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

Public, Seattle WA · vs · Public, Bothell WA

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

The verdict

University of Washington-Bothell Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $49,276 in 1.6 years versus 1.9 years at University of Washington-Seattle 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-Seattle CampusUniversity of Washington-Bothell Campus
Net price / yr$14,091$12,319
Total net cost$56,364$49,276
Median earnings, 10 yrs$78,466$78,466
Median debt$14,615$14,615
Payback1.9 yrs1.6 yrs
20-year net return$545,756$552,844

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

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

University of Washington-Bothell Campus, at $12,319 a year after aid versus $14,091 — a gap of $1,772 a year, or $7,088 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 University of Washington-Bothell 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-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Bothell 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?

85% of students finish at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, against 65% at University of Washington-Bothell 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-Seattle Campus vs University of Washington-Bothell Campus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Bothell Campus a better value?
University of Washington-Bothell Campus. It clears its $49,276 net cost in about 1.6 years versus 1.9 years at University of Washington-Seattle Campus, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $78,466 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Bothell Campus?
University of Washington-Bothell Campus: $12,319/yr net price after aid versus $14,091/yr at University of Washington-Seattle Campus — a difference of $1,772 a year, or about $7,088 over four years.
Do University of Washington-Seattle Campus or University of Washington-Bothell Campus graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn a median $78,466 ten years after entry, versus $78,466 at University of Washington-Bothell Campus — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.