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Green River College vs Saint Martin's University: which has better ROI?

Public, Auburn WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lacey WA

The verdict

Saint Martin's University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $112,476 in 8.2 years versus 11.7 years at Green River College, on median earnings of $62,092 vs $50,712 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGreen River CollegeSaint Martin's University
Net price / yr$13,803$28,119
Total net cost$27,606$112,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,712$62,092
Median debt$11,891$22,500
Payback11.7 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$19,434$162,164

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

Which is cheaper, Green River College or Saint Martin's University?

Green River College, at $13,803 a year after aid versus $28,119 — a gap of $14,316 a year, or $84,870 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Green River College or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?

Saint Martin's University graduates report a median $62,092 ten years after entry, $11,380 more than the $50,712 at Green River College. 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, Green River College or Saint Martin's University?

Green River College: its completers carry a median $11,891 in federal loans versus $22,500 at Saint Martin's University, a difference of $10,609. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

52% of students finish at Saint Martin's University, against 39% at Green River College. 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.

Green River College vs Saint Martin's University: frequently asked questions

Is Green River College or Saint Martin's University a better value?
Saint Martin's University. It clears its $112,476 net cost in about 8.2 years versus 11.7 years at Green River College, on median earnings of $62,092 vs $50,712 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Green River College or Saint Martin's University?
Green River College: $13,803/yr net price after aid versus $28,119/yr at Saint Martin's University — a difference of $14,316 a year, or about $84,870 over four years.
Do Green River College or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?
Saint Martin's University graduates earn a median $62,092 ten years after entry, versus $50,712 at Green River College — a $11,380 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.