Computer Science in Washington 2026
Discover the best Computer Science programs in Washington for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Computer Science in Washington 2026
The tech industry's demand for software engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity professionals continues to surge. Washington's computer science programs prepare students for careers at both established tech companies and innovative startups.
We analyzed 53 colleges and universities in Washington offering Computer Science programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.
Quick Comparison: Top Computer Science Programs in Washington
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitworth University | 28.6% | $13,560 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| University of Washington (UW) | 49% | $10,127 | 19:1 | Unranked |
| Walla Walla University | 62% | $34,227 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| University of Puget Sound | 72.3% | $62,898 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Seattle University (SU) | 76.9% | $56,721 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Pacific Lutheran University | 78% | $52,254 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| University of Washington-Bothell | 79% | $10,127 | 20:1 | Unranked |
| Gonzaga University | 81.7% | $55,480 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| University of Washington-Tacoma | 82.5% | $13,168 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Northwest University | 83.2% | $14,652 | 12:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Whitworth University
Location: Spokane, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 28.6%
- In-State Tuition: $13,560 | Out-of-State: $13,560
- Enrollment: 145 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,000
- Average Financial Aid: $28,554
View full Whitworth University profile →
2. University of Washington (UW)
Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- In-State Tuition: $10,127 | Out-of-State: $36,588
- Enrollment: 47,400 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
- Average Financial Aid: $12,756
View full University of Washington (UW) profile →
3. Walla Walla University
Location: College Place, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- In-State Tuition: $34,227 | Out-of-State: $34,227
- Enrollment: 1,252 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,100
- Average Financial Aid: $14,464
View full Walla Walla University profile →
4. University of Puget Sound
Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 72.3%
- In-State Tuition: $62,898 | Out-of-State: $62,898
- Enrollment: 1,594 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 68% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,400
- Average Financial Aid: $23,458
View full University of Puget Sound profile →
5. Seattle University (SU)
Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 76.9%
- In-State Tuition: $56,721 | Out-of-State: $56,721
- Enrollment: 4,062 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,400
- Average Financial Aid: $23,666
View full Seattle University (SU) profile →
6. Pacific Lutheran University
Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- In-State Tuition: $52,254 | Out-of-State: $52,254
- Enrollment: 2,401 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,200
- Average Financial Aid: $29,317
View full Pacific Lutheran University profile →
7. University of Washington-Bothell
Location: Bothell, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- In-State Tuition: $10,127 | Out-of-State: $36,519
- Enrollment: 5,970 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
- Average Financial Aid: $13,580
View full University of Washington-Bothell profile →
8. Gonzaga University
Location: Spokane, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
- In-State Tuition: $55,480 | Out-of-State: $55,480
- Enrollment: 5,198 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $47,100
- Average Financial Aid: $21,554
View full Gonzaga University profile →
9. University of Washington-Tacoma
Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 82.5%
- In-State Tuition: $13,168 | Out-of-State: $43,404
- Enrollment: 4,185 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
- Average Financial Aid: $12,254
View full University of Washington-Tacoma profile →
10. Northwest University
Location: Kirkland, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 83.2%
- In-State Tuition: $14,652 | Out-of-State: $14,652
- Enrollment: 405 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
- Average Financial Aid: $18,640
View full Northwest University profile →
How to Choose the Right Computer Science Program in Washington
Selecting the best Computer Science program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:
- Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
- Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
- Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
- Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Washington residents.
- Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Computer Science.
Explore More
Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Computer Science programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best colleges for Computer Science in Washington?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Computer Science programs in Washington include Whitworth University, University of Washington (UW), and Walla Walla University.
How much does a Computer Science degree cost in Washington?
In-state tuition for Computer Science programs in Washington averages around $32,321 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.
What can I do with a Computer Science degree from a Washington school?
Graduates from Washington's Computer Science programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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