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

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Private nonprofit, 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 5.2 years at Seattle University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $75,272 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle University
Net price / yr$14,091$34,662
Total net cost$56,364$138,648
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$75,272
Median debt$14,615$19,883
Payback1.9 yrs5.2 yrs
20-year net return$545,756$399,592

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

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

University of Washington-Seattle Campus, at $14,091 a year after aid versus $34,662 — a gap of $20,571 a year, or $82,284 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 Seattle University graduates earn more?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, $3,194 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, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Seattle University?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus: its completers carry a median $14,615 in federal loans versus $19,883 at Seattle University, a difference of $5,268. 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 76% at Seattle 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 Seattle University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Seattle University a better value?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus. It clears its $56,364 net cost in about 1.9 years versus 5.2 years at Seattle University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $75,272 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Seattle University?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus: $14,091/yr net price after aid versus $34,662/yr at Seattle University — a difference of $20,571 a year, or about $82,284 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or Seattle University graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $75,272 at Seattle University — a $3,194 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.