Best
Value Colleges in Tacoma in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Tacoma, Washington, combines management theory with practical skills in accounting, marketing, finance, economics, organizational behavior, business law, and data analysis. Students often complete projects, internships, and team assignments that build communication and leadership abilities. Popular local options include the University of Washington Tacoma's Milgard School of Business and Pacific Lutheran University's School of Business. Graduates commonly pursue roles as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, account managers, or operations supervisors.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Tacoma, WA, explores human behavior and mental processes through coursework in research methods, statistics, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognition, and abnormal psychology. Students gain experience through labs, internships, or community service. The University of Washington Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound are popular options for psychology study. Graduates pursue roles such as research assistant, case manager, human resources specialist, or behavioral health technician; advanced clinical careers typically require graduate education.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Tacoma, Washington, combines programming foundations with problem-solving. At the University of Washington Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound, students can pursue computer science coursework. Typical classes include programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, software engineering, cybersecurity, and computer networks. Projects build teamwork and communication skills alongside ability. Graduates work as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, cybersecurity analysts, database administrators, or quality-assurance engineers across technology, business, healthcare, and government.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Tacoma, WA, can prepare students to support individuals, couples, and families. Coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and supervised clinical training. Graduates can become mental health counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, or substance-use counselors, though licensure requirements vary. Tacoma-area options include City University of Seattle's counseling program and Pacific Lutheran University's marriage and family therapy program for aspiring counselors throughout the region.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Tacoma, Washington, can lead to an associate or bachelor's degree and preparation for patient-care careers. Programs commonly cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and community health, alongside supervised clinical practice. Tacoma Community College offers an associate nursing pathway, while Pacific Lutheran University offers a bachelor's program. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term-care facilities, or community settings, supporting patients, coordinating treatment, and educating families about health.

Best Colleges in Tacoma, WA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,000, compared with 54,981.6 at schools in the top 10% - a substantially higher median cost among those top-ranked schools.
• On average, 100% of students receive financial aid, compared with 74.75% at top 10% schools. The average acceptance rate is 74.75%.
• Schools receive an average of 3,599 applicants, while schools in the top 10% average 5,164.9. The median number of male applicants is 1,894.5, compared with 2,563 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are 1,262 and 27, respectively. The average number of enrolled students is 2,949.57; average enrollment is 188.5 men and 237.5 women.
• The average graduation rate is 51.14%, compared with 68.4% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 56% for men and 61% for women.
• Two institutions offer associate's degrees, seven offer bachelor's degrees, four offer master's degrees, and two offer doctor's degrees. Seven schools are coeducational.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should weigh total cost alongside financial aid, and compare acceptance rates and applicant numbers with their own goals. They should also consider graduation outcomes, degree availability, and enrollment figures; the higher graduation rate and cost at top 10% schools illustrate why it is useful to balance outcomes against affordability.

How much does studying at a college in Tacoma, WA cost?

For a student in Tacoma, the average reported total cost of studying is $28,907.71. This gives you a useful planning benchmark, though your actual bill will depend on the school, program, housing choice, and financial aid. Local options include the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, and Pacific Lutheran University, each with different tuition rates and campus experiences. The available averages list:

• Tuition and fees: $23,770.71
• Room and board: $15,416.60
• Books and supplies: $1,080.00

Use $28,907.71 as a broad estimate, not a promise that every Tacoma student pays this amount or that it covers an entire degree. Costs can change by residency, enrollment, major, and whether you live at home. Scholarships, grants, and transfer credits may lower your out-of-pocket expense, so compare aid offers and ask each campus about program-specific charges. With a clear budget, you can find a Tacoma learning community that feels right and move toward your degree with confidence and real excitement.

How long does it take to finish college in Tacoma, WA?

In Tacoma, WA, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years, while an associate degree usually takes two. At the University of Washington Tacoma or Pacific Lutheran University, your timeline depends on credits completed each term, major requirements, and whether you attend year-round; Tacoma Community College can be a starting point for an associate degree or transfer pathway.

You may finish sooner by transferring AP, IB, dual-enrollment, or prior college credits, taking summer classes, choosing an accelerated program, or earning extra credits each term. Ask advisers to confirm transfer equivalencies early, since mismatched courses can add time.

Graduation rates offer a reality check: the average graduation rate is 51.14%, compared with 68.4% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 51.86% for men and 51.14% for women. These figures show why a clear course plan, financial-aid guidance, and regular advising matter: they can help you stay on track and make graduation feel achievable.

Salary

Graduates in Tacoma, WA can expect a median alumni salary of about $47,285. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $56,059 - roughly $8,774 higher. These figures offer a useful benchmark, though your own earnings will depend on your degree, occupation, experience, and employer.

Whether you're considering the University of Washington Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, or Pacific Lutheran University, think about how a program connects to the work you want to do. Comparing majors, internships, and career-support services can help you make the most of your education and feel more confident about your earning potential after graduation.

People also ask

How many universities are there in Tacoma?

The count depends on whether you mean institutions physically within Tacoma's city limits or schools with Tacoma mailing addresses. Two well-known universities located in Tacoma proper are the University of Washington Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound. Pacific Lutheran University is often associated with Tacoma, but its campus is in nearby Parkland.

What is the largest university in Tacoma?

The University of Washington Tacoma is generally the largest university in Tacoma by student enrollment. Its downtown campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs, with the city's workplaces, cultural venues, and transit nearby. For a prospective student, that can make it easier to connect campus life with internships and opportunities around Tacoma.

How many universities are there in Tacoma?

Using the city-limits definition, the answer is two prominent universities. The total may look different in directories that include nearby campuses or schools whose postal address says Tacoma. Checking a school's actual campus location is a useful way to compare options and get a clearer picture of what "in Tacoma" means.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Tacoma, WA Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Puget Sound is a Tacoma-based university with 1,904 enrolled students, offering a smaller campus setting for students who want to study close to home. Its 68% graduation rate and 72% acceptance rate provide useful context when comparing academic outcomes and admission selectivity. Total study cost is $62,310, while median alumni salary is $37,681. For a Tacoma, Washington, student, it may suit those seeking a local university and weighing cost against post-graduation earnings and completion rates before applying or enrolling.

Pacific Lutheran University is a university in the Tacoma area that offers students another local option for earning a degree. It enrolls 2,813 students, with a 69% graduation rate and a 78% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $50,096, and median alumni salary is $52,363. For students based in Tacoma, Washington, these figures make it useful to compare with schools closer to downtown or other options in the region. Consider how campus location, costs, and outcomes align with your priorities.

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a Tacoma-based campus of a larger university system, giving local students an in-city option for degree study. It enrolls 5,045 students, reports a 63% graduation rate, and has an 83% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $42,105, while median alumni salary is $53,359. For a Tacoma, Washington, student, its local setting can reduce the need to relocate; compare the published cost and outcomes with your intended program and personal commuting or housing plans carefully.

Northwest College of Art & Design is a small, specialized college for students interested in creative study. It has 139 enrolled students, a 58% graduation rate, and a 66% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $18,000, the lowest listed among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $34,868. For a student in Tacoma, Washington, its regional presence may make an arts-focused degree worth comparing with broader universities, while checking program fit, commute, and expected expenses before making decisions.

Tacoma Community College is a local community college and an option for students seeking a degree while staying in Tacoma, Washington. It enrolls 6,199 students, the largest student body in this group. Graduation rate is 32%; acceptance rate data is unavailable. Its total study cost is $10,911, lowest of the five, and median alumni salary is $58,758, highest listed. Local students can weigh the lower stated cost and alumni earnings alongside completion rates and their intended program when planning enrollment.