College ROI Report
Updated 2024
Best-value Colleges in Washington
The College ROI rankings for Washington help students and their families determine which colleges in the Evergreen State offer the best return on investment for their tuition dollars.
| Rank | School Name | 20 Year Net ROI | Total 4 Year Cost | Graduation Rate | Typical Years to Graduate | Average Loan Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank:1 | School Name: University of Washington-Bothell Campus (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$771,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$122,000 | Graduation Rate:69% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$18,600 |
| Rank:2 | School Name: - Main Campus_50px.png) University of Washington-Seattle Campus (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$727,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$120,000 | Graduation Rate:84% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$24,700 |
| Rank:3 | School Name:University of Washington-Bothell Campus (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$661,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$232,000 | Graduation Rate:69% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$18,600 |
| Rank:4 | School Name:University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$616,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$231,000 | Graduation Rate:84% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$24,700 |
| Rank:5 | School Name: Seattle University (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$584,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$267,000 | Graduation Rate:74% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$29,400 |
| Rank:6 | School Name:_50px.png) Washington State University (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$560,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$115,000 | Graduation Rate:62% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$26,900 |
| Rank:7 | School Name: Gonzaga University (Private) | 20 Year Net ROI:$529,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$263,000 | Graduation Rate:88% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$32,700 |
| Rank:8 | School Name:Washington State University (Out-of-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$499,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$176,000 | Graduation Rate:62% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$26,900 |
| Rank:9 | School Name: Western Washington University (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$497,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$106,000 | Graduation Rate:65% | Typical Years to Graduate:5 | Average Loan Amount:$27,700 |
| Rank:10 | School Name: University of Washington-Tacoma Campus (In-State) | 20 Year Net ROI:$471,000 | Total 4 Year Cost:$117,000 | Graduation Rate:54% | Typical Years to Graduate:4 | Average Loan Amount:$19,600 |
Those who attend school in Washington not only enjoy incredible value for the education they receive but can also avail themselves of stunning mountain ranges, beautiful coastlines and thriving cities. The University of Washington frequently claims the top spots on this list. Whether students are paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, both UW campuses offer a high return on investment for graduates. Typically referred to as “UDub,” the university boasts a student population of roughly 45,000. Because it’s considered a “Public Ivy,” the school handily deserves its reputation for being among the best value colleges Washington students can attend. The university has produced numerous notable alumni, with the legendary Bruce Lee being among the most interesting examples.
U.W.’s arch rival, Washington State University ‘ or ‘Wazzu,’ as it’s known ‘ is well known for its programs in chemical engineering, veterinary medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, neuroscience, food science, plant science, business, architecture, and communications. Located in Pullman ‘ about as far from Seattle as you can get while remaining in Washington State ‘ the school was established in 1890. Cougars, as Wazzu’s sports teams are known, can study at any one of 12 colleges and a graduate school, and the school offers more than 200 fields of study. The Pullman campus is home to about 20,000 students, and an additional 9,000 students take classes at satellite campus around the state.
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