Central Washington University vs Seattle University: which has better ROI?
Seattle University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,648 in 5.2 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $61,580 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Washington University | Seattle University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,476 | $34,662 |
| Total net cost | $73,904 | $138,648 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,580 | $75,272 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,883 |
| Payback | 5.6 yrs | 5.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $190,496 | $399,592 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Seattle University?
Central Washington University, at $18,476 a year after aid versus $34,662 — a gap of $16,186 a year, or $64,744 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 University graduates earn more?
Seattle University graduates report a median $75,272 ten years after entry, $13,692 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 University?
Central Washington University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $19,883 at Seattle University, a difference of $383. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at Seattle 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.