Best community colleges in Washington

Long gone are the days when education levels weren't inherently tied to income levels. Twenty-first-century teens as young as high school freshmen consider what colleges are available to them sooner rather than later to make a decent living in the long run.

Be it grades or money, many young adults choose the more convenient option of community college to begin their undergraduate education: 41% of all undergrads are in a two-year school, according to the American Association of Community Colleges. When it comes down to education and numbers, a community college's annual tuition and fees are significantly less than four-year schools no matter which way the data is sliced. Stacker compiled a list of the best community colleges in Washington using rankings from Niche. These community colleges offer a great reason to consider a two-year education before moving on to a four-year school. If considering a continued education, these community colleges are a perfect place to start.

#3. South Puget Sound Community College (Olympia)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $7,051

#2. Pierce College at Puyallup (Lakewood)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $8,813

#1. Big Bend Community College (Moses Lake)
- Niche grade: B-
- Net price: $6,880