Best
Colleges in Tacoma in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Tacoma, WA, can prepare students for careers in management, finance, marketing, and operations. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, business law, statistics, marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management. Graduates may pursue roles such as administrative services manager, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, sales representative, or business analyst. Options include the University of Washington Tacoma for business programs, and Tacoma Community College, where students can study business and transfer toward a bachelor's degree.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Tacoma, Washington, combines coursework on human behavior with research experience. Typical classes include introductory psychology, developmental and social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, statistics, and research methods. Options include the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, and Tacoma Community College, offering psychology study or transfer pathways. Graduates pursue roles as research assistants, case managers, human resources assistants, or behavioral health technicians. Licensed psychologist roles require graduate education and licensure.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Tacoma, WA, combines programming, mathematics, and problem-solving. Typical courses include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, operating systems, databases, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build practical projects, collaborate on teams, and may pursue internships with employers. Tacoma options include the University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Puget Sound. Graduates commonly work as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or quality assurance engineers across many industries.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Tacoma, Washington, can prepare you to support individuals and families through mental health challenges. Programs cover counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, psychopathology, group counseling, and practicum work. Options include the University of Puget Sound's Master of Arts in Counseling and Pacific Lutheran University's marriage and family therapy program. Graduates may work as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or marriage and family therapists, depending on licensure and specialization.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Tacoma can prepare you for patient-centered care through coursework and clinical practice. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, and maternal-child and mental health nursing. Tacoma Community College, Pacific Lutheran University, and the University of Washington Tacoma offer nursing study pathways. Graduates commonly work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community health settings, with some pursuing local public health or school nursing roles.

Best Colleges in Tacoma, WA Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 18,000.0, compared with 54,981.6 for schools in the top 10%, making the top 10% figure substantially higher.
• An average of 100.0% of students receive financial aid across the schools, compared with 74.75% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 74.75%. Schools receive an average of 3,599.0 applicants, while top 10% schools average 5,164.9 applicants.
• The median number of applicants is 1,894.5 for men and 2,563.0 for women.
• The average SAT score is 1,262.0, and the average ACT score is 27.0.
• 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 56.0% for men and 61.0% for women.
• Among the institutions, 2 offer associate's degrees, 7 offer bachelor's degrees, 4 offer master's degrees, and 2 offer doctor's degrees.
• There are 7 coeducational schools, 0 schools for men, and 0 schools for women.
• When choosing a college, prospective students should compare total costs and financial aid availability, while also considering admissions selectivity, applicant and enrollment figures, SAT and ACT averages, graduation rates, degree offerings, and school type. The figures vary between the overall group and top 10% schools, so students should weigh these factors according to their own priorities.

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

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

At UW Tacoma, Tacoma Community College, or Pacific Lutheran University, plan on four years for a full-time bachelor's degree; an associate degree commonly takes two years. Part-time study, changing majors, or prerequisites can extend timelines, so map requirements with an adviser early.

Graduation figures offer a useful reference, though not Tacoma-specific: the average graduation rate is 51.14%, while top-10% schools average 68.4%. Reported averages are 51.86% for men and 51.14% for women. These rates show finishing on schedule is not automatic, but planning and support can help you stay on track.

If you hope to finish faster, consider these options:

• Transfer eligible credits or earn AP/CLEP credit where accepted.
• Take summer courses or a heavier load after checking prerequisites and aid.
• Meet with an adviser to plan an accelerated or year-round schedule.

These options can make a degree feel within reach while leaving time to enjoy Tacoma's vibrant, welcoming campus life.

Salary

College graduates in Tacoma, WA, can expect a median alumni salary of about $47,285. For graduates of schools ranked in the top 10%, the median is about $56,059 - a promising benchmark as you consider what a degree could mean for your future.

Students in the area attend institutions such as the University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, and Tacoma Community College. Your own earnings will depend on factors like your field of study, experience, and the role you pursue, but these figures offer a useful starting point for planning your next step.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Tacoma?

A practical count is four major colleges and universities within Tacoma city limits: the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma Community College, and Bates Technical College. Counts can differ depending on whether nearby schools outside the city, such as Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, are included.

What is the main college in Tacoma?

There isn't an official "main" college, but the University of Washington Tacoma is a prominent public university in the city. Its downtown campus offers an urban student experience, with shops, cafés, transit, and cultural spots nearby. The University of Puget Sound is another well-known Tacoma institution, with a traditional residential-campus setting.

Where do college students go in Tacoma?

Students can spend time downtown near the UW Tacoma campus, or head to the waterfront for walks and views along Ruston Way and at Point Ruston. Neighborhoods like the 6th Avenue district and Proctor offer places to eat and browse, while Wright Park provides a relaxed green space close to downtown.

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

University of Puget Sound is a private liberal arts university in Tacoma, giving local students a residential-campus option without leaving the city. It enrolls 1,904 students, with a 68% graduation rate and 72% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $62,310, the highest among these five choices, while median alumni salary is $37,681. Students comparing Tacoma-area degrees should weigh the smaller enrollment and graduation outcome against the substantial price, and check current aid, housing, and program details before applying carefully.

Pacific Lutheran University is a private university in Parkland, near Tacoma, offering a campus choice for students who want to study in South Sound. It enrolls 2,813 students; its acceptance rate is 78% and graduation rate is 69%. Total study cost is $50,096, and median alumni salary is $52,363. For Tacoma residents, proximity may make commuting possible, though travel and housing costs depend on circumstances. Compare financial aid, majors, and transportation before deciding if cost and outcomes fit your goals.

The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus is a public urban campus in downtown Tacoma, convenient for students seeking a degree close to home. Its 5,045 enrolled students make it the largest school in this group, while the acceptance rate is 83% and graduation rate is 63%. Total study cost is $42,105, and median alumni salary is $53,359. Tacoma residents can consider local access and potential commuting alongside program fit, financial aid, and living expenses when comparing this campus with nearby alternatives locally.

Northwest College of Art & Design is a specialized art-and-design institution serving students in the Tacoma area, making it a focused option for creative study rather than a university experience. It enrolls 139 students, the smallest cohort listed, with a 66% acceptance rate and 58% graduation rate. Its total study cost is $18,000, and median alumni salary is $34,868. Tacoma applicants should investigate available programs, portfolio expectations, class formats, and career support, then compare costs and outcomes with their creative goals.

Tacoma Community College is a public two-year college in Tacoma, offering a local route for students beginning higher education or seeking career-focused study. It has 6,199 enrolled students, the largest enrollment in this list, and a 32% graduation rate; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Total study cost is $10,911, the lowest listed, while median alumni salary is $58,758. Prospective students should verify transfer pathways, credential options, and program-specific costs, and consider how this college can support their educational or employment step.