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University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Central Washington University: which has better ROI?

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Public, Ellensburg WA

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

The verdict

University of Washington-Seattle Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $56,364 in 1.9 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $61,580 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusCentral Washington University
Net price / yr$14,091$18,476
Total net cost$56,364$73,904
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$61,580
Median debt$14,615$19,500
Payback1.9 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$545,756$190,496

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

Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus, at $14,091 a year after aid versus $18,476 — a gap of $4,385 a year, or $17,540 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-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University graduates earn more?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, $16,886 more than the $61,580 at Central Washington 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, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus: its completers carry a median $14,615 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Central Washington University, a difference of $4,885. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

85% of students finish at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, against 54% at Central Washington 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.

University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Central Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University a better value?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus. It clears its $56,364 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $61,580 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus: $14,091/yr net price after aid versus $18,476/yr at Central Washington University — a difference of $4,385 a year, or about $17,540 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Central Washington University graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $61,580 at Central Washington University — a $16,886 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.