Colleges Near Tacoma, Washington
Looking for information about the best colleges and universities serving Tacoma? Here's your guide to the top schools offering degrees to students in the area, including institutions located within 20 miles of Tacoma, Washington.
There are at least 26 colleges serving the area, including 10 private colleges and universities, 2 public colleges and universities, and 12 community colleges offering 2-year degrees.
The Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide provides a breakdown of the colleges serving Tacoma, with details about cost, enrollment, student type and degree offerings. Click here to learn more about the guide.
Tacoma, Washington Colleges by the Numbers
Associate, bachelor's, masters, and doctoral degree completions at institutions near Tacoma, Washington have been declining over the past 5 years. In 2024, students completed 18,404 doctorates at colleges and universities near Tacoma. That was a decrease of 14% from completions reported in 2020.
Schools with Degree Completions
Est. Total Completions in 2024
Est. Completions (Last 5 Years)
Sponsored
Top School For Adults & Online Students
Franklin University is a top choice for transfer students, online learners and adults who need to balance school with busy lives. Founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin's main focus has been serving adult students and tailoring education to fit their needs. Nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440), Franklin offers more than 50 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — all available 100% online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Offerings
100%
Private Colleges & Universities Offering Degrees Near Tacoma, Washington
There are at least 10 schools offering degrees near Tacoma, Washington, and 10 are four-year private colleges or universities where about 13,787 undergraduate students were enrolled. In 2024, a total of 5,677 degrees were completed at private colleges and universities, including 2,829 that were offered online.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Franklin offers more than 50 online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctoral programs in the Tacoma, Washington area. Franklin University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and all programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Franklin University. In 2024, 1,602 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 98 associate degrees, 840 master's degrees, and 65 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
5,111
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pacific Lutheran University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Pacific Lutheran University. In 2024, 639 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 131 master's degrees, and 17 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,350
Completions By Degree
787
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northwest College of Art & Design is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Northwest College of Art & Design. In 2024, 25 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
150
Completions By Degree
25
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pacific Lutheran University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Pacific Lutheran University. In 2024, 639 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 131 master's degrees, and 17 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,350
Completions By Degree
787
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Phoenix-Washington is a non-accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are adults and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Phoenix-Washington. In 2024, 17 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 1 master's degree, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
22
Completions By Degree
18
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Faith International University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Faith International University. In 2024, 59 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 43 master's degrees, and 16 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
196
Completions By Degree
118
Est. Online Degree Availability
93%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Puget Sound is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Puget Sound. In 2024, 468 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 79 master's degrees, and 50 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,631
Completions By Degree
597
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Northwest College of Art & Design is an institutionally accredited for profit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Northwest College of Art & Design. In 2024, 25 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
150
Completions By Degree
25
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Faith International University is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are adults and most programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at Faith International University. In 2024, 59 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 43 master's degrees, and 16 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
196
Completions By Degree
118
Est. Online Degree Availability
93%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Puget Sound is an institutionally accredited nonprofit 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Puget Sound. In 2024, 468 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 79 master's degrees, and 50 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,631
Completions By Degree
597
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Public Colleges & Universities Near Tacoma, Washington
There are 2 four-year public colleges located near Tacoma, Washington. About 7,978 students were enrolled in undergraduate programs, and about 3,464 degrees were completed at public colleges near Tacoma. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. In 2024, 1,366 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 357 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,989
Completions By Degree
1,732
Est. Online Degree Availability
4%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is an institutionally accredited public 4-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and minimal programs completed were offered online. Bachelor's degrees are the most popular at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. In 2024, 1,366 bachelor's degrees were completed. In addition, 0 associate degrees, 357 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,989
Completions By Degree
1,732
Est. Online Degree Availability
4%
Community Colleges Near Tacoma, Washington
There are 12 community colleges near Tacoma, Washington where students can earn 2-year associate degrees. In 2024, about 41,650 students were enrolled in undergraduate courses at community colleges near Tacoma, and about 11,760 associate degrees were completed.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Bates Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,613
Completions By Degree
350
Est. Online Degree Availability
1%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Bates Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and minimal programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
1,613
Completions By Degree
350
Est. Online Degree Availability
1%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Highline College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,487
Completions By Degree
875
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Highline College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
3,487
Completions By Degree
875
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pierce College District is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,487
Completions By Degree
1,603
Est. Online Degree Availability
73%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Green River College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,573
Completions By Degree
1,520
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Clover Park Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,417
Completions By Degree
455
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Green River College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,573
Completions By Degree
1,520
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Tacoma Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,248
Completions By Degree
1,077
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Clover Park Technical College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
2,417
Completions By Degree
455
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pierce College District is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are of traditional age and most programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,487
Completions By Degree
1,603
Est. Online Degree Availability
73%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Tacoma Community College is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online.
Undergraduate Enrollment
4,248
Completions By Degree
1,077
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
2-Year Private For-Profit Schools Near Tacoma, Washington
There are at least 2 two-year private for-profit schools offering associate degrees near Tacoma, Washington. According to 2024 data from Lightcast™, in 2024, a total of 108 associate degrees were completed at those institutions. Tuition shown reflects in-state rates.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pima Medical Institute-Renton is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Pima Medical Institute-Renton. In 2024, 54 associate degrees were completed. In addition, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
400
Completions By Degree
54
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
School Type
Accredited
Non-Profit
Pima Medical Institute-Renton is an institutionally accredited 2-year school where most students attend classes full-time. Most of the students are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. Associate degrees are the most popular at Pima Medical Institute-Renton. In 2024, 54 associate degrees were completed. In addition, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees, and 0 doctoral degrees were earned.
Undergraduate Enrollment
400
Completions By Degree
54
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Affordable Colleges Near Tacoma, Washington
Wondering what you can expect to pay for a degree near Tacoma, Washington? According to undergraduate tuition data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, the average tuition at Tacoma-area's 4-year nonprofit schools is $35,374. The average tuition at similar 4-year for-profit schools near Tacoma is $15,251, while tuition at 2-year online colleges and universities is N/A.
4-Year Nonprofit
4-Year For-Profit
2-Year
Accredited Colleges Serving Tacoma, Washington
Earning a college degree is an investment — and earning a degree from an institutionally accredited university is one of the best ways to ensure your education is of high quality. Institutionally accredited universities are held to rigorous standards by state and regional bodies and undergo regular reviews to verify that their processes and academic programs meet the proper standards.
Wondering if a certain college or university offering degree programs in Tacoma, Washington is institutionally accredited? View a list of institutionally accredited colleges and universities serving Tacoma, Washington here. We've made it easy to find your school by breaking down the list by school type.
- Franklin University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- Faith International University
- Faith International University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- University of Puget Sound
- Bates Technical College
- Bates Technical College
- Highline College
- Highline College
- Pierce College District
- Green River College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Green River College
- Tacoma Community College
- Clover Park Technical College
- Pierce College District
- Tacoma Community College
- Northwest College of Art & Design
- Northwest College of Art & Design
Tacoma, Washington Job Market & Opportunities
What happens after you earn your college degree in Tacoma? What's the Tacoma, Washington job market outlook? Get a snapshot of jobs and careers, including annual job openings, median earnings and more.
In 2024, there were about 2,426,351 jobs in the Tacoma, Washington area. From 2023-2024, job growth in Tacoma was below the national average, at 0.5%. There were 298,148 job openings in the area. In terms of earnings, workers in Tacoma do better than the national average, with an average hourly pay of $30.21.