Washington State University vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: which has better ROI?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $40,652 in 1.4 years versus 2.9 years at Washington State University, on median earnings of $78,466 vs $68,905 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washington State University | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,971 | $10,163 |
| Total net cost | $59,884 | $40,652 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,905 | $78,466 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $14,615 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 1.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $351,016 | $561,468 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washington State University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, at $10,163 a year after aid versus $14,971 — a gap of $4,808 a year, or $19,232 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Washington State University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn more?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates report a median $78,466 ten years after entry, $9,561 more than the $68,905 at Washington State 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, Washington State University or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus: its completers carry a median $14,615 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Washington State 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?
63% of students finish at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, against 61% at Washington State 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.