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Seattle Pacific University vs Saint Martin's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Seattle WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Lacey WA

The verdict

Seattle Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $97,952 in 6.1 years versus 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $64,506 vs $62,092 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSeattle Pacific UniversitySaint Martin's University
Net price / yr$24,488$28,119
Total net cost$97,952$112,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$64,506$62,092
Median debt$24,000$22,500
Payback6.1 yrs8.2 yrs
20-year net return$224,968$162,164

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

Which is cheaper, Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University?

Seattle Pacific University, at $24,488 a year after aid versus $28,119 — a gap of $3,631 a year, or $14,524 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?

Seattle Pacific University graduates report a median $64,506 ten years after entry, $2,414 more than the $62,092 at Saint Martin's 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, Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $24,000 at Seattle Pacific University, a difference of $1,500. 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 52% at Saint Martin's 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.

Seattle Pacific University vs Saint Martin's University: frequently asked questions

Is Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University a better value?
Seattle Pacific University. It clears its $97,952 net cost in about 6.1 years versus 8.2 years at Saint Martin's University, on median earnings of $64,506 vs $62,092 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University?
Seattle Pacific University: $24,488/yr net price after aid versus $28,119/yr at Saint Martin's University — a difference of $3,631 a year, or about $14,524 over four years.
Do Seattle Pacific University or Saint Martin's University graduates earn more?
Seattle Pacific University graduates earn a median $64,506 ten years after entry, versus $62,092 at Saint Martin's University — a $2,414 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.