Top community colleges in Washington State?

I'm exploring community colleges in Washington State as an alternative to starting at a four-year college. Are there any that are particularly known for strong transfer pathways to universities, or any specfic programs?

There are many solid community colleges in Washington State, each with their own strengths and unique offerings:

1. Bellevue College: Bellevue College stands out for its strong relationships with four-year colleges in Washington, particularly with University of Washington. The college also has its own Bachelor’s degree programs in areas like Information Systems and Technology, and Interior Design.

2. Seattle Central College: Known for its strong programs in the arts, Seattle Central College has transfer agreements with multiple four-year institutions. It's located in the heart of Seattle, giving students access to a vibrant city environment and various internship opportunities.

3. Shoreline Community College: This community college is known for robust STEM programs, particularly in engineering, and has an excellent transfer record to four-year institutions. Shoreline also offers a range of professional/technical training programs in areas such as automotive technology, computer science, and mechatronics.

4. Everett Community College: Everett has exceptional relationships with local industry and boasts strong programs in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. They also have partnerships with four-year universities where students can conveniently complete a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree on campus.

5. Olympic College: Located in Bremerton, Olympic College has a strong nursing program. They also have university partnerships, offering four-year degrees on their campus from schools like Western Washington University and Washington State University.

Each of these colleges is dedicated to preparing students for successful transfer to four-year universities or for offering direct entry into high-demand careers. While exploring these options, consider what's most important to you: location, specific majors, quality of faculty, cost, or size? Looking with these factors in mind will help you find the best fit for your goals.