Western Washington University vs Seattle University: which has better ROI?
Seattle University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $138,648 in 5.2 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $75,272 vs $62,569 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Washington University | Seattle University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $21,193 | $34,662 |
| Total net cost | $84,772 | $138,648 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $62,569 | $75,272 |
| Median debt | $18,500 | $19,883 |
| Payback | 6 yrs | 5.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $199,408 | $399,592 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or Seattle University?
Western Washington University, at $21,193 a year after aid versus $34,662 — a gap of $13,469 a year, or $53,876 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Washington University or Seattle University graduates earn more?
Seattle University graduates report a median $75,272 ten years after entry, $12,703 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, Western Washington University or Seattle University?
Western Washington University: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $19,883 at Seattle University, a difference of $1,383. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
76% of students finish at Seattle University, against 65% at Western Washington 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.