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

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Public, Seattle WA

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 not at all at North Seattle College, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $47,728 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusNorth Seattle College
Net price / yr$14,091$10,740
Total net cost$56,364$42,960
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$47,728
Median debt$14,615$15,458
Payback1.9 yrs
20-year net return$545,756-$55,600

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

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

North Seattle College, at $10,740 a year after aid versus $14,091 — a gap of $3,351 a year, or $13,404 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 North Seattle College graduates earn more?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, $30,738 more than the $47,728 at North Seattle College. 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 North Seattle College?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus: its completers carry a median $14,615 in federal loans versus $15,458 at North Seattle College, a difference of $843. 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 33% at North Seattle College. 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 North Seattle College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or North Seattle College a better value?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus. It clears its $56,364 net cost in about 1.9 years versus no clear payback at North Seattle College, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $47,728 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or North Seattle College?
North Seattle College: $10,740/yr net price after aid versus $14,091/yr at University of Washington-Seattle Campus — a difference of $3,351 a year, or about $13,404 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or North Seattle College graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $47,728 at North Seattle College — a $30,738 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.