Head to head · Washington
Washington State University costs less than Western Washington University at every income band federal data covers — between $3,258 and $6,020 less per year, depending on what you earn.
| Household income | Washington State University | Western Washington University | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $30k | $7,074 | $12,915 | $5,841 |
| $30–48k | $8,971 | $14,147 | $5,176 |
| $48–75k | $11,519 | $17,539 | $6,020 |
| $75–110k | $18,426 | $24,301 | $5,875 |
| Over $110k | $24,726 | $27,984 | $3,258 |
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 →
Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.
Listed Washington State University 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.
Again Washington State University 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.
Washington State University — every income band · Western Washington University — every income band · All Washington public colleges