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Key Takeaways
Best data analytics degree programs: U of Washington-Seattle, Bellevue College, Western Washington
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $4,074 to $53,235/year
Pierce College District offers the most affordable option at $4,074/yr
Data Analytics degree programs available: 1 associate's, 5 master's, 2 doctoral in Washington
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
4 online data analytics degree programs in Washington
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Washington community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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
Data Analytics degree programs near 43+ cities across Washington
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Washington Data Analytics programs
We rank 16 accredited data analytics 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.
Are Data Analytics Degree Programs in Washington Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Analytics Degree Rankings in Washington
Compare the top-ranked Data Analytics programs in Washington by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Analytics Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in data analytics, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Pierce College District, 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 $4,074/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 data analytics schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data analytics degrees in Washington.
Best Bachelor's Data Analytics Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for data analytics education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 6 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Washington-Seattle, Bellevue College, Western Washington, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Washington data analytics 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 $4,074 to $53,235 annually, with an average of $15,142/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 99%. 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 data analytics degrees in Washington, these top-ranked data analytics schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | Bothell, WA | Public | $11,524 | 69% | 55.6 |
| #7 | City University of Seattle | Seattle, WA | Private | $13,965 | — | 45.6 |
| #8 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | Public | $7,294 | — | 43.0 |
Best Master's Data Analytics Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington offers 5 master's degree programs in data analytics, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Washington-Seattle, Seattle, City University of 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 $25,533/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 data analytics schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Data Analytics Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington is home to 2 doctoral programs in data analytics, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Washington-Seattle, Washington State 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 data analytics 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.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Data Analytics Degree Costs & Tuition in Washington
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $15,832/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $39,580/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,958/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $94,992 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $23,748 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Analytics Students in Washington
State Aid Programs
The Washington College Grant makes analytics education accessible.
For 2025-26, families of four earning $78,500 or less may qualify for free tuition at public colleges. Partial awards extend to families earning up to $131,000 (WSAC Washington College Grant). Students are automatically considered when filing FAFSA or WASFA. In-state students can receive up to $11,887 per year in WA Grant funding. The lifetime limit is 18 quarters (6 years) of eligibility. The new WA Grant-Connect program allows students receiving certain state public assistance to qualify automatically without filing FAFSA, removing barriers for underserved populations.
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional state and federal programs expand support:
- College Bound Scholarship: Low-income 7th/8th graders who sign a pledge receive tuition and books for up to 8 semesters/12 quarters at Washington institutions. Requires 2.0+ high school GPA.
- Passport to Careers: Supports former build youth with college costs.
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 maximum for 2024-25.
- Husky Promise (UW): Covers tuition for Washington residents with family income at or below 65% of state median.
- Cougar Commitment (WSU): Similar need-based support for WSU students. WSU reports 75% of students receive financial aid. Apply early, many priority scholarship deadlines fall in November-December.
Institutional Scholarships
Employer tuition assistance supports working professionals.
Many Seattle tech companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks, offer tuition reimbursement programs covering graduate analytics education. Amazon's Career Choice program and Starbucks' College Achievement Plan specifically support employee education. Professional scholarships from analytics organizations (INFORMS, Analytics Society) target students pursuing data careers. Graduate assistantships at UW and WSU often cover tuition plus provide stipends for students willing to assist faculty with research or teaching. For part-time graduate programs like UW's MS in Data Science, employer reimbursement can cover substantial portions of the $40,000-$50,000 total cost. Merit scholarships of $2,000-$15,000/year are available for strong applicants at Washington institutions.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator, Washington
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data analytics 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.
Data Analytics Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data analytics degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1168%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$2,161,658
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$110,000
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
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
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
Data Analytics Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Washington metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $160K |
| Bellevue | $152K |
| Redmond | $145K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Analytics Graduates in Washington
Find data analytics jobs in Washington. These major employers across Washington metro areas are actively hiring data analytics degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Analytics 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
Data Analytics 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
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 Data Analytics 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 Data Analytics Degrees in Washington
State Transfer System
Washington's transfer system facilitates efficient degree completion.
The Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) ensures students completing designated associate degrees (90 quarter credits or 60 semester credits) at community colleges fulfill lower-division general education requirements at receiving universities (WSAC Transfers). The Washington 45 guarantees up to 45 general education credits transfer to any public institution statewide. Washington transfer students lose far fewer credits than the national average of 43%. For analytics students, the Business DTA or Computer Science DTA/MRP provides the strongest foundation depending on career focus, business analytics vs. technical data science.
How Transfers Work
Strategic course selection maximizes transfer success.
Analytics transfer students should complete: statistics (essential for all analytics work), calculus (required for many graduate programs), database fundamentals (SQL), programming (Python or R), and business fundamentals if pursuing business analytics. Community colleges like Bellevue College, Green River College, and Edmonds College offer data analytics certificates and coursework that articulate to four-year programs. Students completing DTA degrees receive junior standing at WSU and other public universities. Maintain 3.3+ GPA for competitive programs like UW Build's MSBA; 3.0+ suffices for most state programs.
Transfer Planning Tips
Community college pathways save significantly on costs.
Washington community colleges charge $3,742-$4,990/year for in-state residents, less than university tuition. Students completing two years at community college via DTA save $20,000-$40,000 on total bachelor's degree costs. Running Start allows high school juniors and seniors to attend community college tuition-free, potentially earning analytics prerequisites before graduating high school. For students targeting UW's competitive programs, the transfer pathway may be more accessible than freshman direct admission, transfer acceptance rates are often higher than DTM rates for high-demand majors. Explore affordable analytics programs or transfer-friendly options.
Washington Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Washington Department of Revenue
Data Analytics Job Market & Salary Data in Washington
Employment Outlook
Washington's data analytics market offers exceptional depth across industries.
Seattle data analysts earn median salaries of $94,051-$105,175 depending on methodology, with the typical pay range spanning $83,625 (25th percentile) to $133,718 (75th percentile) annually (PayScale Seattle Data Analyst). Entry-level positions start around $62,838 for analysts with less than one year of experience, while those with 1-4 years earn approximately $75,023. Senior analysts with 10+ years can reach $177,900 annually. The Information Technology sector leads compensation at $134,209 median total pay, followed by Real Estate ($105,227), Retail & Wholesale ($102,611), and Aerospace & Defense ($102,383).
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary variations reflect local industry concentration:
- Seattle: $94,051-$105,175 median, highest concentration of tech analytics roles.
- Redmond: $129,022 average. Microsoft's headquarters drives premium compensation for analysts in product and business intelligence.
- Renton: $113,330 average, benefiting from proximity to Boeing and Seattle.
- Bellevue: $96,322-$108,010 depending on source. Amazon's second campus and numerous tech firms create strong demand.
- Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island: All approximately $108,010, reflecting Eastside tech presence. Remote work has expanded opportunities. Seattle analysts can work for national employers while enjoying Washington's tax advantages and quality of life.
High-Growth Sectors
Major employers drive consistent analytics hiring.
Top companies include Amazon (retail analytics, AWS, supply chain), Microsoft (Redmond, product telemetry, business intelligence), Zillow (real estate analytics), Nordstrom (retail analytics), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (biomedical analytics), Alaska Airlines (operations analytics), Remitly (fintech analytics at $75,000-$115,000 entry-level), and Starbucks (customer analytics and supply chain). TikTok hires Anti-Fraud Data Analysts in Seattle at $101K-$169K. Meta offers $105,300-$168,500 for data analyst positions, while Microsoft in Redmond pays $133,000-$185,000 for 0-3 years experience. For specialized roles, explore data science programs or business analytics rankings.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Analytics Programs in Washington
Online Programs
4 available in Washington
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Analytics Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $20,900
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 64
- Median Tuition
- $11,800
- Total Programs
- 44
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $47,200
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $54,500
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Data Analytics Degree Programs in Washington: FAQ
What are the best data analytics degree programs in Washington?
How much do data analytics degree programs cost in Washington?
What salary can data analytics degree graduates earn in Washington?
Are there online data analytics degree programs in Washington?
What companies hire data analytics degree graduates in Washington?
Is a data analytics degree program worth it in Washington?
How long do data analytics degree programs take in Washington?
What financial aid is available for data analytics degree students in Washington?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Washington salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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.