University of California-Irvine vs University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of California-Irvine and University of Washington-Seattle Campus come out about even on financial return. University of California-Irvine scores 94/100 and University of Washington-Seattle Campus scores 94/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Washington-Seattle Campus runs $14,091 a year against $14,251 at University of California-Irvine - $160 more a year, or about $640 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of California-Irvine graduates earn a median $80,735 against $78,466 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. The cost earns itself back in 4.3 years at University of California-Irvine and 4.5 years at University of Washington-Seattle Campus.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Washington-Seattle Campus owing a median $14,615 versus $15,000 at University of California-Irvine. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.34 and 0.29 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.