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Key Takeaways
Best mobile development degree programs: U of Washington-Seattle, U of Washington-Bothell, Seattle
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,195 to $59,340/year
Green River College offers the most affordable option at $4,074/yr
Mobile Development degree programs available: 28 associate's, 8 master's, 1 doctoral in Washington
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
5 online mobile development degree programs in Washington
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Washington community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
28 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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development programs
We rank 55 accredited mobile development 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 Mobile Development Degree Programs in Washington Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Mobile Development Degree Rankings in Washington
Compare the top-ranked Mobile Development programs in Washington by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington offers 28 accredited associate's degree programs in mobile development, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Lake Washington Institute..., Green River College, Bellevue 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 $4,252/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 mobile development schools in Washington, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their mobile development degrees in Washington.
Show all 28 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,477 | 87% | 59.6 |
| #7 | Edmonds College | Lynnwood, WA | Public | $4,073 | 93% | 71.2 |
| #8 | Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood, WA | Public | $5,740 | 62% | 64.0 |
| #9 | Spokane Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | 92% | 59.7 |
| #10 | Renton Technical College | Renton, WA | Public | $4,673 | 65% | 63.5 |
| #11 | South Puget Sound Community College | Olympia, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | 49.6 |
| #12 | Shoreline Community College | Shoreline, WA | Public | $3,648 | — | 49.2 |
| #13 | Everett Community College | Everett, WA | Public | $4,046 | 93% | 57.5 |
| #14 | North Seattle College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 49% | 55.1 |
| #15 | Seattle Central College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 39% | 52.6 |
| #16 | Clark College | Vancouver, WA | Public | $4,306 | — | 54.6 |
| #17 | Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | 66.3 |
| #18 | South Seattle College | Seattle, WA | Public | $4,458 | 53% | 54.7 |
| #19 | Olympic College | Bremerton, WA | Public | $4,197 | 85% | 61.4 |
| #20 | Bates Technical College | Tacoma, WA | Public | $4,131 | — | 51.9 |
| #21 | Peninsula College | Port Angeles, WA | Public | $4,074 | — | 51.9 |
| #22 | Spokane Falls Community College | Spokane, WA | Public | $3,195 | — | 43.4 |
| #23 | Centralia College | Centralia, WA | Public | $4,623 | 90% | 61.1 |
| #24 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | 52.4 |
| #25 | Highline College | Des Moines, WA | Public | $3,633 | — | 49.1 |
| #26 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | Public | $3,633 | 78% | 47.8 |
| #27 | Big Bend Community College | Moses Lake, WA | Public | $4,623 | 96% | 50.6 |
| #28 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | 47.9 |
Best Bachelor's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington ranks among the nation's top destinations for mobile development education, with 18 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 9 public and 9 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Washington-Seattle, U of Washington-Bothell, Seattle, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Washington mobile development 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 $59,340 annually, with an average of $25,660/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 86%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 mobile development degrees in Washington, these top-ranked mobile development schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Show all 18 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Washington State University | Pullman, WA | Public | $10,976 | — | 60.1 |
| #7 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma, WA | Private | $49,472 | 100% | 65.0 |
| #8 | Whitworth University | Spokane, WA | Private | $49,600 | 92% | 67.7 |
| #9 | Heritage University | Toppenish, WA | Private | $19,920 | 84% | 54.9 |
| #10 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA | Public | $7,021 | — | 71.8 |
| #11 | Walla Walla University | College Place, WA | Private | $31,899 | — | 56.9 |
| #12 | Gonzaga University | Spokane, WA | Private | $52,540 | — | 63.2 |
| #13 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA | Public | $7,294 | — | 64.4 |
| #14 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | Public | $3,195 | 43% | 46.6 |
| #15 | Cascadia College | Bothell, WA | Public | $4,623 | — | 46.3 |
| #16 | University of Puget Sound | Tacoma, WA | Private | $59,340 | — | 54.1 |
| #17 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle, WA | Private | $37,965 | — | 53.6 |
| #18 | Saint Martin's University | Lacey, WA | Private | $43,600 | — | 41.4 |
Best Master's Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington offers 8 master's degree programs in mobile development, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Washington-Seattle, Seattle, U of Washington-Bothell, 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 $20,421/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 mobile development schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | Tacoma, WA | Public | $11,524 | 92% | 50.1 |
| #7 | Saint Martin's University | Lacey, WA | Private | $43,600 | — | 50.0 |
| #8 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg, WA | Public | $7,021 | — | 47.2 |
Best Doctoral Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Program Landscape
Washington is home to 1 doctoral programs in mobile development, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at 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 mobile development 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.
Mobile Development Degree Costs & Tuition in Washington
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,420/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $33,550/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,355/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $80,520 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $20,130 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Mobile Development Students in Washington
State Aid Programs
The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) provides substantial support for technology students.
For 2024-25, qualifying students can receive up to $11,887 per year at four-year public institutions, with awards based on family income and institution attended (WSAC WCG). A family of four earning $78,500 or less may qualify for free tuition at public colleges. Families earning up to $131,000 receive partial awards. The WA Grant-Connect program streamlines eligibility determination for students enrolled in certain state support programs. Lifetime eligibility extends to 18 quarters (6 years), accommodating students who change majors or pursue additional credentials.
Key Programs & Amounts
Federal and institutional aid supplements state grants.
Pell Grants provide up to $7,395/year (2024-25) for students with financial need. UW, WSU, and regional universities offer merit scholarships ranging from $2,000-$15,000 annually for strong CS applicants. The College Bound Scholarship, for low-income students who signed up in 7th or 8th grade, covers tuition, fees, and book allowances. Tech company scholarships from Microsoft, Amazon, and Google support CS students statewide. Professional organizations including ACM and IEEE Computer Society offer computing-specific scholarships.
Institutional Scholarships
Technology-specific funding opportunities exist for mobile development students.
Microsoft's scholarship programs support underrepresented students in computing. Amazon Future Engineer scholarships provide $40,000 toward CS degrees plus internship opportunities. Google's scholarship programs support women, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented minority students in computing fields. Bootcamp income share agreements (ISAs) and deferred tuition options allow career changers to access mobile development training with payment tied to post-graduation employment. Graduate assistantships at UW cover tuition plus stipends for master's students in CS and related fields.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator, Washington
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a mobile development 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.
Mobile Development Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a mobile development degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1011%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,869,485
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.
$100,000
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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development Graduates in Washington
Find mobile development jobs in Washington. These major employers across Washington metro areas are actively hiring mobile development degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Mobile Development 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
Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development 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 Mobile Development Degrees in Washington
State Transfer System
Washington's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) system facilitates smooth transitions from community college to university.
Students completing a DTA associate degree (90 quarter credits) fulfill general education requirements at all Washington public four-year institutions and receive guaranteed junior standing (WSAC Transfers). The Computer Science DTA/MRP (Major Related Program) specifically prepares students for CS transfer, including prerequisite courses in calculus, discrete math, and programming sequences. Updated for 2025, the CS MRP aligns community college coursework with university CS requirements to minimize credit loss and time to degree.
How Transfers Work
Strategic community college selection maximizes transfer success.
Bellevue College maintains strong articulation agreements with UW and offers computing programs with modern mobile-relevant curriculum. Seattle Central College's DTA pathway includes programming and web development courses. Green River College and Edmonds College provide additional options with evening and online course availability for working students. The Washington 45 ensures up to 45 general education credits transfer to any public institution, creating flexibility in course selection across the community college system.
Transfer Planning Tips
Transfer students should plan strategically for competitive CS admission:
- 1Complete strong math sequence: Calculus I, II, III plus discrete math at community college
- 2Build programming foundation: Complete introductory CS sequence (equivalent to UW's CSE 142/143)
- 3Maintain competitive GPA: Target 3.5+ for UW. 3.0+ for WSU and regional universities
- 4Develop portfolio: Personal projects demonstrating mobile development skills supplement coursework
- 5Apply broadly: UW CS admission isn't guaranteed, apply to multiple schools Community college completion can reduce total bachelor's degree costs by $20,000-$40,000 while maintaining pathways to the same employers who recruit from UW and WSU.
Washington Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Washington Department of Revenue
Mobile Development Job Market & Salary Data in Washington
Employment Outlook
Washington's mobile development job market benefits from headquarters presence of industry-defining companies.
Microsoft employs approximately 54,000 people in the Puget Sound region, with mobile development roles spanning Teams, Outlook mobile, Xbox companion apps, and Azure mobile SDKs (Microsoft Careers). Amazon's 50,000+ Seattle employees and 14,000+ Bellevue employees work on mobile experiences for the Amazon app (one of the world's most downloaded), Alexa integration, Kindle, and AWS mobile services (Amazon Jobs). Google, Meta, and T-Mobile maintain significant Seattle-area engineering offices focused on mobile and cross-platform development.
Salaries by Metro
Regional salary data reflects strong demand across mobile specializations:
- Android Developers: $95,990 average early-career, rising to $115,510 mid-career and $186,086 senior median (PayScale 2025)
- iOS Developers: $113,153 average base salary, with total compensation reaching $119,153 (Built In Seattle 2025)
- Cross-Platform (React Native/Flutter): $100,000-$130,000 typical range, premium for hybrid expertise
- Mobile Architects/Tech Leads: $150,000-$200,000+ at major employers
- Entry-Level Mobile Developers: $62.64/hour average ($130,000+ annualized) for entry positions The BLS projects 17% growth for software developers through 2033, with mobile specializations growing even faster as mobile-first strategies dominate enterprise development.
High-Growth Sectors
Beyond tech giants, Seattle's startup and agency ecosystem creates diverse opportunities.
Companies like Smashing Ideas (acquired by Luxoft), Blink, and AppVerticals develop mobile solutions for Fortune 500 clients and emerging brands. Mobile app development agencies charge $100-$200/hour in Seattle, reflecting the premium talent pool (Clutch.co 2025). Healthcare, fintech, and e-commerce verticals drive specialized mobile development demand. Remote work expansion has allowed Washington mobile developers to access national opportunities while maintaining Seattle-area cost of living advantages. For related careers, explore software engineering programs, computer science degrees, or UX design programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Mobile Development Programs in Washington
Online Programs
5 available in Washington
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Mobile Development Programs in Other States
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- 18
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
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- Median Tuition
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- Median Tuition
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- Total Programs
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- Median Tuition
- $44,500
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
Mobile Development Degree Programs in Washington: FAQ
What are the best mobile development degree programs in Washington?
How much do mobile development degree programs cost in Washington?
What salary can mobile development degree graduates earn in Washington?
Are there online mobile development degree programs in Washington?
What companies hire mobile development degree graduates in Washington?
Is a mobile development degree program worth it in Washington?
How long do mobile development degree programs take in Washington?
What financial aid is available for mobile development 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.
