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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
$30–48k$7,039$14,147$7,108
$48–75k$8,110$17,539$9,429
$75–110k$14,328$24,301$9,973
Over $110k$30,019$27,984$2,035

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.

What are your student's real admit chances? The math, shown →

Early Decision: when the binding bet is worth it →

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.
Run both against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — odds with the math shown, and what four years would really cost you, side by side. 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