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Western Washington University vs University of Puget Sound: which has better ROI?

Public, Bellingham WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Tacoma WA

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

The verdict

Western Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,772 in 6 years versus 7.2 years at University of Puget Sound, on median earnings of $62,569 vs $69,594 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWestern Washington UniversityUniversity of Puget Sound
Net price / yr$21,193$38,394
Total net cost$84,772$153,576
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,569$69,594
Median debt$18,500$25,000
Payback6 yrs7.2 yrs
20-year net return$199,408$271,104

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

Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or University of Puget Sound?

Western Washington University, at $21,193 a year after aid versus $38,394 — a gap of $17,201 a year, or $68,804 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 University of Puget Sound graduates earn more?

University of Puget Sound graduates report a median $69,594 ten years after entry, $7,025 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 University of Puget Sound?

Western Washington University: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at University of Puget Sound, a difference of $6,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at University of Puget Sound, 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.

Western Washington University vs University of Puget Sound: frequently asked questions

Is Western Washington University or University of Puget Sound a better value?
Western Washington University. It clears its $84,772 net cost in about 6 years versus 7.2 years at University of Puget Sound, on median earnings of $62,569 vs $69,594 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or University of Puget Sound?
Western Washington University: $21,193/yr net price after aid versus $38,394/yr at University of Puget Sound — a difference of $17,201 a year, or about $68,804 over four years.
Do Western Washington University or University of Puget Sound graduates earn more?
University of Puget Sound graduates earn a median $69,594 ten years after entry, versus $62,569 at Western Washington University — a $7,025 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.