Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Washington 2025
Columbia Basin College
32 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Green River College
54 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
Western Washington University
26 Cybersecurity graduates annually, 99% graduation rate
- 1.Washington has 12+ accredited cybersecurity bachelor's programs with 3 NSA Centers of Academic Excellence designations
- 2.University of Washington ranks #1 in Washington with NSA designation and 84% graduation rate in Seattle tech hub
- 3.Washington cybersecurity professionals earn median $115,340 annually—10% above the national median (BLS Washington 2024)
- 4.Seattle metro area provides 15,000+ information security analyst jobs with Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and T-Mobile as major employers
- 5.In-state tuition ranges from $8,976 at Central Washington to $12,092 at University of Washington—significantly below national averages
Cybersecurity Education Landscape in Washington State
Washington State offers exceptional cybersecurity education opportunities, anchored by the University of Washington's nationally recognized program and strengthened by the state's thriving tech ecosystem. With major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and T-Mobile headquartered in the region, Washington provides unparalleled internship and career opportunities for cybersecurity students.
The state's cybersecurity programs benefit from close industry partnerships, with many featuring hands-on training in state-of-the-art security operations centers. Three programs hold prestigious NSA Center of Academic Excellence designations, ensuring curriculum meets national security standards. For comparison with programs nationwide, see our national cybersecurity bachelor's rankings. Students considering online options should explore our best online cybersecurity degrees guide.
Washington Cybersecurity Program Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | — | 73.9 |
| 2 | Green River College | Auburn, WA | Public | $4,074 | 99% | — | 70.4 |
| 3 | Western Washington University | Bellingham, WA | Public | $7,997 | 99% | — | 64.3 |
| 4 | Highline College | Des Moines, WA | Public | $3,633 | — | — | 61.3 |
| 5 | Clark College | Vancouver, WA | Public | $4,306 | — | — | 57.7 |
| 6 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | Public | $4,673 | 65% | — | 56.7 |
| 7 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | — | 55.4 |
| 8 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | — | 52.5 |
| 9 | Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | — | 47.8 |
| 10 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | Public | $3,633 | 78% | — | 38 |
| 11 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,477 | 87% | — | 37.8 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Washington: Side-by-Side
| School | Green River College | Columbia Basin College | U of Washington-Tacoma | Western Washington | Highline College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $4,074 | $5,514 | $11,524 | $7,997 | $3,633 |
| Graduation Rate | 99% | 97% | 92% | 99% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 54 | 32 | 32 | 26 | 29 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | 83% | 91% | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 84.3/100 | 73.9/100 | 66.0/100 | 64.3/100 | 61.3/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Washington
Washington offers 11 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Green River College, Columbia Basin College, Western Washington University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $101,661 in the Washington market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Washington
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Green River College | $4,074 | 99% | 54 | 84.3 |
| #2 Columbia Basin College | $5,514 | 97% | 32 | 73.9 |
| #3 Western Washington | $7,997 | 99% | 26 | 64.3 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Washington
For graduate study, Washington offers 3 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, University of Washington-Bothell Campus, City University of Seattle. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Washington reaching $188,799 or more.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Washington
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Washington-Tacoma | $11,524 | 92% | 32 | 66.0 |
| #2 U of Washington-Bothell | $11,524 | 69% | 13 | 51.3 |
| #3 City University of Seattle | $13,965 | N/A% | 2 | 47.4 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Washington
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Washington are at Highline College ($3,633/year), Whatcom Community College ($3,633/year), Green River College ($4,074/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Washington's competitive tech salaries.
At Highline College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $14,532 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $101,661, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.2 years.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Washington (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Highline College | $3,633 | $14,532 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #2 Whatcom Community College | $3,633 | $14,532 | 0.2 years | Public |
| #3 Green River College | $4,074 | $16,296 | 0.2 years | Public |
Green River College
Auburn, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $4,074 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 54 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 84.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 54 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.3 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (54 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Green River College's Cybersecurity and Networking program offers both Associate and Bachelor degree options with flexible delivery modes including online and hybrid instruction, preparing students for high-demand IT positions with hands-on training in networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity skills.
Admission Prerequisites
- •prerequisite coursework with minimum grade of 2.5 or higher
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 92 credits for AAS-T, 180 credits for BAS
Career Outcomes
- Starting Salary: $136,442
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,514 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 73.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 32 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 73.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
CBC's Cyber Security BAS program offers comprehensive hands-on training with virtual desktop environments and prepares students for industry certifications like CISSP and CCNA. The program includes specialized courses in ethical hacking, cryptology, and penetration testing with a required capstone project.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •CS 150 with grade of 2.5 or better
- •MATH 50, 70, or 72 with grade of 2.0 or better
- •completion of two-year degree or equivalent
- •meets criteria for acceptance into BAS/BSN program
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 180-183 credits
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Tacoma, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $11,524 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 83%
- • Ranking Score: 66.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 32 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 66.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership program integrates resources from the School of Engineering & Technology and Milgard School of Business, completing in just 12 months with Saturday-only classes. The program specifically targets professionals and military personnel for career advancement in Washington's cybersecurity landscape.
Admission Prerequisites
- •computer networking knowledge
- •programming language knowledge (Java, C#, C++, C, or Python)
- •2 years relevant full-time professional work experience
Admissions
- Min GPA: 3.0
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 40 quarter credits
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,997 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 99% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 26 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 91%
- • Ranking Score: 64.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- 99% graduation rate
- 26 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 64.3 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (99%), program size (26 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (91% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Western's Cybersecurity program offers a unique 2+2 structure with eight community college partner pathways and is one of the nation's few community college-to-university cybersecurity program collaborations. The program provides multiple industry connections and hands-on experience through internships at major companies like Amazon Web Services and IBM.
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 90 credits at community college + final two years at Western
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: Palo Alto Networks, Premera Blue Cross, IBM, Amazon Web Services
Highline College
Des Moines, WA • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,633 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 29 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 61.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 29 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.3 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (29 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,230), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Monitor security threats, investigate incidents, and implement protective measures for organizations
Information Security Manager
Lead cybersecurity teams and develop organizational security strategies and policies
Network Security Engineer
Design and implement secure network infrastructure and monitor for vulnerabilities
Digital Forensics Specialist
Investigate cybercrimes and analyze digital evidence for legal proceedings
Cloud Security Architect
Design secure cloud infrastructure and ensure compliance with security standards
Washington State University Systems and Cybersecurity Education
Washington's public university system provides excellent cybersecurity education options across different regions of the state. The University of Washington system leads with its Seattle flagship campus offering the state's top-ranked program, while regional campuses in Tacoma and Bothell provide additional access points.
Washington State University's cybersecurity program has earned national recognition through its NSA designation and innovative curriculum. The program benefits from strong industry partnerships and prepares students for both technical and management roles in cybersecurity.
Regional universities like Central Washington, Eastern Washington, and Western Washington provide more intimate learning environments with competitive programs. These institutions often offer excellent value propositions with lower tuition rates while maintaining strong industry connections throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Private institutions including Seattle University, Gonzaga, and Pacific Lutheran University round out the state's cybersecurity education landscape, often providing smaller class sizes and specialized focus areas within cybersecurity studies. For students considering the broader landscape of cybersecurity education, our cybersecurity curriculum guide provides detailed insights into program components and specializations.
Other Tech Degree Programs in Washington
Compare Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Massachusetts
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to major tech employers like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing
- NSA-designated programs with national security focus
- Affordable in-state tuition at quality public universities
- Strong job market with 32% projected growth in cybersecurity roles
- Beautiful Pacific Northwest environment with outdoor recreation
- No state income tax maximizing your salary potential
- More program variety - Washington has fewer total options than California or Texas
- Warmer climate year-round
- Lower cost of living - Seattle metro can be expensive
- Specific industry focus like financial services (consider New York) or defense contracting
- Larger program sizes with more diverse student populations
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Cybersecurity Programs
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific cybersecurity salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Cybersecurity Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Graduation rates, enrollment, and tuition data
Salary and employment data for cybersecurity professionals
Official list of designated cybersecurity programs
State higher education data and trends
Source: BLS OEWS Washington 2024
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.