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Head-to-head comparison

University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: which has better ROI?

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Public, Tacoma WA

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

Option A Seattle, WA

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Net price / year
$14,091
Earnings, 10 years
$78,466
Payback
1.9 yrs

Option B Tacoma, WA

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Net price / year
$10,163
Earnings, 10 years
$78,466
Payback
1.4 yrs
The verdict

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,652 in 1.4 years versus 1.9 years at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $78,466 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusUniversity of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Net price / yr$14,091$10,163
Total net cost$56,364$40,652
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$78,466
Median debt$14,615$14,615
Payback1.9 yrs1.4 yrs
20-year net return$545,756$561,468

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, at $10,163 a year after aid versus $14,091 — a gap of $3,928 a year, or $15,712 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 University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

Completers at both borrow a median $14,615, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, against 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. 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.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus a better value?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. It clears its $40,652 net cost in about 1.4 years versus 1.9 years at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $78,466 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: $10,163/yr net price after aid versus $14,091/yr at University of Washington-Seattle Campus — a difference of $3,928 a year, or about $15,712 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $78,466 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.