Washington State University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Washington State University charges a net price of $14,971/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $59,884. Graduates earn a median $68,905 ten years after entry, $20,545/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 2.9 years — a 20-year net return of $351,016, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Washington State University's 2.9-year payback ranks #171 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 87% of them, and #5 of 64 in Washington.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $14,971/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $59,884 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $68,905 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $20,545/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $19,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $351,016 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Washington State University's own numbers. Net price $14,971 × 4 years = $59,884 total. Median earnings $68,905 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $20,545 a year of premium. $59,884 ÷ $20,545 = 2.9 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $351,016. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Washington State University students graduate with?
A median $19,500 in federal loans among completers, or 28% of the $68,905 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Washington State University students graduate?
61% finish their degree — 39% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $59,884 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $98,170 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Washington State University expensive compared with other Washington colleges?
Its $14,971 net price runs $2,945 above the $12,027 median across the 64 Washington colleges we profile, or $11,778 more across the full degree.