Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Field Guide 2026

Dr. Amy Morrison

  • Robert Malte, chair
  • Elisa Graceffo, vice chair
  • Randy Scott
  • John Suk
  • Laura Wildfong

1949

King and Snohomish counties

1, 5, 11, 12, 41, 44, 45, 48

Lake Washington Institute of Technology logo

As the only public institute of technology in Washington state, Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) provides students with the latest, in-demand skills relevant to today’s workplace. LWTech offers 13 bachelor’s degrees, more than 41 associate degrees, and 83 professional certificates in 41 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Grounded in equity and the need for resilience, LWTech’s values give us the tools to implement our mission and vision. Working to create an inclusive, innovative, collaborative, and respectful community, LWTech helps people of every age, and background, achieve their educational and career goals.

Key Facts

  • English Language Learning
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP
  • Funeral Services Education

  • Headcount (all sources): 6,087
  • FTES (all sources): 3,319
  • Headcount (state-funded): 5,376
  • FTES (state-funded): 2,731

  • Apprentices: 205
  • Bachelor's: 409
  • I-BEST: 264
  • International: 358
  • Running Start: 304
  • Alternative High School: 371
  • Worker Retraining: 266

Student Profile

  • Academic/transfer: 16%
  • Basic skills: 20%
  • Workforce education: 52%
  • Other: 12%

Students of color: 48%

  • American Indian/Alaska Native: 2%
  • Asian: 21%
  • Black/African American: 9%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 19%
  • Pacific Islander: 1%
  • White: 52%

  • Full-time: 55%
  • Part-time: 45%

  • Students receiving need-based financial aid: 28%
  • Students with dependents: 33%

  • Female: 3,300
  • Male: 2,208
  • X: 30
  • Not reported: 549

28

Points of Interest

To meet the growing demand for skilled talent in satellite and aerospace manufacturing, LWTech has partnered with Amazon’s Project Kuiper to offer two high-impact, one-quarter certificate programs: Aerospace Assembly and Aerospace Manufacturing Proficiency. These hands-on programs immerse students in real-world scenarios using industry-grade tools found in satellite production. Graduates gain practical experience and are guaranteed a job interview with Amazon. With a 100% job placement rate and scholarships supported by Project Kuiper, this initiative helps local students launch careers while supporting Amazon’s workforce needs through the Amazon Career Choice program.

To address critical healthcare workforce shortages, LWTech has partnered with Overlake Medical Center to launch a high-impact “Earn and Learn” pathway. Through this initiative, Overlake hires students as Nursing Assistant-Registered employees while they train at LWTech to become Certified Nursing Assistants. Overlake covers all program costs, provides on-site clinical training, and promotes graduates to Nursing Assistant-Certified status with a raise upon passing state exams. This model supports regional workforce needs and expands access to career-ready education, helping students gain hands-on experience while advancing into high-demand healthcare roles.

The Department of Health approved LWTech’s Bachelor’s in Behavioral Healthcare as the state’s first college program authorized for the new Behavioral Health Support Specialist (BHSS) credential. The program also received special recognition, including legacy approval for graduates from 2022–2032 to apply for BHSS designation. State leaders hope BHSS professionals will expand treatment access across communities, and in turn, earn higher salaries than other bachelor’s-level roles. This milestone highlights LWTech’s leadership in behavioral health education and its commitment to preparing students for impactful, in-demand careers in Washington’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Data is from the 2024-25 academic year. Reflects headcount unless otherwise noted. Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

*Students of color percent based on unduplicated headcount. Students may be counted in more than one race, so race/ethnicity percentages may not total 100%. Percentages calculated on reported value.

**Excluding Running Start.