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Eastern Washington University vs Seattle Pacific University: which has better ROI?

Public, Cheney WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Seattle WA

The verdict

Eastern Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $55,544 in 5.8 years versus 6.1 years at Seattle Pacific University, on median earnings of $57,897 vs $64,506 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Washington UniversitySeattle Pacific University
Net price / yr$13,886$24,488
Total net cost$55,544$97,952
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,897$64,506
Median debt$19,500$24,000
Payback5.8 yrs6.1 yrs
20-year net return$135,196$224,968

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

Which is cheaper, Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University?

Eastern Washington University, at $13,886 a year after aid versus $24,488 — a gap of $10,602 a year, or $42,408 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University graduates earn more?

Seattle Pacific University graduates report a median $64,506 ten years after entry, $6,609 more than the $57,897 at Eastern 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, Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University?

Eastern 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 43% at Eastern 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.

Eastern Washington University vs Seattle Pacific University: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University a better value?
Eastern Washington University. It clears its $55,544 net cost in about 5.8 years versus 6.1 years at Seattle Pacific University, on median earnings of $57,897 vs $64,506 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University?
Eastern Washington University: $13,886/yr net price after aid versus $24,488/yr at Seattle Pacific University — a difference of $10,602 a year, or about $42,408 over four years.
Do Eastern Washington University or Seattle Pacific University graduates earn more?
Seattle Pacific University graduates earn a median $64,506 ten years after entry, versus $57,897 at Eastern Washington University — a $6,609 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.