Seattle University vs DigiPen Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?
Seattle University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,648 in 5.2 years versus 5.6 years at DigiPen Institute of Technology, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $79,878 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Seattle University | DigiPen Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $34,662 | $44,446 |
| Total net cost | $138,648 | $177,784 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,272 | $79,878 |
| Median debt | $19,883 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 5.2 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $399,592 | $452,576 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Seattle University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?
Seattle University, at $34,662 a year after aid versus $44,446 — a gap of $9,784 a year, or $39,136 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 University or DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates report a median $79,878 ten years after entry, $4,606 more than the $75,272 at Seattle 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 University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?
Seattle University: its completers carry a median $19,883 in federal loans versus $27,000 at DigiPen Institute of Technology, a difference of $7,117. 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 61% at DigiPen 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.