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Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington

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2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington

34 Schools Ranked
$4,555 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$17,346 Avg Student Debt

There are so many nursing programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

The Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking is one of many tools that Nursing Degree Search has developed to help you make your educational decision. Our analysis looked at 34 schools in Washington to see which associate degree programs were the most popular for nursing students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

Seattle Central College

Seattle, Washington
145 Total Awards
$4,670 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,671 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found Seattle Central College to be the most popular school for nursing students who want to pursue a associate degree in Washington. Located in Seattle, Washington, the small public school awarded 145 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend Seattle Central, expect to pay an average of $4,670 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,671 in student loans. Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Seattle Central. In 2019-2020 about 69% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Seattle Central College

#2

Highline College

Des Moines, Washington
142 Total Awards
$4,344 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,827 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 34 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Highline College landed the # 2 spot on the list. This small public school is located in Des Moines, Washington, and it awarded 142 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Washington who attend Highline full time pay an average of $4,344 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,813. Associate Degree recipients from Highline accumulate an average of $14,827 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 82% were women.

Highline does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 75% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Highline College

#3

Everett Community College

Everett, Washington
130 Total Awards
$4,062 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,889 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Everett Community College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington list. Everett Community College is located in Everett, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 130 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,062 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Everett Community College. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,597. On average, associate degree students take out $14,889 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 87% were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Everett Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Everett Community College

#4

Lower Columbia College

Longview, Washington
111 Total Awards
$4,182 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,286 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #4 on this year’s list means Lower Columbia College is a great place for nursing students working on their associate degree. LCC is a small public school situated in Longview, Washington. It awarded 111 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,182 in tuition and fees if they attend LCC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,403. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,286 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

One thing to take note of is that LCC does offer online classes in some areas. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Lower Columbia College

#5

Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, Washington
97 Total Awards
$4,929 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,893 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 34 schools in Washington that were part of this year’s ranking, Tacoma Community College landed the # 5 spot on the list. Tacoma, Washington is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 97 students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,929 in tuition and fees if they attend Tacoma Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,391. Associate Degree recipients from Tacoma Community College accumulate an average of $18,893 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Tacoma Community College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 85% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Tacoma Community College Report

#6

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline, Washington
96 Total Awards
$4,166 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,378 Avg Student Debt

Shoreline Community College came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking. Shoreline Community College is a small public school situated in Shoreline, Washington. It awarded 96 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Washington who attend Shoreline Community College full time pay an average of $4,166 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,013. On average, associate degree students take out $19,378 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

One thing to take note of is that Shoreline Community College does offer online classes in some areas. In 2019-2020 about 51% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Shoreline Community College

#7

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla, Washington
92 Total Awards
$19,336 Avg Student Debt

Walla Walla Community College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Located in Walla Walla, Washington, the small public school awarded 92 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $19,336 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Walla Walla Community College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 53% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Walla Walla Community College

#8

Spokane Community College

Spokane, Washington
88 Total Awards
$3,826 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,615 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #8, Spokane Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Spokane Community College is located in Spokane, Washington and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 88 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $3,826 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Spokane Community College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $5,135. Associate Degree recipients from Spokane Community College accumulate an average of $19,615 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since Spokane Community College does offer online classes for certain majors. In fact, around 65% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Spokane Community College

#9

Clark College

Vancouver, Washington
87 Total Awards
$4,529 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,435 Avg Student Debt

Clark College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #9 on the list. Located in Vancouver, Washington, the medium-sized public school awarded 87 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,529 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Clark College. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,133. Associate Degree recipients from Clark College accumulate an average of $16,435 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Clark College does offer online classes for certain degree levels. In fact, around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Clark College Report

#10

Bellevue College

Bellevue, Washington
86 Total Awards
$4,057 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,785 Avg Student Debt

Bellevue College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking. BC is located in Bellevue, Washington and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 86 associate degrees to qualified students.

In-state students pay an average of $4,057 in tuition and fees if they attend BC full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,594. On average, associate degree students take out $16,785 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at BC. In fact, around 98% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Bellevue College

#11

Olympic College

Bremerton, Washington
83 Total Awards
$4,101 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,984 Avg Student Debt

Olympic College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #11 on the list. OC is located in Bremerton, Washington and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 83 associate degrees to qualified students.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,101 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend OC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,638. On average, associate degree students take out $13,984 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 84% of those degree recipients were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at OC. During the 2019-2020 year, about 83% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Olympic College

#12

Charter College

Vancouver, Washington
77 Total Awards
$28,112 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #12, Charter College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. Charter College is located in Vancouver, Washington and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 77 associate degrees to qualified students.

Associate Degree recipients from Charter College accumulate an average of $28,112 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at Charter College. During the 2019-2020 year, about 93% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Charter College Report

#12

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, Washington
77 Total Awards
$6,511 Average Tuition & Fees

Bates Technical College landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Bates Technical College is a small public school located in Tacoma, Washington that handed out 77 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $6,511 in tuition and fees if they attend Bates Technical College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $13,278. Around 90% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Bates Technical College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 26% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Bates Technical College

#14

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham, Washington
72 Total Awards
$4,004 Average Tuition & Fees

Bellingham Technical College landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. Bellingham, Washington is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out associate degrees to 72 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute is $4,004. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,227. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Bellingham Vocational Technical Institute does offer online classes for certain degree levels. During the 2019-2020 year, about 72% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read More…

70 Total Awards
$4,609 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,212 Avg Student Debt

Lake Washington Institute of Technology came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking. This small public school is located in Kirkland, Washington, and it awarded 70 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,609 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend LWTech. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $10,146. On average, associate degree students take out $18,212 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 89% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at LWTech. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Full Lake Washington Institute of Technology Report

#16

Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom

Lakewood, Washington
60 Total Awards
$4,356 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,167 Avg Student Debt

Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree nursing programs. This medium-sized public school is located in Lakewood, Washington, and it awarded 60 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,356 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,247. On average, associate degree students take out $12,167 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 83% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 97% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Pierce College-Fort Steilacoom Report

#17

Yakima Valley College

Yakima, Washington
57 Total Awards
$4,883 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,170 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #17, Yakima Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for nursing students working on their associate degree. YVC is a public institution located in Yakima, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 57 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from Washington who attend YVC full time pay an average of $4,883 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $5,352. On average, associate degree students take out $16,170 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 75% were women.

YVC does have options available for those who want to take online classes. You will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your specific major. In fact, around 99% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Yakima Valley College

#18

Skagit Valley College

Mount Vernon, Washington
55 Total Awards
$4,431 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,784 Avg Student Debt

Skagit Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in Mount Vernon, Washington, the small public school awarded 55 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from Washington who attend Skagit Valley College full time pay an average of $4,431 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,507. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,784 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 85% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Skagit Valley College. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 75% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#19

Wenatchee Valley College

Wenatchee, Washington
52 Total Awards
$4,320 Average Tuition & Fees
$15,116 Avg Student Debt

Wenatchee Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #19 on the list. WVC is a public institution located in Wenatchee, Washington. The school has a small population, and it awarded 52 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at WVC is $4,320. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $4,734. Associate Degree recipients from WVC accumulate an average of $15,116 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since WVC does offer online classes for certain majors. In 2019-2020 about 48% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Wenatchee Valley College Report

#20

Columbia Basin College

Pasco, Washington
50 Total Awards
$5,959 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,312 Avg Student Debt

Columbia Basin College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington list. Located in Pasco, Washington, the medium-sized public school handed out 50 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at CBC is $5,959. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,735. Associate Degree recipients from CBC accumulate an average of $16,312 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

If you are interested in distance education, be sure to check with the school since CBC does offer online classes for certain majors. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#21

Green River College

Auburn, Washington
36 Total Awards
$4,332 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,657 Avg Student Debt

Green River College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking. Located in Auburn, Washington, the medium-sized public school awarded 36 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,332 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GRC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,794. On average, associate degree students take out $18,657 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at GRC. In fact, around 88% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Green River College Report

#22

South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, Washington
30 Total Awards
$4,795 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,096 Avg Student Debt

South Puget Sound Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #22 on the list. South Puget Sound Community College is a small public school located in Olympia, Washington that handed out 30 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,795 in tuition and fees if they attend South Puget Sound Community College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,428. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,096 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 80% were women.

Depending on your major, you may be able to take online classes at South Puget Sound Community College. In 2019-2020 about 88% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on South Puget Sound Community College

#23

Peninsula College

Port Angeles, Washington
29 Total Awards
$4,317 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,290 Avg Student Debt

Peninsula College came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington ranking. This small public school is located in Port Angeles, Washington, and it awarded 29 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $4,317 in tuition and fees if they attend Peninsula College full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $4,779. On average, associate degree students take out $16,290 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 76% were women.

You may have the opportunity to take online classes at Peninsula College. Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 72% took at least some of their classes online.

Full Peninsula College Report

#23

Whatcom Community College

Bellingham, Washington
29 Total Awards
$4,868 Average Tuition & Fees
$17,808 Avg Student Debt

Whatcom Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for nursing students to get an associate degree. It came in at #23 on the list. Located in Bellingham, Washington, the small public school awarded 29 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Whatcom Community College is $4,868. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,473. On average, associate degree students take out $17,808 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 90% were women.

Online courses are available at Whatcom Community College, but you will need to check with the school to see if they are available for your field of interest. To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 99% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#25

Grays Harbor College

Aberdeen, Washington
27 Total Awards
$4,503 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,310 Avg Student Debt

Grays Harbor College ranked #25 on this year’s Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in Washington list. Located in Aberdeen, Washington, the small public school awarded 27 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from Washington pay an average of $4,503 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend GHC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,040. Associate Degree recipients from GHC accumulate an average of $14,310 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 89% of those degree recipients were women.

Some students may be able to take online classes at GHC. In fact, around 82% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Grays Harbor College

Most Popular Nursing Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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