Washington State University vs Western Washington University: which has better ROI?
Washington State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,884 in 2.9 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $68,905 vs $62,569 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washington State University | Western Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,971 | $21,193 |
| Total net cost | $59,884 | $84,772 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,905 | $62,569 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $18,500 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $351,016 | $199,408 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washington State University or Western Washington University?
Washington State University, at $14,971 a year after aid versus $21,193 — a gap of $6,222 a year, or $24,888 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 Western Washington University graduates earn more?
Washington State University graduates report a median $68,905 ten years after entry, $6,336 more than the $62,569 at Western 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, Washington State University or Western Washington University?
Western Washington University: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Washington State University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Western Washington University, 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.