Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Top 10 Computer Science Programs in Washington State
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
University of Washington (UW) Seattle is the #1 pick for its Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, offering unmatched research output, industry ties, and a $12,000/year in-state tuition that rivals private schools costing $60,000+. Washington State University (WSU) Pullman is the runner-up for its Voiland College of Engineering and $11,000/year in-state tuition, ideal for students seeking a strong traditional CS curriculum with lower costs.
For working professionals, UW Tacoma and Seattle University provide flexible evening/online programs. This ranking is for high school seniors, transfer students, and career changers evaluating 2027 admissions.
How We Ranked These
We evaluated 15+ Washington State computer science programs using five weighted criteria (2027 data):
- Academic Quality (30%): Faculty research output (e.g., NSF grants), curriculum depth, ABET accreditation status.
- Cost & Value (25%): In-state tuition, financial aid availability, average graduate debt.
- Career Outcomes (25%): Median starting salary (per LinkedIn/Glassdoor 2026), internship placement rate, employer partnerships (e.g., Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile).
- Flexibility (10%): Online/hybrid options, part-time enrollment, evening classes.
- Reputation (10%): U.S. News & World Report 2026 rankings, employer brand recognition.
We excluded programs with fewer than 50 CS graduates annually or lacking ABET accreditation. All tuition figures reflect 2026–2027 academic year estimates.
1. University of Washington (Seattle) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
What it is: The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering is a top-5 public CS program nationally (U.S. News 2026).
It offers BS in Computer Science, BS in Computer Engineering, and a BS in Informatics through the iSchool. The program boasts $12,000/year in-state tuition (plus $1,200 fees) and a 92% six-year graduation rate. Research centers include the Allen Institute for AI and UW Reality Lab.
How/when to use: Apply by November 15, 2026 for 2027 fall admission. Direct admission to the Allen School is highly competitive (4% acceptance rate for out-of-state). Use Microsoft Visual Studio Code for coursework in CSE 373 (Data Structures) and CSE 442 (Software Engineering).
The UW Career & Internship Center hosts 200+ tech employers annually, with Amazon and Microsoft hiring 300+ interns yearly.
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $115,000 (2026). Average debt: $18,000. Internship placement: 85%. The BS in CS requires 180 credits, including CSE 331 (Computer Security) and CSE 461 (Networking).
2. Washington State University (Pullman) 💎 BEST VALUE
What it is: The Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture offers a BS in Computer Science with ABET accreditation. In-state tuition: $11,000/year (plus $1,500 fees). The program emphasizes systems programming and parallel computing via the Center for Advanced Systems.
How/when to use: Apply by January 31, 2027 for fall 2027. Use GNU Compiler Collection (GCC) for CPT_S 360 (Operating Systems). The WSU Career Services partners with T-Mobile (headquartered in Bellevue) and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories for internships.
The BS in CS requires 120 credits, including CPT_S 322 (Software Engineering Principles) and CPT_S 355 (Programming Languages).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $82,000 (2026). Average debt: $15,000. Internship placement: 70%. The Pullman campus offers lower living costs ($9,000/year) vs. Seattle ($18,000/year).
3. University of Washington (Tacoma)
What it is: The School of Engineering and Technology offers a BS in Computer Science and a BS in Information Technology. In-state tuition: $12,000/year. The program is designed for transfer students and working professionals, with evening classes and a 90% online option for core courses.
How/when to use: Apply by March 1, 2027 for fall 2027. Use GitHub for TCSS 360 (Software Development). The UW Tacoma Career Center has partnerships with Boeing and MultiCare Health System for internships.
The BS in CS requires 180 credits, including TCSS 343 (Discrete Structures) and TCSS 445 (Database Systems).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $78,000 (2026). Average debt: $14,000. Transfer acceptance rate: 65%. The Tacoma campus offers a $2,000/year commuting discount for Pierce County residents.
4. Seattle University
What it is: The College of Science and Engineering offers a BS in Computer Science with ABET accreditation. Private tuition: $48,000/year (with $25,000 average merit scholarship). The program emphasizes ethics and social justice in tech, with a 5-year BS/MS option.
How/when to use: Apply by January 15, 2027 for fall 2027. Use JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA for CPSC 501 (Advanced Data Structures). The Seattle University Career Center hosts Amazon and Tableau for on-campus recruiting.
The BS in CS requires 192 credits, including CPSC 340 (Algorithms) and CPSC 450 (Machine Learning).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $95,000 (2026). Average debt: $22,000 (after scholarships). Internship placement: 75%. The Jesuit curriculum includes PHIL 220 (Computer Ethics).
5. University of Washington (Bothell)
What it is: The School of STEM offers a BS in Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE). In-state tuition: $12,000/year. The program is project-based, with a capstone industry partnership with Microsoft and Google.
How/when to use: Apply by February 15, 2027 for fall 2027. Use Docker for CSSE 490 (Cloud Computing). The UW Bothell Career Center offers $5,000/year in paid internships through the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship.
The BS in CSSE requires 180 credits, including CSSE 301 (Requirements Engineering) and CSSE 477 (Software Architecture).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $88,000 (2026). Average debt: $16,000. Internship placement: 80%. The Bothell campus has a 1:15 faculty-to-student ratio.
6. Western Washington University (Bellingham)
What it is: The College of Science and Engineering offers a BS in Computer Science with ABET accreditation. In-state tuition: $11,500/year. The program focuses on undergraduate research through the Advanced Computing Lab.
How/when to use: Apply by February 1, 2027 for fall 2027. Use Python for CSCI 345 (Data Science). The WWU Career Services partners with Stripe and Zillow for internships. The BS in CS requires 120 credits, including CSCI 301 (Computer Organization) and CSCI 447 (Computer Graphics).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $74,000 (2026). Average debt: $13,000. Internship placement: 65%. The Bellingham campus offers $8,000/year living costs.
7. Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma)
What it is: The College of Professional Studies offers a BS in Computer Science with a data science concentration. Private tuition: $44,000/year (with $20,000 average scholarship). The program includes a required internship and study abroad options.
How/when to use: Apply by March 1, 2027 for fall 2027. Use R for CS 460 (Statistical Computing). The PLU Career Center has partnerships with Expedia Group and F5 Networks. The BS in CS requires 128 credits, including CS 350 (Software Engineering) and CS 470 (Artificial Intelligence).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $80,000 (2026). Average debt: $19,000 (after scholarships). Internship placement: 80%. The Lutheran curriculum includes RELI 225 (Technology and Ethics).
8. Eastern Washington University (Cheney)
What it is: The College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics offers a BS in Computer Science with ABET accreditation. In-state tuition: $10,500/year. The program emphasizes cybersecurity and mobile app development.
How/when to use: Apply by April 1, 2027 for fall 2027. Use Android Studio for CSCD 430 (Mobile Computing). The EWU Career Services partners with Itron and Avista Utilities for internships. The BS in CS requires 120 credits, including CSCD 340 (Operating Systems) and CSCD 488 (Network Security).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $70,000 (2026). Average debt: $12,000. Internship placement: 60%. The Cheney campus offers $7,500/year living costs.
9. Central Washington University (Ellensburg)
What it is: The College of the Sciences offers a BS in Computer Science with concentrations in software engineering and data science. In-state tuition: $11,000/year. The program includes a cooperative education (co-op) option.
How/when to use: Apply by March 15, 2027 for fall 2027. Use Jupyter Notebook for CS 410 (Data Mining). The CWU Career Services partners with Microsoft and T-Mobile for co-ops. The BS in CS requires 120 credits, including CS 320 (Algorithms) and CS 440 (Database Systems).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $72,000 (2026). Average debt: $11,000. Internship placement: 55%. The Ellensburg campus offers $7,000/year living costs.
10. Gonzaga University (Spokane)
What it is: The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a BS in Computer Science with ABET accreditation. Private tuition: $50,000/year (with $22,000 average scholarship). The program emphasizes software engineering and game design.
How/when to use: Apply by February 1, 2027 for fall 2027. Use Unity for CPSC 480 (Game Development). The Gonzaga Career Center partners with Amazon and Starbucks for internships. The BS in CS requires 128 credits, including CPSC 350 (Data Structures) and CPSC 460 (Software Engineering).
Key metrics: Median starting salary: $85,000 (2026). Average debt: $20,000 (after scholarships). Internship placement: 70%. The Jesuit curriculum includes PHIL 320 (Technology and Society).
FAQ
What is the cheapest CS program in Washington State? Eastern Washington University at $10,500/year in-state tuition is the cheapest ABET-accredited program. Washington State University at $11,000/year offers better career outcomes.
Which program has the highest starting salary? University of Washington (Seattle) with a median starting salary of $115,000 (2026), driven by Amazon and Microsoft hiring.
Can I complete a CS degree online in Washington? Yes. UW Tacoma offers a 90% online option for its BS in CS. Central Washington University provides hybrid courses.
What is the acceptance rate for UW Seattle CS? 4% for out-of-state direct admission, 25% for in-state through the Allen School (2026 data). The UW Tacoma and UW Bothell campuses have 65% and 50% acceptance rates respectively.
Which program is best for cybersecurity? Eastern Washington University has a dedicated cybersecurity concentration with CSCD 488 (Network Security). UW Seattle offers CSE 331 (Computer Security).
How do I apply for financial aid? File the FAFSA by February 15, 2027 for priority consideration. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship provides $5,000/year for STEM students at public universities.
What is the average debt for CS graduates? $12,000 at Eastern Washington University (lowest) to $22,000 at Seattle University (after scholarships). UW Seattle averages $18,000.
Sources
- UW Allen School CS Program Overview
- WSU Voiland College CS Program
- UW Tacoma CS Program
- Seattle University CS Program
- WWU CS Program
- EWU CS Program
- Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
- U.S. News Best Computer Science Schools 2026
Bottom Line
For 2027 applicants, UW Seattle is the best overall choice for research and career outcomes, while WSU Pullman offers the best value for in-state students. UW Tacoma and Seattle University are strong alternatives for working professionals and transfer students. Use the decision tree above to match your budget, flexibility, and career goals.
*Top 10 Computer Science Programs in Washington State for 2027 admissions, ranked by academic quality, cost, and career outcomes.*