Top 3 Network Administration Programs in Washington
University of Washington
Strong industry partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon, comprehensive cybersecurity focus
Washington State University
Hands-on lab experience with enterprise-grade networking equipment
Seattle University
Small class sizes and personalized instruction, strong alumni network
- 1.Washington hosts 15 accredited network administration programs, with University of Washington leading in research and industry connections
- 2.Network administrators in Washington earn a median starting salary of $68,500, 12% above the national average (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 3.Public universities offer significantly lower tuition costs, averaging $12,000 compared to $45,000 at private institutions
- 4.Job growth for network administrators in Washington is projected at 5% through 2032, driven by cloud infrastructure expansion (Washington Employment Security Department)
- 5.Seattle metropolitan area accounts for 68% of network administration job opportunities in the state
Network Administration Education Landscape in Washington
Washington state has emerged as a leading destination for network administration education, driven by the concentration of major technology companies and robust digital infrastructure demands. The state's 15 accredited network administration programs serve approximately 2,840 students annually, with graduation rates averaging 73% across all institutions (National Center for Education Statistics).
The proximity to tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing creates unique opportunities for students through internship programs and direct recruitment pipelines. Washington's network administration programs emphasize cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity integration, and enterprise-scale networking solutions, reflecting the state's technology sector needs. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities and industry-standard equipment, with many programs maintaining partnerships with major networking vendors like Cisco and Juniper.
Public universities in Washington offer competitive network administration programs at significantly lower costs than private institutions. The University of Washington and Washington State University lead in research output and industry connections, while private colleges like Seattle University provide smaller class sizes and personalized instruction. Community colleges also offer strong associate degree programs, often serving as affordable pathways to four-year institutions or direct entry into the workforce.
Based on 15 programs from Analysis of IPEDS data, employer surveys, and program outcomes
Faculty credentials, program accreditation, and curriculum comprehensiveness
Graduate employment rates, starting salaries, and job placement success
Internship programs, employer partnerships, and recruitment relationships
Lab equipment, networking infrastructure, and technology access
Advising services, career counseling, and graduation support
Complete Network Administration Program Rankings - Washington
| 1 | University of Washington | Seattle | $12,394 | 8500% | 9400% | $72,000 |
| 2 | Washington State University | Pullman | $11,584 | 7000% | 8800% | $68,500 |
| 3 | Seattle University | Seattle | $48,510 | 8200% | 9100% | $70,500 |
| 4 | Western Washington University | Bellingham | $11,516 | 7200% | 8600% | $66,800 |
| 5 | Central Washington University | Ellensburg | $11,538 | 6800% | 8300% | $65,200 |
| 6 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney | $10,902 | 6500% | 8100% | $64,500 |
| 7 | Gonzaga University | Spokane | $49,350 | 8700% | 8900% | $69,200 |
| 8 | Pacific Lutheran University | Tacoma | $46,940 | 7800% | 8400% | $66,500 |
| 9 | Seattle Pacific University | Seattle | $45,141 | 7400% | 8200% | $65,800 |
| 10 | Bellevue College | Bellevue | $4,158 | 5800% | 7900% | $62,000 |
Source: Washington Technology Industry Association
Public vs Private University Comparison
Washington's network administration programs span both public and private institutions, each offering distinct advantages. Public universities like the University of Washington and Washington State University provide exceptional value with comprehensive programs at affordable tuition rates. The average annual tuition at public institutions is $11,768, compared to $47,235 at private universities—a difference of over $35,000 per year (College Scorecard).
Public universities excel in research opportunities and industry partnerships. The University of Washington's Information School collaborates directly with Microsoft and Amazon on networking research projects, providing students access to real-world problems and cutting-edge solutions. Similarly, Washington State University's engineering college maintains strong relationships with regional technology companies, facilitating internships and job placement opportunities.
Private institutions offer smaller class sizes and more personalized attention. Seattle University maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio in its network administration program, compared to 18:1 at public universities. This allows for more individualized instruction and closer mentoring relationships. Private schools also typically have stronger alumni networks in the local technology sector, which can be valuable for job placement and career advancement.
Both sectors show strong employment outcomes, with graduates from top programs achieving 85-94% employment rates within six months of graduation. The choice between public and private often comes down to financial considerations and learning preferences rather than career prospects.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Design, implement, and maintain computer networks for organizations
Network Engineer
SOC 15-1241Plan and implement advanced network infrastructure and security systems
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer systems and server infrastructure
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Monitor networks for security breaches and implement protective measures
Cloud Infrastructure Specialist
SOC 15-1244Design and manage cloud-based networking and computing resources
| Factor | Public Universities | Private Universities | Community Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Tuition | $11,768 | $47,235 | $4,158 |
| Class Size | 18:1 ratio | 12:1 ratio | 15:1 ratio |
| Research Opportunities | Extensive | Limited | None |
| Industry Partnerships | Strong | Good | Regional |
| Job Placement Rate | 88% | 86% | 79% |
| Financial Aid Available | High | Very High | Moderate |
| Program Duration | 4 years | 4 years | 2 years |
Industry Partnerships and Internship Opportunities
Washington's network administration programs benefit significantly from the state's robust technology ecosystem. Major companies including Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, T-Mobile, and Expedia actively recruit graduates and provide internship opportunities. The University of Washington's program reports that 78% of students complete internships with technology companies, with 65% receiving full-time job offers from their internship employers (University of Washington Career Center).
Microsoft's partnership with Washington universities includes the Microsoft Skills Initiative, providing students access to Azure certification training and cloud infrastructure labs. Amazon's AWS Educate program offers similar opportunities, with students gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-scale cloud networking. These partnerships often include guest lectures from industry professionals, case study projects using real company data, and direct pathways to employment.
Regional companies also play a crucial role in student development. Boeing's IT division regularly hires network administration graduates for aerospace networking projects, while Starbucks Technology provides opportunities in retail network infrastructure. The diversity of industry partners ensures that students gain exposure to various networking environments, from enterprise corporate networks to cloud-native infrastructure.
- Microsoft Azure certification labs and training programs
- Amazon AWS infrastructure internships and co-op positions
- Boeing aerospace networking and security projects
- T-Mobile telecommunications network engineering roles
- Expedia travel industry network architecture positions
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington • University
Program Highlights
- • Students work on real AWS and Azure infrastructure projects during coursework
- • Program maintains dedicated networking lab with $2.5 million in industry equipment
- • Faculty includes former network engineers from Microsoft, Amazon, and Google
Program Strengths
- Direct partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon for hands-on cloud infrastructure training
- State-of-the-art networking labs with enterprise-grade Cisco and Juniper equipment
- 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation
- Comprehensive cybersecurity integration throughout the curriculum
- Strong alumni network in Pacific Northwest technology companies
Why Ranked #1
Leads in industry partnerships, research output, and graduate employment outcomes with strong connections to major tech companies
Student Reviews
"The hands-on experience with cloud platforms was invaluable. I landed a position at AWS right after graduation."
— 2024 Graduate
"Faculty really understand industry needs. Every project felt relevant to what I'd be doing in my career."
— Current Student
Curriculum Focus Areas Across Washington Programs
Network administration programs in Washington emphasize practical skills aligned with industry demands. Core curriculum typically includes network design and implementation, system administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, and cloud infrastructure management. Programs increasingly integrate DevOps practices and automation tools, reflecting the evolution toward infrastructure as code and automated network management.
Cybersecurity integration has become a hallmark of Washington programs, with all top-ranked institutions requiring coursework in network security, threat detection, and incident response. This focus addresses the growing demand for security-aware network administrators who can design and maintain secure infrastructure. Students learn to implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security monitoring tools as integral components of network design.
Cloud computing represents another major curriculum emphasis, with dedicated coursework in AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Students learn to design hybrid cloud networks, implement cloud security, and manage multi-cloud environments. This preparation is essential given that 89% of Washington technology companies use cloud infrastructure for at least part of their operations (Washington Technology Industry Association).
- Network Design and Implementation (Cisco, Juniper, Arista platforms)
- Cloud Infrastructure (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud architecture and security)
- Cybersecurity Integration (firewall configuration, threat monitoring, incident response)
- System Administration (Windows Server, Linux, virtualization platforms)
- Network Automation (Python scripting, Ansible, Terraform for infrastructure)
- Wireless Technologies (Wi-Fi 6, enterprise wireless security, IoT networks)
15
Programs Available
$68,500
Average Starting Salary
5%
Job Growth Rate
73%
Median Graduation Rate
4 years
Average Program Length
2,840
Students Enrolled
Frequently Asked Questions
Network Administration Programs by Region
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Enrollment, graduation rates, and institutional data
Employment projections and salary data
Graduate outcomes and earnings data
State-specific employment trends and projections
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.