Upon graduating from high school, many students begin exploring college admissions. Since your choice of college can affect your academic and career plans, it is important to consider the location, field of study, and cost before applying.
Paying for college does not necessarily have to mean taking on significant debt. Many schools offer comparatively affordable tuition rates and financial aid options. Washington has a range of public universities, community colleges, and technical colleges that international students may wish to consider.
The schools below do not use identical tuition structures. Some publish annual estimates, while others publish quarterly or per-credit rates. Tuition may also vary by residency status, credit load, course level, and program. Review the linked official tuition page before applying because additional fees may apply.
That’s why we listed some affordable schools in Washington in this article to help you identify the options that may best suit your needs.
Affordable Schools in Washington for International Students
1. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- 2026-27 estimated nine-month tuition and fees: $10,713 (Washington resident and nonresident tuition-waiver students) | $13,752 (BAS Washington resident and nonresident tuition-waiver students)
Lake Washington Institute of Technology is the only public institute of technology in Washington. Established in 1949, the college is located in Kirkland.
LWTech offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, 42 associate degrees, and 65 professional certificates in 41 areas of study. Students should review the official cost-of-attendance page because tuition and fees vary by program type and student category.
2. Central Washington University
- Admissions | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- 2026-27 undergraduate tuition: $7,716/year (Washington resident) | $27,041/year (nonresident); mandatory Ellensburg campus fees: $2,248/year
Central Washington University publishes separate cost-of-attendance schedules for resident and nonresident undergraduate students.
The university’s 2026-27 estimates cover the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Students should also check whether additional program-specific or location-specific fees apply.
3. The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College is a public liberal arts and sciences college in Olympia.
Evergreen publishes tuition information for Washington residents and out-of-state students. Review the official cost-of-attendance page and the applicable tuition table before applying because the final amount depends on the student’s level and enrollment details.
Washington offers a variety of higher-education options, including public universities, community colleges, and technical colleges. Since each institution uses its own tuition structure, compare the applicable rates, additional fees, program options, and financial aid opportunities carefully before applying.
We hope this article about affordable schools in Washington was helpful. If you are interested in studying in the United States, check out the Study in the USA page and the Available Courses for International Students.
