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Head-to-head comparison

Lake Washington Institute of Technology vs Saint Martin's University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kirkland WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lacey WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Kirkland, WA

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Net price / year
$6,817
Earnings, 10 years
$50,669
Payback
11.8 yrs

Option B Lacey, WA

Saint Martin's University

Net price / year
$28,119
Earnings, 10 years
$62,092
Payback
8.2 yrs
The verdict

Saint Martin's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,476 in 8.2 years versus 11.8 years at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $62,092 vs $50,669 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLake Washington Institute of TechnologySaint Martin's University
Net price / yr$6,817$28,119
Total net cost$27,268$112,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,669$62,092
Median debt$15,047$22,500
Payback11.8 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$18,912$162,164

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University?

Lake Washington Institute of Technology, at $6,817 a year after aid versus $28,119 — a gap of $21,302 a year, or $85,208 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?

Saint Martin's University graduates report a median $62,092 ten years after entry, $11,423 more than the $50,669 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University?

Lake Washington Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $15,047 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Saint Martin's University, a difference of $7,453. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Saint Martin's University, against 37% at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology vs Saint Martin's University: frequently asked questions

Is Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University a better value?
Saint Martin's University. It clears its $112,476 net cost in about 8.2 years versus 11.8 years at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $62,092 vs $50,669 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology: $6,817/yr net price after aid versus $28,119/yr at Saint Martin's University — a difference of $21,302 a year, or about $85,208 over four years.
Do Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?
Saint Martin's University graduates earn a median $62,092 ten years after entry, versus $50,669 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology — a $11,423 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.