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University of Washington-Bothell Campus vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: which has better ROI?

Public, Bothell WA · vs · Public, Tacoma WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,652 in 1.4 years versus 1.6 years at University of Washington-Bothell Campus, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $78,466 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Bothell CampusUniversity of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Net price / yr$12,319$10,163
Total net cost$49,276$40,652
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$78,466
Median debt$14,615$14,615
Payback1.6 yrs1.4 yrs
20-year net return$552,844$561,468

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

Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, at $10,163 a year after aid versus $12,319 — a gap of $2,156 a year, or $8,624 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?

Completers at both borrow a median $14,615, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at University of Washington-Bothell Campus, against 63% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. 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.

University of Washington-Bothell Campus vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus a better value?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. It clears its $40,652 net cost in about 1.4 years versus 1.6 years at University of Washington-Bothell Campus, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $78,466 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: $10,163/yr net price after aid versus $12,319/yr at University of Washington-Bothell Campus — a difference of $2,156 a year, or about $8,624 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Bothell Campus or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Bothell Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $78,466 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.