Lake Washington Institute of Technology vs Whitworth University: which has better ROI?
Whitworth University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,136 in 10.4 years versus 11.8 years at Lake Washington Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $50,669 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Whitworth University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $6,817 | $26,534 |
| Total net cost | $27,268 | $106,136 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,669 | $58,561 |
| Median debt | $15,047 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 11.8 yrs | 10.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $18,912 | $97,884 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Whitworth University?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology, at $6,817 a year after aid versus $26,534 — a gap of $19,717 a year, or $78,868 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Whitworth University graduates earn more?
Whitworth University graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $7,892 more than the $50,669 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. 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, Lake Washington Institute of Technology or Whitworth University?
Lake Washington Institute of Technology: its completers carry a median $15,047 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Whitworth University, a difference of $9,953. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Whitworth University, against 37% at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. 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.