Best Information Technology Programs in Kennewick Washington

Key Takeaways

• Kennewick and the Tri-Cities region offer multiple high-quality IT programs through Columbia Basin College, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Perry Technical Institute.
• Students can choose from associate degrees, bachelor's programs, and hands-on technical certifications in networking, cybersecurity, and software development.
• Local IT job demand is strong in healthcare, energy, government, and logistics, with competitive entry-level salaries.
• Accreditation, internship opportunities, tuition costs, and employer partnerships should guide your decision.
• Both on-campus and online formats are available, allowing flexibility for working adults.

Why Study Information Technology in Kennewick, Washington?

Kennewick is part of Washington’s Tri-Cities region, alongside Pasco and Richland. The area has become a growing hub for technology-driven industries, including energy, healthcare systems, agriculture technology, government contracting, and logistics. Organizations such as Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), regional medical centers, school districts, and municipal agencies consistently hire IT professionals.

This localized demand creates strong opportunities for graduates of Information Technology programs in Kennewick WA. Many local colleges maintain partnerships with regional employers, giving students access to internships, capstone projects, and direct hiring pipelines.

Top Information Technology Programs Serving Kennewick WA

1. Columbia Basin College (CBC) – Kennewick, WA

Best for: Affordable associate degrees and workforce-ready IT skills

Columbia Basin College is one of the most accessible and affordable IT education providers in the Tri-Cities area. CBC offers associate degrees and certificates designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to a four-year university.

Popular IT Programs:

• Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology
• Computer Science Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)
• Cybersecurity and Networking certificates
• Cloud computing and systems administration coursework

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on lab environments with real networking equipment
• Small class sizes
• Transfer pathways to Washington State University Tri-Cities
• Lower in-state tuition compared to four-year institutions

CBC is ideal for students seeking cost-effective IT programs in Kennewick Washington with strong employer alignment.

2. Washington State University Tri-Cities – Richland, WA

Best for: Bachelor’s degrees and advanced career growth

Located just minutes from Kennewick, WSU Tri-Cities offers bachelor’s programs closely aligned with regional workforce needs. While traditionally known for engineering and science, its computing and technology programs provide strong foundations in software development, cybersecurity, and systems design.

Relevant Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Cybersecurity-focused coursework
• Data analytics and software engineering tracks

Program Strengths:

• Accredited public research university
• Access to internships with PNNL and regional employers
• Small campus environment with university-level resources
• Undergraduate research opportunities

This option is best for students seeking long-term career advancement, leadership potential, or graduate study preparation.

3. Perry Technical Institute – Kennewick, WA

Best for: Accelerated, career-focused technical training

Perry Technical Institute specializes in hands-on technical education. Its IT-related programs focus on preparing students quickly for entry-level technical roles in networking, IT support, and systems administration.

Key Offerings:

• Information Technology and Communications Systems program
• Practical networking and infrastructure training
• Industry certification preparation

Why Students Choose Perry Tech:

• Career-centered curriculum
• Emphasis on applied skills over theory
• Strong job placement support
• Industry-aligned instruction

This is a strong choice for students who prefer hands-on learning and want to enter the workforce faster than through a traditional four-year degree.

Program Comparison at a Glance

InstitutionProgram LengthCredentialFormatBest ForColumbia Basin College2 YearsAssociate Degree / CertificateOn-campus & HybridAffordable entry into IT or transfer pathwayWSU Tri-Cities4 YearsBachelor’s DegreeOn-campusAdvanced IT careers and leadership rolesPerry Technical Institute12-24 MonthsTechnical DiplomaOn-campusHands-on, fast workforce entry

What to Look for in an IT Program in Kennewick

Accreditation

Choose regionally accredited institutions to ensure credit transferability and employer recognition. Public colleges like CBC and WSU Tri-Cities meet recognized accreditation standards.

Industry Certifications

Strong programs prepare students for certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and Cisco credentials. Certification readiness increases employability in the Tri-Cities job market.

Internships and Employer Partnerships

Look for programs that connect students with healthcare providers, local government agencies, energy companies, and research institutions. Practical experience significantly improves job placement outcomes.

Job Placement Support

Career services, resume workshops, interview preparation, and employer recruitment events add measurable value to your investment.

Local IT Career Outlook in the Tri-Cities

The Tri-Cities region supports a steady demand for IT professionals across multiple industries. Roles include:

• IT Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Software Developer
• Systems Administrator

Entry-level IT support roles in the region typically offer competitive wages, with growth potential as certifications and experience increase. Government contractors, energy facilities, and healthcare systems provide particularly stable career paths.

Students who complete internships locally often remain employed within the region after graduation.

Online IT Programs for Kennewick Residents

In addition to local campuses, many Kennewick students pursue online IT degrees from accredited universities across Washington and the United States.

Benefits of Online IT Programs:

• Flexible scheduling for working adults
• Access to specialized cybersecurity and data science tracks
• Lower relocation costs
• Ability to maintain local employment while studying

Online programs are ideal for self-motivated learners but should still offer career support and accreditation.

How to Choose the Right IT School in Kennewick WA

1. Define Your Career Goal: Entry-level support, cybersecurity, or software development all require different training paths.
2. Compare Total Costs: Include tuition, fees, books, and potential certification exam costs.
3. Evaluate Time Commitment: Two-year associate programs can lead to faster employment, while bachelor’s degrees provide broader advancement options.
4. Visit the Campus: Explore labs, meet faculty, and ask about internship placement rates.
5. Ask About Outcomes: Request employment statistics, employer partnerships, and alumni success stories.

Why Local Focus Matters

Choosing an Information Technology program in Kennewick Washington offers advantages beyond convenience. Local institutions understand the regional workforce landscape and tailor coursework accordingly. Students can network with area professionals, pursue internships that align with regional employers, and build connections that lead to immediate job opportunities after graduation.

Whether you pursue a two-year associate degree at Columbia Basin College, a bachelor’s at WSU Tri-Cities, or an accelerated technical program at Perry Tech, Kennewick provides multiple pathways into a high-demand and future-focused career in Information Technology.

Frequently Asked Questions about IT Programs in Kennewick, Washington

What IT degrees and certificates can you earn in Kennewick and the Tri-Cities?

You can earn associate degrees and certificates at Columbia Basin College, bachelor’s degrees at Washington State University Tri-Cities, and technical diplomas at Perry Technical Institute in areas like networking, cybersecurity, IT support, and software-related fields.

Is there strong local job demand for IT graduates in Kennewick WA?

Yes. Employers in healthcare, energy, government, education, and logistics hire IT support specialists, network admins, cybersecurity staff, and software professionals, and many offer competitive entry-level salaries with room to grow.

How do Columbia Basin College, WSU Tri-Cities, and Perry Tech differ for IT training?

Columbia Basin College focuses on affordable associate degrees and transfer options, WSU Tri-Cities offers four-year bachelor’s programs for broader and advanced careers, and Perry Tech provides fast, hands-on training for entry-level technical roles.

Can you study IT online if you live in Kennewick?

Yes. You can take hybrid courses through local colleges or enroll in fully online IT programs from accredited schools, which can be a good fit if you work full-time or need flexible scheduling.

What should you look for when choosing an IT program in Kennewick?

Check for regional accreditation, preparation for key certifications like CompTIA and Cisco, strong labs, internships with local employers, career services, and total cost, including tuition and exam fees.

How long does it take to complete an IT program in the Tri-Cities?

Most technical diplomas at Perry Tech take about 12–24 months, associate degrees at Columbia Basin College take around two years, and bachelor’s degrees at WSU Tri-Cities take about four years of full-time study.