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Head-to-head comparison

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

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Public, Bellingham 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 Bellingham, WA

Western Washington University

Net price / year
$21,193
Earnings, 10 years
$62,569
Payback
6 yrs
The verdict

University of Washington-Seattle Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,364 in 1.9 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $62,569 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusWestern Washington University
Net price / yr$14,091$21,193
Total net cost$56,364$84,772
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$62,569
Median debt$14,615$18,500
Payback1.9 yrs6 yrs
20-year net return$545,756$199,408

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 Western Washington University?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus, at $14,091 a year after aid versus $21,193 — a gap of $7,102 a year, or $28,408 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 Western Washington University graduates earn more?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, $15,897 more than the $62,569 at Western Washington University. 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, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Western Washington University?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus: its completers carry a median $14,615 in federal loans versus $18,500 at Western Washington University, a difference of $3,885. 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?

85% of students finish at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, against 65% at Western Washington University. 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 Western Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Western Washington University a better value?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus. It clears its $56,364 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $62,569 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Western Washington University?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus: $14,091/yr net price after aid versus $21,193/yr at Western Washington University — a difference of $7,102 a year, or about $28,408 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Western Washington University graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $62,569 at Western Washington University — a $15,897 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.