Top 3 Web Development Programs in Washington 2025
University of Washington
Top-ranked program with direct Seattle tech industry connections and 92% job placement rate within 6 months
Washington State University
Strong full-stack development curriculum with integrated internship programs at major Pacific Northwest employers
Western Washington University
Hands-on web development program with emphasis on user experience design and modern frameworks
- 1.Washington has 25+ accredited web development programs with University of Washington leading statewide rankings
- 2.In-state tuition averages $12,000 annually at public universities—significantly lower than private alternatives
- 3.Washington web developers earn median $98,760 annually—18% above the national median for the profession
- 4.Seattle tech hub provides 45,000+ web development jobs at companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia
- 5.Strong job growth of 23% projected through 2032, much faster than average occupations
Web Development Education in Washington State
Washington State offers excellent web development programs with unique advantages: proximity to major tech companies, competitive in-state tuition, and strong industry partnerships. The University of Washington leads the state with comprehensive programs that prepare students for careers at Microsoft, Amazon, and the broader Seattle tech ecosystem.
For national comparisons, review our best web development programs ranking across all states. Students interested in career outcomes should explore our software engineer salary guide for Washington-specific compensation data. Those considering online options can review our best online web development degrees.
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OEWS Washington May 2024, Washington Student Achievement Council
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Class size and individual attention
Job placement rates and starting salaries
Curriculum depth and industry partnerships
Washington Web Development Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | Public | $12,242 | 89% | 17:1 | 94.2 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | Public | $12,516 | 81% | 16:1 | 88.5 |
| 3 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | Public | $11,716 | 78% | 19:1 | 85.7 |
| 4 | Seattle University | Seattle | Private | $48,690 | 85% | 11:1 | 83.9 |
| 5 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | Public | $12,146 | 73% | 18:1 | 82.1 |
| 6 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | Public | $11,564 | 70% | 20:1 | 79.8 |
| 7 | The Evergreen State College | Olympia | Public | $12,285 | 67% | 21:1 | 77.5 |
| 8 | University of Washington Tacoma | Tacoma | Public | $12,369 | 72% | 19:1 | 76.9 |
| 9 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | Private | $47,580 | 79% | 13:1 | 75.2 |
| 10 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | Private | $50,640 | 75% | 12:1 | 73.8 |
| 11 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | Private | $50,882 | 88% | 11:1 | 72.6 |
| 12 | Whitworth University | Spokane | Private | $49,900 | 81% | 12:1 | 71.4 |
| 13 | University of Puget Sound | Tacoma | Private | $60,030 | 82% | 10:1 | 70.1 |
| 14 | Saint Martin's University | Lacey | Private | $41,970 | 68% | 11:1 | 68.9 |
| 15 | Washington State University Vancouver | Vancouver | Public | $12,516 | 69% | 17:1 | 67.5 |
University of Washington
Seattle, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 89% graduation rate - highest among Washington public universities
- • 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention
- • State-of-the-art computer labs and development environments
- • Active student tech community with hackathons and coding competitions
Program Strengths
- Comprehensive full-stack development curriculum covering modern frameworks and technologies
- Direct industry partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia, and other Seattle tech companies
- 92% job placement rate within 6 months of graduation
- Average starting salary of $85,000 for graduates
- Strong emphasis on both technical skills and user experience design
Why Ranked #1
University of Washington leads Washington's web development programs with exceptional industry connections and outstanding career outcomes. Located in Seattle's tech hub, students have direct access to internships and full-time opportunities at major companies.
Student Reviews
"The UW program prepared me incredibly well for my role at Amazon. The curriculum is current and the professors have real industry experience."
— Recent Graduate, Class of 2024
"Getting internships in Seattle was so much easier because of UW's reputation and connections. I had multiple offers before graduation."
— Current Senior
Washington State University
Pullman, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 81% graduation rate with strong student retention
- • 16:1 student-faculty ratio for individualized mentoring
- • New computer science building with modern development labs
- • Active career services with dedicated tech industry liaisons
Program Strengths
- Integrated internship program with guaranteed placement assistance
- Modern curriculum covering React, Node.js, Python, and cloud deployment
- Strong alumni network throughout the Pacific Northwest tech industry
- Emphasis on agile development methodologies and team collaboration
- Capstone projects with real client companies
Why Ranked #2
Washington State University offers one of the most comprehensive web development programs in the state, combining strong technical education with practical industry experience through integrated internship programs.
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA • University
Program Highlights
- • 78% graduation rate with improving outcomes year over year
- • 19:1 student-faculty ratio in upper-level courses
- • Beautiful campus setting conducive to creative development work
- • Strong emphasis on sustainable and accessible web development practices
Program Strengths
- Strong focus on user experience (UX) design integrated with development skills
- Hands-on learning with real client projects from local businesses
- Modern curriculum emphasizing responsive design and accessibility
- Small class sizes allowing for intensive project-based learning
- Growing connections with Vancouver BC tech scene
Why Ranked #3
Western Washington University stands out for its hands-on approach to web development education, with particular strength in user experience design and modern frontend frameworks.
Washington State University Systems and Options
Washington's higher education landscape offers diverse pathways for web development students. The University of Washington system leads with three campuses, while Washington State University provides comprehensive programs across the state.
The University of Washington system includes the flagship Seattle campus, UW Tacoma, and UW Bothell. Seattle offers the most comprehensive program with direct tech industry access, while Tacoma and Bothell provide smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. All campuses maintain the same high academic standards and degree recognition.
Washington State University operates campuses in Pullman (main), Vancouver, Spokane, and Tri-Cities. The Pullman campus offers the most extensive program, while branch campuses focus on practical, career-oriented education. WSU Vancouver benefits from proximity to Portland's tech scene.
Regional universities like Western Washington University, Central Washington University, and Eastern Washington University provide excellent value with strong regional employer connections. These programs often feature smaller class sizes and more affordable tuition while maintaining quality education standards.
Career Paths
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1254Create user interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks like React or Vue.js
Full-Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Work on both frontend and backend systems, handling complete web application development
Web Developer
SOC 15-1254Design and develop websites and web applications for various clients and organizations
UI/UX Designer
SOC 15-1255Design user interfaces and experiences for web applications, focusing on usability and aesthetics
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Build server-side applications, databases, and APIs that power web applications
Web Development Programs in Other States
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Average In-State Tuition | $12,100 | $49,200 |
| Average Class Size | 25-30 students | 15-20 students |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited |
| Industry Connections | Strong (UW, WSU) | Moderate |
| Financial Aid | State grants available | Merit scholarships |
| Campus Life | Large, diverse | Small, intimate |
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon
- Strong job market with 45,000+ web development positions
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Beautiful Pacific Northwest environment
- No state income tax (keeps more of your salary)
- Growing startup ecosystem in Seattle
- Lower cost of living (Washington has high housing costs)
- More diverse climate options
- Different tech ecosystems (Silicon Valley, Austin, NYC)
- More extensive program options at the graduate level
- Different cultural and lifestyle preferences
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Web Development Programs
Related Web Development Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official federal database for higher education statistics including graduation rates, tuition, and enrollment
Washington state employment and salary data for web developers and related occupations
State agency data on higher education outcomes and workforce alignment
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.