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Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Kirkland, WAPublic
$3,195
Tuition/yr
43%
Grad rate
48.8
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best cloud computing degree programs: U of Washington-Seattle, U of Washington-Tacoma, Columbia Basin College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,195 to $53,235/year
Lake Washington Institute... offers the most affordable option at $3,195/yr
Cloud Computing degree programs available: 21 associate's, 4 master's, 1 doctoral in Washington
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
3 online cloud computing degree programs in Washington
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Washington community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
21 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Expedia
Tech hubs in Seattle and Bellevue
Hakia Research 2026
Cloud Computing degree programs near 43+ cities across Washington
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Washington Cloud Computing programs
We rank 37 accredited cloud computing programs in Washington using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington Worth It?
Answer
$145,230
Yes. The best cloud computing degree programs in Washington deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $145,230 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $8,270/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Cloud Computing Degree Rankings in Washington
Compare the top-ranked Cloud Computing programs in Washington by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Cloud Computing Programs in Washington
21
Programs ranked
$4,387
Avg tuition/yr
73%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Washington offers 21 accredited associate's degree programs in cloud computing, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Lake Washington Institute..., South Puget Sound Communi..., Bellingham Technical College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Washington offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $4,387/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $79,877 in Washington.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Washington's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among cloud computing schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their cloud computing degrees in Washington.
Show all 21 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 51.0 |
| #7 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | Public | $4,673 | 65% | 52.7 |
| #8 | Clark College | Vancouver, WA | Public | $4,306 | — | 48.2 |
| #9 | North Seattle College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 49% | 47.5 |
| #10 | Highline College | Des Moines, WA | Public | $3,633 | — | 47.3 |
| #11 | Wenatchee Valley College | Wenatchee, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | 47.3 |
| #12 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 57.7 |
| #13 | Big Bend Community College | Moses Lake, WA | Public | $4,623 | 96% | 49.8 |
| #14 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | 58.7 |
| #15 | Walla Walla Community College | Walla Walla, WA | Public | $6,513 | 86% | 47.0 |
| #16 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA | Public | $4,197 | 85% | 54.7 |
| #17 | Bates Technical College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,131 | — | 45.4 |
| #18 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | 46.8 |
| #19 | Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | Public | $4,074 | 93% | 47.2 |
| #20 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | 44.9 |
| #21 | Seattle Central College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 39% | 41.5 |
Best Bachelor's Cloud Computing Programs in Washington
11
Programs ranked
$10,315
Avg tuition/yr
81%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for cloud computing education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Washington-Seattle, U of Washington-Tacoma, Columbia Basin College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Washington cloud computing programs earn a median salary of $123,446, 26% above the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $3,195 to $43,600 annually, with an average of $10,315/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 81%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Washington's leading technology employers. For students seeking cloud computing degrees in Washington, these top-ranked cloud computing schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
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$11,524
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
95.1
Hakia Score
Show all 11 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA | Public | $7,021 | — | 49.4 |
| #7 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | 50.3 |
| #8 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | Public | $3,633 | 78% | 47.4 |
| #9 | City University of Seattle | Seattle, WA | Private | $13,965 | — | 44.2 |
| #10 | Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | — | 41.0 |
| #11 | Saint Martin's University | Lacey, WA | Private | $43,600 | — | 40.7 |
Best Master's Cloud Computing Programs in Washington
4
Programs ranked
$20,826
Avg tuition/yr
93%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Washington offers 4 master's degree programs in cloud computing, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Washington-Seattle, U of Washington-Tacoma, Seattle, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Washington earn a median salary of $145,230, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $20,826/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Washington's cloud computing schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
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$11,524
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
95.1
Hakia Score
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$53,235
Tuition/yr
92%
Grad rate
52.9
Hakia Score
Best Doctoral Cloud Computing Programs in Washington
1
Programs ranked
$11,524
Avg tuition/yr
97%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Washington is home to 1 doctoral programs in cloud computing, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Washington-Seattle are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Washington PhD holders earning a median of $181,538, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Washington programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing cloud computing degrees in Washington, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Seattle, WAPublic
$11,524
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad rate
100.0
Hakia Score
Cloud Computing Degree Costs & Tuition in Washington
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $8,270/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $20,675/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,068/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $49,620 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $12,404 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid for Washington Cloud Computing Students
Verdict: Washington Cloud Computing students benefit from substantially the strongest US cloud-computing funding-to-outcomes equation anywhere: Washington hosts two of the three global hyperscaler cloud platforms, Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Seattle HQ, the largest US cloud platform and the original cloud platform) and Microsoft Azure (Redmond HQ, one of the three global hyperscaler cloud platforms). Combined with the strong Washington College Grant (WA Grant), the STEM-specific Opportunity Scholarship, no state income tax, and substantial UW Allen School cloud-systems research depth, Washington Cloud Computing education delivers substantially the strongest US cloud-engineering career trajectory available.
WA Grant covers full tuition and fees at UW Seattle for in-state families at or below ~65% of state median income (~$70,000), with coverage scaling down to ~$108,000 family income. The College Bound Scholarship extends commitment-based aid. The STEM-specific Opportunity Scholarship adds up to $22,500 (across 5 years) for WA students pursuing STEM at participating WA institutions, cloud-computing-track CS students qualify.
Washington's cloud-computing-specific institutional aid is concentrated at: UW Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, one of the strongest US cloud-systems and distributed-computing research programs anywhere, with substantial faculty depth across cloud-native systems, distributed systems, data systems, and serverless architectures. UW Allen School cloud graduates have substantial AWS and Azure placement, the most direct US graduate→hyperscaler-cloud-platform-engineering pipelines anywhere. Washington State University has growing CS-with-cloud-emphasis programs at affordable in-state tuition. Seattle University offers ABET-EAC CS with growing cloud-emphasis and substantial Microsoft/Amazon cloud recruiting relationships.
Washington's particular cloud-funding strength is the combined cost-and-outcomes equation: WA Grant + Opportunity Scholarship + UW Allen School cloud-systems research depth + the substantial AWS + Microsoft Azure dual-hyperscaler employment pipeline + no state income tax on post-graduation cloud salaries. For Washington-resident cloud-track students with appropriate eligibility, the path from low-income family to debt-free cloud-track bachelor's at UW Allen School to high-paying AWS or Microsoft Azure cloud platform engineering role is substantially the most financially-efficient cloud-computing career trajectory available in US tech. Industry-track scholarships from AWS, Microsoft, plus Washington-based cloud employers (Costco IT cloud, T-Mobile cloud, Tableau/Salesforce cloud, Zillow Group cloud, Expedia Group cloud, F5 Networks cloud) provide additional funding most students don't pursue.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator, Washington
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree in Washington. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Cloud Computing Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a cloud computing degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+1378%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$2,549,181
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$123,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$3,584,589
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Seattle, WA)$185,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return6.4%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Cloud Computing Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Washington metro areas
Seattle$160K
Bellevue$152K
Redmond$145K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $160K |
| Bellevue | $152K |
| Redmond | $145K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Cloud Computing Graduates in Washington
Find cloud computing jobs in Washington. These major employers across Washington metro areas are actively hiring cloud computing degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Cloud Computing Jobs in Seattle
WASeattle is home to Amazon and Microsoft headquarters, plus major engineering offices for Google, Meta, and other tech giants.
Nearby cities: Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Tacoma, Renton
Microsoft
Enterprise Software/Cloud
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud (AWS)
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Meta
Social/VR/AI
Tableau (Salesforce)
Data Visualization
Zillow
Real Estate Tech
Expedia Group
Travel Tech
Redfin
Real Estate Tech
DocuSign
Digital Agreements
F5 Networks
Networking/Security
Cloud Computing Jobs in Bellevue/Eastside
WAThe Eastside corridor houses Microsoft's main campus in Redmond, Nintendo of America, and T-Mobile's headquarters.
Nearby cities: Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish
Microsoft
Enterprise Software/Cloud
T-Mobile
Telecommunications
Nintendo of America
Gaming
Valve Corporation
Gaming/Steam Platform
Washington Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Washington's tech economy is essentially defined by Microsoft and Amazon. The Seattle metro hosts the headquarters of both, plus major engineering offices for Google, Meta, Apple, and a dense second-tier of cloud, AI, and enterprise tech employers. With no state income tax and University of Washington's CS program at the top of the western US, Washington consistently posts the highest tech-job concentration per capita of any US state.
Seattle / Bellevue / Redmond
Seattle metropolitan area
Headquarters of Microsoft (Redmond) and Amazon (Seattle); major engineering offices for Google, Meta, Apple, Tableau, Tableau, Expedia, Zillow, Costco IT. UW is the dominant CS feeder; total-comp at named employers regularly clears $200K for new bachelor's grads.
Spokane / Eastern Washington
Spokane metro
Smaller tech market focused on healthcare-IT (Providence), defense (Fairchild AFB-adjacent), and growing remote-work tech employment. Whitworth and WSU-Spokane feed the local market.
No state income tax. Washington levies a Business and Occupation tax on gross receipts that tech employers factor into compensation structures.
Washington Regulation Affecting Cloud Computing Graduates
Washington has emerged as one of the more active state legislatures on AI, biometric privacy, and consumer health data. The 2024 My Health My Data Act in particular is among the strictest US consumer health-data laws and shapes engineering practice at any company touching health-adjacent data.
Washington My Health My Data Act (MHMD)
Effective March 2024. Imposes strict requirements on collection, use, and sharing of consumer health data — broadly defined to include data inferring health status. Provides a private right of action.
Engineers at any company processing wellness, fitness, mental-health, or biometric data of WA users must implement consent, geofencing, and data-sharing restrictions. The law's broad scope of 'health data' makes it relevant for surprising amounts of consumer-tech work.
Read moreWashington Biometric Identifiers Act
Requires notice and consent before enrolling biometric identifiers in a database for commercial purposes.
Similar in shape to Illinois BIPA though narrower; engineers building biometric features for WA users must implement consent flows.
Read moreWashington AI legislation (HB 1394 et al.)
Washington has passed and continues to develop AI-specific legislation around government use, deepfake elections content, and consumer disclosure.
AI/ML engineers building products serving WA users should monitor evolving disclosure and bias-audit requirements.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Washington
Washington does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. Standard engineering disciplines require ABET-EAC accreditation for PE eligibility; software engineering is not a Washington-recognized PE discipline.
Washington licensing boardWashington Financial Aid Programs
Washington College Grant (WA Grant)
State grantUp to $11,840/yr at public 4-year, up to $4,180/yr at community college
WA residents with family income up to ~70% of state median income (~$70,000)
College Bound Scholarship
State scholarship (early commitment)Covers tuition and fees at participating WA institutions
WA students who sign up in 7th-8th grade with family income at or below 65% state median income; must maintain 2.0+ GPA and stay crime-free
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
Application portalN/A — application channel
WA students ineligible for federal FAFSA (e.g., undocumented) — opens access to state aid programs
Opportunity Scholarship (STEM-specific)
STEM merit-need scholarshipUp to $22,500 total (across 5 years)
WA students pursuing STEM or healthcare bachelor's at participating WA institutions with family income at or below 125% state median
Transfer Pathways for Washington Cloud Computing Students
Verdict: Washington's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) provides guaranteed junior-standing admission at Washington public 4-year institutions for AA-degree graduates. The cloud-computing-specific consideration is that UW Allen School cloud-track CS transfer admission is genuinely competitive (Allen School is one of the most selective US CS programs) while UW Bothell, UW Tacoma, Washington State, Seattle University, and Western Washington University have substantially more accessible transfer admission and produce graduates well-placed into AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud platform engineering.
Best Washington community college cloud-computing-track-feeder schools: Bellevue College (strong UW transfer record, refined cloud-computing prerequisite mathematics + AWS/Azure certification programs, geographically adjacent to Microsoft Redmond, AWS Seattle, plus the substantial Bellevue tech employers for direct Microsoft Azure / AWS exposure during community college years), Edmonds College, Highline College, North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and Tacoma Community College. Each has DTA-aligned coursework + AWS/Azure certification programs that transfer cleanly into Washington public 4-year cloud-track CS programs.
The Bellevue College → UW Bothell or UW Tacoma cloud-track CS pathway is more reliable than the Bellevue College → UW Seattle Allen School cloud path, both UW-system alternatives have substantially more open transfer admission while still producing well-placed graduates into AWS and Microsoft Azure cloud platform engineering. Bellevue College → Seattle University CS-with-cloud-emphasis is the substantially-accessible private alternative with strong Microsoft Azure and AWS recruiting relationships.
Beyond UW Seattle: UW Bothell and UW Tacoma are substantially more accessible than UW Seattle Allen School and feed Seattle-area cloud employment effectively. Washington State University has growing cloud-computing programs across multiple departments. Western Washington University (Bellingham) has CS programs with cloud-emphasis at affordable in-state tuition. Seattle University is the standout ABET-EAC CS with growing cloud-emphasis. Whitworth University, Gonzaga University, and Pacific Lutheran University offer CS programs with growing cloud-emphasis at small-private scale. For Washington cloud-computing-track students, the UW Bothell pathway is the accessible UW-system cloud optimization with substantial AWS/Azure placement; Seattle University is the substantially-accessible private optimization with strong Microsoft Azure and AWS placement; WSU is the affordable comprehensive option; UW Seattle Allen School is the elite optimization for the most competitive cloud-track applicants only.
Washington Take-Home Pay Advantage
$0 State Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax. At the median cloud computing salary of $145,230, that keeps roughly $7,262 more in your pocket annually compared to states with a 5% income tax rate.
Source: Washington Department of Revenue
Washington Cloud Computing Job Market & Salary
Verdict: Washington has substantially the largest US Cloud Computing job market, anchored by the two largest hyperscaler cloud platforms globally: Amazon Web Services (AWS) (Seattle HQ, the largest US cloud platform with substantial Seattle/Bellevue engineering organization across EC2, S3, RDS, Lambda, EKS, Bedrock, plus the substantial AWS Solutions Architect and AWS Professional Services workforce) and Microsoft Azure (Redmond HQ, one of the three global hyperscaler cloud platforms with substantial Redmond engineering organization across Azure Compute, Azure Storage, Azure SQL, Azure Functions, AKS, Azure OpenAI Service, plus the substantial Azure customer-engineering workforce). Plus the substantial Microsoft Azure + AWS combined hiring pipeline at scale matched nowhere else in the US. Nominal Seattle cloud compensation rivals Bay Area, and adjusted for no state income tax, Seattle cloud take-home compensation often exceeds equivalent Bay Area roles.
By metro: Seattle / Bellevue / Redmond averages ~$200,000-$300,000 for cloud engineer roles per Levels.fyi with senior cloud engineer roles regularly exceeding $350,000 and principal/staff cloud engineers at AWS and Microsoft Azure exceeding $500,000-$1,000,000+ TC. AWS engineering is the dominant employer, substantial cloud platform engineering across EC2 (one of the largest US compute platforms by scale), S3, RDS, DynamoDB, Lambda serverless, EKS Kubernetes, Bedrock generative-AI, plus the substantial AWS Solutions Architect, AWS Professional Services, and AWS Customer Success workforce. AWS GovCloud for cleared US government cloud operations. Microsoft Azure engineering is similarly substantial, Azure Compute, Azure Storage, Azure SQL, Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Functions, AKS Kubernetes, Azure OpenAI Service infrastructure (post-OpenAI partnership), Azure ML platform, plus substantial Azure customer-engineering workforce.
Microsoft Azure's substantial OpenAI partnership has created tens of thousands of Microsoft-internal cloud engineering roles, Azure OpenAI Service infrastructure, GitHub Copilot cloud infrastructure, Bing Chat / Copilot cloud infrastructure, M365 Copilot cloud infrastructure, Windows Copilot cloud infrastructure, substantial cloud platform engineering supporting enterprise GenAI deployment for substantially every major US enterprise. AWS Bedrock infrastructure engineering is the AWS-equivalent, substantial generative-AI infrastructure-as-a-service platform engineering supporting Anthropic Claude, Meta Llama, Mistral, AWS Titan foundation models. Other Seattle-area cloud employers: Apple's substantial Seattle cloud engineering office, Google's substantial Seattle cloud engineering office, F5 Networks cloud, Costco IT cloud, T-Mobile cloud, Tableau/Salesforce cloud, Zillow Group cloud, Expedia Group cloud, plus growing Seattle cloud startup ecosystem.
Three Washington cloud-computing-specific dynamics: (1) The AWS + Microsoft Azure combined hiring pipeline is substantially the largest single-state cloud computing employment concentration globally, both companies operate two of the three global hyperscaler cloud platforms from Washington, both companies hire substantial cloud platform engineering new-grad cohorts annually (often 500-2,000+ at each company specifically for cloud platform engineering), and both companies offer extensive cloud certification reimbursement and internal training. (2) Microsoft's OpenAI partnership has created exceptional Azure OpenAI Service cloud platform engineering opportunities, building enterprise-grade GenAI cloud infrastructure for substantially every major US enterprise is a substantially-differentiated cloud engineering career path. (3) Seattle cloud platform engineering compensation often exceeds Bay Area equivalent roles on take-home basis, AWS and Microsoft cloud compensation is competitive with Bay Area Big Tech nominally, and Washington's lack of state income tax produces substantially higher take-home for senior cloud engineers. See Cloud Engineer Career Guide and DevOps Engineer Career Guide.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Washington$94,400$210,584
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Cloud Computing Programs in Washington
Online Programs
3 available in Washington
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$7,443/yr$8,270/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Cloud Computing Programs in Other States
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Oregon
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $7,300
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Idaho
- Total Programs
- 9
- Median Tuition
- $4,700
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 127
- Median Tuition
- $1,400
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 100
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $39,400
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Virginia
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $12,800
Best Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Colorado
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Cloud Computing Degree Programs in Washington: FAQ
What are the best cloud computing degree programs in Washington?
The best cloud computing degree programs in Washington based on our methodology are: 1) University of Washington-Seattle Campus (97% graduation rate), 2) University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, and 3) Columbia Basin College. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Washington offers 29 total accredited programs across 26 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 11 bachelor's programs.
How much do cloud computing degree programs cost in Washington?
Cloud Computing degree program costs in Washington vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $8,270/year, while private institutions average $18,194/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,068/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $33,080 at public schools to $72,776 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can cloud computing degree graduates earn in Washington?
Cloud Computing professionals in Washington earn a median salary of $145,230, which is 26% above the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $94,400, while senior roles exceed $210,584. Salaries vary by metro area: Seattle ($159,753), Bellevue ($152,492) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online cloud computing degree programs in Washington?
Yes, Washington offers 3 accredited online Cloud Computing programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Clark College and Bates Technical College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire cloud computing degree graduates in Washington?
Major Cloud Computing employers in Washington include Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Expedia, Zillow. The Seattle and Bellevue metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Washington universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Washington's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a cloud computing degree program worth it in Washington?
A cloud computing degree program in Washington offers strong ROI with a $145,230 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $8,270/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($164,110), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do cloud computing degree programs take in Washington?
Standard completion times for cloud computing degree programs in Washington are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Washington community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Washington university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for cloud computing degree students in Washington?
Washington cloud computing degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Washington state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Washington's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Washington salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.