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Head to head · Washington

University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Western Washington University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Western Washington University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeUniversity of WashingtonWestern Washington UniversityDifference
Under $30k$6,384$12,915$6,531 · University of Washington
$30–48k$7,039$14,147$7,108 · University of Washington
$48–75k$8,110$17,539$9,429 · University of Washington
$75–110k$14,328$24,301$9,973 · University of Washington
Over $110k$30,019$27,984$2,035 · Western Washington University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

University of Washington-Seattle Campus$60,393
Western Washington University$102,429
Difference over four years$42,036

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate39% · 93%
Average SAT— · 1289

Listed University of Washington first, then Western Washington University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$78,466 · $62,569
Graduate in four years74% · 40%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$14,615 · $18,500

Again University of Washington first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

University of Washington-Seattle Campus — every income band · Western Washington University — every income band · All Washington public colleges