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

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

The verdict

Seattle University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,648 in 5.2 years versus 5.8 years at Eastern Washington University, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $57,897 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Washington UniversitySeattle University
Net price / yr$13,886$34,662
Total net cost$55,544$138,648
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,897$75,272
Median debt$19,500$19,883
Payback5.8 yrs5.2 yrs
20-year net return$135,196$399,592

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

Which is cheaper, Eastern Washington University or Seattle University?

Eastern Washington University, at $13,886 a year after aid versus $34,662 — a gap of $20,776 a year, or $83,104 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 University graduates earn more?

Seattle University graduates report a median $75,272 ten years after entry, $17,375 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 University?

Eastern 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 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 University: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Washington University or Seattle University a better value?
Seattle University. It clears its $138,648 net cost in about 5.2 years versus 5.8 years at Eastern Washington University, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $57,897 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Washington University or Seattle University?
Eastern Washington University: $13,886/yr net price after aid versus $34,662/yr at Seattle University — a difference of $20,776 a year, or about $83,104 over four years.
Do Eastern Washington University or Seattle University graduates earn more?
Seattle University graduates earn a median $75,272 ten years after entry, versus $57,897 at Eastern Washington University — a $17,375 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.