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Whitworth University vs Bates Technical College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Whitworth University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $106,136 in 10.4 years versus 14.9 years at Bates Technical College, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $50,051 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWhitworth UniversityBates Technical College
Net price / yr$26,534$6,292
Total net cost$106,136$25,168
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,561$50,051
Median debt$25,000
Payback10.4 yrs14.9 yrs
20-year net return$97,884$8,652

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

Which is cheaper, Whitworth University or Bates Technical College?

Bates Technical College, at $6,292 a year after aid versus $26,534 — a gap of $20,242 a year, or $80,968 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Whitworth University or Bates Technical College graduates earn more?

Whitworth University graduates report a median $58,561 ten years after entry, $8,510 more than the $50,051 at Bates Technical College. 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 graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Whitworth University, against 43% at Bates Technical College. 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.

Whitworth University vs Bates Technical College: frequently asked questions

Is Whitworth University or Bates Technical College a better value?
Whitworth University. It clears its $106,136 net cost in about 10.4 years versus 14.9 years at Bates Technical College, on median earnings of $58,561 vs $50,051 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Whitworth University or Bates Technical College?
Bates Technical College: $6,292/yr net price after aid versus $26,534/yr at Whitworth University — a difference of $20,242 a year, or about $80,968 over four years.
Do Whitworth University or Bates Technical College graduates earn more?
Whitworth University graduates earn a median $58,561 ten years after entry, versus $50,051 at Bates Technical College — a $8,510 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.