Tuition and Fees

Lake Washington Institute of Technology follows the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) tuition and fees policies, which generally describe the amounts that are charged for different types of classes and students. More information is available at the SBCTC tuition and fees webpage.

Tuition Information

With the new LionsLink Powered by ctcLink system, students can see more information about tuition and fees than LWTech's old legacy system. The tuition can be seen split into three components:

  • Operating fee: A tuition fee that supports school operations.
  • Building fee: A tuition fee that supports infrastructure and innovation. This tuition fee is charged for in-person and online classes.
  • S & A (Services and Activities) fee: A tuition services and activity fee used to cover student activities and programs.

Most classes charge operating, building, and S&A fees as tuition. 

Resident Student Tuition

Previously, resident students may have only seen a charge of $580.25 for a 5-credit classes. Now in LionsLink, resident students will see a breakdown of their tuition charges into three components:

  • Resident Operating Fee - $458.70
  • Resident Building Fee - $61.90
  • Resident S&A Fee - $58.10

The total charged to the student remains the same—example above it is $580.25.

Below is an example of a typical set of charges for a resident student for one class.

Item  Term Class  Taxes  Amount Incl Tax Balance
Conversion Go-Live Adjustment 2021 Fall     -580.25 0.00
Resident Building 2021 Fall     61.90 0.00
Resident Operating 2021 Fall     458.70 0.00
Resident S & A 2021 Fall     59.65 0.00

Non-Resident Student Tuition

Non-Resident Students will see additional charges as part of SBCTC policy:

  • NonResident Operating Fee: Non-resident students may see both an ‘Operating Fee' and an ‘Operating Fee Diff'. The ‘Diff' fee is the differential between the resident and non-resident rate. 
  • NonResident Building Fee: Non-resident students will see two ‘NonResident Building' charges. One is the charge at the Resident rate, and the other is the non-resident differential. 

Below is an example of a typical Non-Resident Student Account: 

Item  Term Class  Taxes  Amount Incl Tax Balance
Non-Resident Waiver 2021 Fall     -2,097.92 0.00
NonResident Building 2021 Fall     158.76 8.74
NonResident Building 2021 Fall     158.60 1.60
NonResident Operating 2021 Fall     1,494.92 300.56
NonResident Operating Diff 2021 Fall     1,1179.08 234.24
NonResident Operating Diff 2021 Fall     2,097.92 0.00
NonResident S & A 2021 Fall     174.74 13.86

For your convenience Lake Washington Institute of Technology allows you to pay for your tuition and fees one of several ways.

Online (Credit Card) Via LionsLink

Students can make payments online with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express online via LionsLink Powered by ctcLink.

Cashier's Office

Pay at the Cashier's Office located in the West Building, W201F, next to Enrollment Services. The cashier's office accepts cash, check, money order, debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).

By Mail

Mail check or money order, payable to Lake Washington Institute of Technology, to the Cashier at:

Cashier's Office
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
11605 132nd Avenue NE
Kirkland, Washington 98034-8506

Payment Plans

Sign up for the online Student Payment Plan to make monthly payments over the duration of the quarter. See below for more information.

The Student Payment Plan at Lake Washington Institute of Technology allows for payments to be made on an installment plan. Payments are divided into monthly installments for each academic quarter, and enrollment in the plan is done quarterly. It is important to note that the college does not administer the plan. Instead, you will be required to sign a payment plan agreement with Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc., which is also known as FACTS and e-Cashier.

Cost of Payment Plan

The Student Payment Plan covers the total tuition and course fees that are charged at registration for each quarter you are enrolled in the program. However, please be aware that books, tools, and supplies cannot be paid for using this plan. Additionally, there is a $15 enrollment fee due per quarter when you enroll in the plan.

e-Cashier Information and Payment Plan Enrollment Dates

Missed Payment or Insufficient Funds

  • If you do not have sufficient funds for the first scheduled payment, you will be assessed a $30 missed payment fee and the payment plan will be terminated. You will have the option to re-enroll in a new plan.
  • If you do not have sufficient funds for the second or third scheduled payment, you will be assessed a $30 missed payment fee and the payment will be reattempted in 15 days (either the 5th or 20th of the month). You and the college will be notified if this occurs.
  • If there are still insufficient funds after two attempts, the payment plan may be terminated. Your account will be assessed the missed payment fee for each time a payment is reattempted. Some banks may charge an NSF fee for these attempts. Missed 2nd and/or 3rd payments will result in a block from future registration and services until the payment is made either at the cashier or after the next attempt by Nelnet.
  • If you have enrolled in a payment plan that requires a down payment and you do not have sufficient funds in your account at the time you enroll, the payment plan will be terminated.
  • If your plan is not paid in full by the end of the quarter you may be turned over to collections, with additional collection and legal fees.
  • You may pay the second or third payment to the cashier, but you must pay at least two (2) business days prior to the payment date. This will allow time to adjust or cancel your next payment should it be necessary.

Adding/Dropping Classes

  • If you add or change classes resulting in an increase in tuition and fees, your payment plan amount and subsequent payments will be adjusted accordingly on your next payment. Please ensure that you provide a minimum of two business days before the next payment for these changes to take effect.
  • In the event that you drop a class and your tuition and fees decrease, your payment plan amount will be adjusted accordingly on your next payment.
  • Please note that refunds for class withdrawal are based on full payment of tuition. If you withdraw from any classes after the 100% refund period, you will still have an outstanding balance on your payment plan. Furthermore, If you withdraw after all college refund dates have passed, you will still be responsible for the entire remaining balance of your payment plan. It is important to understand that this is not a pay-as-you-go payment plan. Instead, it divides your quarterly tuition into monthly installments.

Questions?

  • Please contact Student Accounts via phone (425) 739-8184 or email StudentAccounts@lwtech.edu.
  • For Nelnet Business Solutions customer service, please call (800) 609-8056

Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers Tuition Waivers in accordance with S tate of Washington law and policies authorized by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for several categories of students including but not limited to the following:

  • Children and spouses of totally disabled or POW/MIA or deceased eligible veterans or national guard members
  • Children of deceased or disabled law enforcement officers or firefighters
  • Adult Basic Education, English as a second language, and GED® preparation
  • Eligible veterans or National Guard members
  • High school completion
  • Senior citizens
  • State employees
  • Apprentice students
  • Running Start students
  • Some students with program requirements exceeding 18 quarterly credits

Veteran and National Guard Tuition Waiver

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive 25% of base tuition (excluding supplemental fees) for students who are a Washington domiciliary for the following veteran classifications:

  • Active or reserve member of military, naval, or National Guard called to active duty. Served in active federal duty under either Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or in international waters, or served in support of those that were (serving on foreign soil or in international waters). If discharged, has received an honorable discharge.
  • Other Military or Naval Veterans qualify for the 25% waiver, even if they did not serve in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or international waters, or served in support of those that were serving on foreign soil or international waters. Note: This section includes only military or naval veterans. It does not include National Guard Members.

Please provide a copy of your DD-214 to the Enrollment Service Office, West Building, W201.

Children or Spouse of a Disabled, Deceased, MIA, or POW Veteran Waiver

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive all tuition and fees for students whose parent or spouse was an eligible veteran or national guard member who 1) became totally disabled as defined in RCW 28B.15.385; or 2) who lost his or her life while engaged in active federal military or naval service; or 3) who is determined by the federal government to be a prisoner of war or missing in action.

CONDITIONS: The child must be a Washington domiciliary between the age of 17 and 26 to be eligible for this waiver. A child's marital status does not affect eligibility. A surviving spouse must be a Washington domiciliary. A surviving spouse has ten years from the date of the death, total disability, or federal determination of prisoner of war or missing-in-action status of the eligible veteran to receive this benefit. Upon remarriage, the surviving spouse is ineligible for the waiver of all tuition and fees. Waivers will not be awarded to students participating in fee-based courses or programs. If your qualifying parent or spouse is totally disabled, he or she must not have any earned income indicated on a federal tax return.

Children of Disabled Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive tuition and fees for the children or surviving spouses of deceased or disabled law enforcement officers or firefighters. The officers and firefighters must have died or become totally disabled in the line of duty while employed by a public law enforcement agency, full‐time or volunteer fire department. Documentation from the Department of Retirement Systems is required. Eligible children must begin their course of study within 10 years of high school graduation.

Senior Citizens

Lake Washington Institute of Technology provides two types of waivers to students who are 60 years or older. Neither waiver is available to students using the course credits for increasing credentials or salary schedule increases. Students enrolling under either waiver shall register for no more than two courses per quarter.

  • Option One: LWTech will waive 35% of tuition for students who enroll for credit.
  • Option Two: LWTech will charge $5 per class for students who enroll on an audit basis.

Not all programs qualify for this waiver. See the Space Available Waivers section for more information: Students will be enrolled on a space available basis and must be Washington state residents.

Washington State Employee Tuition Waiver

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive tuition, services and activities fees for Washington State Employees employed half-time or more. This waiver is also available to teachers and other certified instructional staff employed at public, common and vocational schools, holding or seeking a valid endorsement and assignment in a state-identified shortage area. Students will be enrolled on a space-available basis.

Not all programs qualify for this waiver. See the Space Available Waivers section for more information: Students will be enrolled on a space available basis.

Vocational Students Registering for More Than 18 Credits

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive the additional per credit operating fee charged to students in vocational preparatory programs registered for more than eighteen credits in a quarter. This waiver will be applied automatically by the college. Please allow at least 24 hours for the waiver to apply. Contact Enrollment Services, West Building, W201, if it has been over 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) and the waiver has not applied.

Non-resident Students (Waiver of Differential Between Resident and Non-resident Operating Fee)

Non-resident students are students who are or have recently been residents of other states.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology will waive the additional operating fees charged to non-resident students. This means that non-resident students who are or have recently been residents of other states will pay the same amount in operating fees as Washington state residents. This waiver will be applied automatically by the college. Please allow at least 24 hours for the waiver to apply. Contact Enrollment Services, West Building, W201, if it has been over 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) and the waiver has not applied.

Space-Available Waivers

Many waivers are applied on a space-available basis. As such students, students using this waiver will not be allowed to register for classes until after the third day of the quarter. Failure to comply with the instructions listed below will result in the student being responsible for full payment at the full per-credit tuition rate.

  • Go to the class of your choice on the first day of instruction. Let the instructor know that you are hoping to register under a space-available tuition waiver program. Ask the instructor if s/he feels that space "may" be available and, if so, request permission to visit the class until you can officially register (see "When to Register" below).
  • On the day you are permitted to register, have the instructor sign your Registration Form, giving you permission to enroll in the class, if there is space available.
  • Submit the Registration Form and the waiver form to Enrollment Services, West Building, W201, to complete the registration process. Tuition payment is due at the time of registration.
When to Register

Students using a space-available waiver may register between the 4th and 10th instructional day of the quarter. Students who register prior to the 4th day or after the 10th day of the quarter forfeit their ability to use this waiver and will be responsible for full payment at the regular per credit tuition rate.

Students may not use space-available waivers for the following programs:

  • Dental Hygiene
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapist Assistant
  • Sewing

Student must complete a new Washington State Employee Tuition Waiver form each quarter.

Waiver of Non-resident Tuition Differential for Refugees, Their Spouses, and Dependents

Community and technical colleges may waive all or a portion of the non-resident tuition differential for refugees, their spouse and dependents if the refugee is on parole status (allowed into the United States for humanitarian reasons); has received an immigrant visa or has applied for United States citizenship. Non-resident differential is the difference between resident tuition (operating and building fees) and non-resident tuition (operating and building fees).

A new waiver form must be completed each quarter that the waiver is used.

Request Waiver of Non-resident Tuition Differential for Refugees, Their Spouses, and Dependents

Waiver of Non-resident Tuition Differential for Certain Higher Education Employees

Community and technical colleges may waive all or a portion of the non-resident differential for certain employees of higher education institutions, their spouses, and dependents. Higher education employees eligible for the waiver are:

  • Faculty member
  • Classified staff member
  • Administrative exempt employee

Employees must reside in the state and hold at least a half-time appointment. Non-resident differential is the difference between resident tuition (operating and building fees) and non-resident tuition (operating and building fees).

A new waiver form must be completed each quarter that the waiver is used.

When registering for courses you are obligated to pay the tuition and fees for those classes on the first day of the quarter. Students are encouraged to pay at the time of registration or to enroll in the student payment plan. If you enroll in a payment plan you must withdraw by the scheduled refund dates to receive the level of refunds outlined in the college's refund policy.

Students who enroll after the first day of the quarter must pay tuition and fees at the time of registration. Students with tuition and fees that have not been received by the end of the 1st day of the quarter are subject to being dropped from classes, and after the 10th day of the quarter, may be subject to a late registration fee of $50 to be re-enrolled in classes. Unpaid balances may be subject to collections and you may be responsible for any collection and legal fees.

See the Academic Calendar for all payment and refund dates.

Students who officially withdraw from classes within the refund period will be eligible for refunds according to the refund schedule.

See the full Refund Policy for more details.

You can view your IRS form 1098-T statement in LionsLink (powered by ctcLink). Follow the directions below to view and consent to receive your 1098-T online.

Note: The form that is printed and mailed to you may not reflect up-to-date information on student loans or other data. We strongly encourage you to double-check the dollar amount on the 1098-T form.

See the full Refund Policy for more details.

 

2024-2025 Tuition and Fees

Residency Requirements

Lake Washington Institute of Technology determines your residency status based on information you submit at the time of admission.

*Non-Resident Fee Waiver

Students who are U.S. Citizens or INS Permanent residents who haven't lived in Washington state for 12 months or more qualify for the Non-Resident Fee Waiver rate.

Mandatory Campus Fees PER Credit

$49.75/credit

This fee offsets a portion of the cost for the following:

  • Student Services
  • Campus Safety
  • IT Infrastructure
  • Facilities
  • Assessment Center
  • IT Equipment
  • CTCLink
  • CTCLink implementation
  • Financial Services
  • Info Tech Services
  • eLearning
  • Digital Learning Infrastructure

Wellness Fee

$20.00/term

In addition to the tuition rates and the mandatory fees listed, all students must pay the wellness fee, as enacted by the student government.

Technology Fee

$4.00/credit (max $40.00/ quarter)

In addition to the tuition rates and the mandatory fees listed, all students must pay the technology fee, as enacted by the student government.

Services and Activities Fee

Services and Activities Fee, or S&A fee, is a fee paid by almost all enrolled LWTech students. The fee is collected through tuition (see Understanding Tuition and Fees at the top of this page). Annually, a student majority committee allocates these funds to pay for all students to access programs, activities, services, and resources outside of the classroom. Learn more about this student focused fee and the Associated Student Government to take full advantage of your fee.

 

Tuition Rates

Tuition rate by credit level.
Credits Resident *Non-Resident Fee Waiver Non-Resident Resident Applied Baccalaureate *Non-Resident Fee Waiver Applied Baccalaureate Non-Resident Applied Baccalaureate

1-10

123.58

140.92

317.95

240.10

257.44

674.70

11-18

61.02

61.94

68.96

12.33

13.25

13.25

Over 18

110.87

110.87

305.24

227.39

227.39

661.99

Tuition cost based on the number of credits taken.
Credits Resident *Non-Resident Fee Waiver Non-Resident Resident Applied Baccalaureate *Non-Resident Fee Waiver Applied Baccalaureate Non-Resident Applied Baccalaureate

1

127.59

145.79

328.13

247.61

265.81

695.59

2

255.18

291.58

656.26

495.22

531.62

1,391.18

3

382.77

437.37

984.39

742.83

797.43

2,086.77

4

510.36

583.16

1,312.52

990.44

1,063.24

2,782.36

5

637.95

728.95

1,640.65

1,238.05

1,329.05

3,477.95

6

765.54

874.74

1,968.78

1,485.66

1,594.86

4,173.54

7

893.13

1,020.53

2,296.91

1,733.27

1,860.67

4,869.13

8

1,020.72

1,166.32

2,625.04

1,980.88

2,126.48

5,564.72

9

1,148.31

1,312.11

2,953.17

2,228.49

2,392.29

6,260.31

10

1,275.90

1,457.90

3,281.30

2,476.10

2,658.10

6,955.90

11

1,338.86

1,521.83

3,352.46

2,488.91

2,671.88

6,969.68

12

1,401.82

1,585.76

3,423.62

2,501.72

2,685.66

6,983.46

13

1,464.78

1,649.69

3,494.78

2,514.53

2,699.44

6,997.24

14

1,527.74

1,713.62

3,565.94

2,527.34

2,713.22

7,011.02

15

1,590.70

1,777.55

3,637.10

2,540.15

2,727.00

7,024.80

16

1,653.66

1,841.48

3,708.26

2,552.96

2,740.78

7,038.58

17

1,716.62

1,905.41

3,779.42

2,565.77

2,754.56

7,052.36

18

1,779.58

1,969.34

3,850.58

2,578.58

2,768.34

7,066.14

19

1,894.05

2,083.81

4,165.59

2,813.07

3,002.83

7,748.61

20

2,008.52

2,198.28

4,480.60

3,047.56

3,237.32

8,431.08

21

2,122.99

2,312.75

4,795.61

3,282.05

3,471.81

9,113.55

22

2,237.46

2,427.22

5,110.62

3,516.54

3,706.3

9,796.02

23

2,351.93

2,541.69

5,425.63

3,751.03

3,940.79

10,478.49

24

2,466.4

2,656.16

5,740.64

3,985.52

4,175.28

11,160.96

25

2,580.87

2,770.63

6,055.65

4,220.01

4,409.77

11,843.43

Tuition and fee rates are set by the Washington State Legislature, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and the Board of Trustees and are subject to change. LWTech reserves the right to change, without notice, any fees to comply with the state or college regulation or policies.

The college may charge other fees to cover costs such as registration, late fees, insurance, supply, and lab fees. Please check the class schedule for lab and class supply fees that apply to specific classes.

 

Cashier's Office Information

Cashier's Office Hours

Day
Hours
Availability
Monday
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Campus
Tuesday
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Campus
Wednesday
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Campus
Thursday
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. On Campus
Friday
Closed Closed
Saturday
Closed
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Closed