Head-to-head comparison
Seattle University vs North Seattle College: which has better ROI?
Option A Seattle, WA
Seattle University
- Net price / year
- $34,662
- Earnings, 10 years
- $75,272
- Payback
- 5.2 yrs
Option B Seattle, WA
North Seattle College
- Net price / year
- $10,740
- Earnings, 10 years
- $47,728
- Payback
- No payback
Seattle University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,648 in 5.2 years versus not at all at North Seattle College, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $47,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Seattle University | North Seattle College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $34,662 | $10,740 |
| Total net cost | $138,648 | $42,960 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,272 | $47,728 |
| Median debt | $19,883 | $15,458 |
| Payback | 5.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $399,592 | -$55,600 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Seattle University or North Seattle College?
North Seattle College, at $10,740 a year after aid versus $34,662 — a gap of $23,922 a year, or $95,688 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 Seattle University or North Seattle College graduates earn more?
Seattle University graduates report a median $75,272 ten years after entry, $27,544 more than the $47,728 at North Seattle College. 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, Seattle University or North Seattle College?
North Seattle College: its completers carry a median $15,458 in federal loans versus $19,883 at Seattle University, a difference of $4,425. 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?
76% of students finish at Seattle University, against 33% at North Seattle College. 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.