems and data from cyber threats and security breaches
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Massachusetts
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Other Tech Programs in Washington
AI and machine learning degree programs with focus on practical applications
Data analytics and statistics programs for business and research applications
Information security and cyber defense programs for protecting digital assets
Engineering-focused software development programs with project management
IT infrastructure and systems administration programs for enterprise environments
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $11,500 | $47,200 |
| Average Class Size | 18-22 students | 11-14 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive at UW, Limited elsewhere | Limited but focused |
| Industry Connections | Strong at UW, Moderate at others | Strong local networks |
| Financial Aid | State grants, federal aid | Institutional scholarships |
| Job Placement Rate | 80-95% | 85-92% |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing
- Affordable in-state tuition at high-quality public universities
- Strong job market with 156,000+ software developer positions
- Beautiful Pacific Northwest setting with outdoor recreation
- World-class research opportunities at University of Washington
- No state income tax advantage for high tech salaries
- Larger selection of top-tier private universities (California, Massachusetts)
- More diverse tech ecosystems beyond cloud/enterprise software
- Warmer climate and different cultural environments
- Lower cost of living in certain metropolitan areas
- Stronger startup ecosystems in certain specializations
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington Employment Security Department
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington CS Programs
Next Steps for Washington CS Applicants
Research Program Requirements
Review admission requirements for your target schools. UW Seattle requires strong math and science preparation, while other programs may have more flexible requirements.
Plan Your Prerequisites
Complete calculus, physics, and introductory programming courses. Consider starting at a community college to save money and improve transfer prospects.
Build a Programming Portfolio
Create projects showcasing your coding skills. GitHub repositories with meaningful projects demonstrate passion and ability to admissions committees.
Apply for Financial Aid Early
Submit FAFSA by January 1st for maximum aid consideration. Research Washington State Need Grant and other local scholarship opportunities.
Network with Local Tech Community
Attend Seattle tech meetups, hackathons, and career fairs. Building connections early can lead to internship and job opportunities.
Related CS Program Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics from 2023 reports
Washington state salary data for computer occupations, May 2024
State higher education data and transfer pathway information
Federal education statistics and program outcome data
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.