The cost of college in Washington — and what it pays back
Across the 64 Washington institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $12,027/yr, $4,879 below the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $47,799 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 30 of the 64 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$12,027
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$47,799
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
6.5 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
30/64
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Washington's 64 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong9
Solid11
Slow6
Weak38
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $10,163 | $78,466 | 1.4 yrs |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $12,319 | $78,466 | 1.6 yrs |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $14,091 | $78,466 | 1.9 yrs |
| Bellevue College | $11,430 | $56,310 | 2.9 yrs |
| Washington State University | $14,971 | $68,905 | 2.9 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Indian College | $3,136 | $35,447 | no payback |
| Grays Harbor College | $4,783 | $40,865 | no payback |
| Spokane Community College | $5,473 | $41,984 | no payback |
| Bellingham Technical College | $5,997 | $49,748 | 17.3 yrs |
| South Seattle College | $6,004 | $44,486 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Washington?
The median net price across Washington colleges is $12,027/yr after aid — below the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Washington cheaper than the national average?
Yes, on median net price: $12,027/yr vs $16,906 nationally — about $4,879/yr less.
What do Washington college graduates earn?
A median $47,799 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Washington college pays for itself fastest?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus — about 1.4 years to clear its $40,652 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-washington page.