Central Washington University vs Seattle Pacific University: which has better ROI?
Central Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,904 in 5.6 years versus 6.1 years at Seattle Pacific University, on median earnings of $61,580 vs $64,506 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Washington University | Seattle Pacific University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,476 | $24,488 |
| Total net cost | $73,904 | $97,952 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,580 | $64,506 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $24,000 |
| Payback | 5.6 yrs | 6.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $190,496 | $224,968 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Seattle Pacific University?
Central Washington University, at $18,476 a year after aid versus $24,488 — a gap of $6,012 a year, or $24,048 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Central Washington University or Seattle Pacific University graduates earn more?
Seattle Pacific University graduates report a median $64,506 ten years after entry, $2,926 more than the $61,580 at Central 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.
Which leaves students with less debt, Central Washington University or Seattle Pacific University?
Central Washington University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Seattle Pacific University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Seattle Pacific University, against 54% at Central 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.