International Trade and Economic Development

Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development
(360) 725-4100
128 10th Avenue SW
Olympia WA 98504-2525
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Higher Education

  • Thirtytwo percent of Washington residents 25 and over have completed at least four years of college. Washington ranks 13th nationally in this category. (US Census Bureau)

  • About 85 percent of Washington's residents 25 and over have completed 12 or more years of schooling. Washington ranks 14th in this category. (US Census Bureau)

  • Currently, about 60 percent of Washington's high school graduates continue directly to an institution of higher education. Most of these students marticulate into a state community college, technical college, or university. (Washington State Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction) State Graduate Follow Up Study.

Research Universities

University of Washington

The University of Washington and Washington State University are preeminent leaders in research and development, with a history of producing some of today’s most notable Nobel laureates.

The University of Washington (UW- Seattle) has garnered attention for its landmark work in software development, cancer treatment, and integrated circuit design, among others.

Additional information on the University of Washington

Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU- Pullman) has strong research programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and other related disciplines.

Additional information on Washington State University

4-Year Colleges and Universities

Four additional public universities or colleges contribute a highly educated workforce:

For a list of all independant four-year colleges, please visit the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board's Directory of Washington Colleges & Universities.

2-Year Community and Technical Colleges

There are 34 community and technical colleges in the state of Washington with 260,488 enrolled students in 2002-03. Community and technical colleges occupy a multifaceted role in higher education within the state. They provide four primary forms of continuing education:

  • Academic Transfer- Earning credits that can be applied to a bachelor’s degree program upon transfer to four-year institutions. 119,918 students attend community and technical colleges with the intention of transferring to 4-year institutions.

  • Workforce Education- Preparing for jobs or upgrading job skills. 193,458 students are enrolled in workforce programs.

  • Basic skills- Courses that focus on English as a second language, adult basic education, and courses leading to a high school diploma of General Education Development (GED) certificate. 77,752 students are enrolled in Basic Skills programs.

  • Home, Family Life, Other, & Not Reported- These students enroll for parent education, retirement planning or other purposes. This category also includes students who did not specify a goal upon enrollment. 119,138 students are enrolled in this diverse program area.

For a list of all Community and Technical Colleges, please visit the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board's Directory of Washington Colleges & Universities or the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges Directory.

Additional information on Higher Education in Washington