University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Washington-Seattle Campus and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign come out about even on financial return. University of Washington-Seattle Campus scores 94/100 and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign scores 93/100 - 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 $14,355 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - $264 more a year, or about $1,056 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates earn a median $81,054 against $78,466 at University of Washington-Seattle Campus. The cost earns itself back in 4.5 years at University of Washington-Seattle Campus and 4.3 years at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Washington-Seattle Campus owing a median $14,615 versus $19,500 at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.37 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Washington-... | University of Illinois Ur... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $12,973 | $16,004 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $43,209 | $35,124 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,091 | $14,355 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $56,364 | $57,420 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $50,300 | $52,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $78,466 | $81,054 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.2% | 85.1% |
| Payback Period | 4.5 yr | 4.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $14,615 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $155 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.29 | 0.37 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 83.7% | 82.7% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 80.9% | 81.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 39.1% | 42.4% |
| Enrollment | 31,942 | 36,258 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Washin... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,384 | $2,038 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,039 | $5,373 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $8,110 | $7,982 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,328 | $15,152 |
| $110,001+ | $30,019 | $28,761 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Washin... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $175,616 | $181,981 |
| Computer Engineering | $169,570 | $159,855 |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $114,798 | $146,946 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $97,452 | $119,978 |
| Management Information Systems | $113,308 | $116,339 |
| Electrical Engineering | $116,010 | $111,783 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $111,349 | $97,276 |
| Industrial Engineering | $109,575 | $103,143 |
| Chemical Engineering | $109,551 | $104,317 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $78,771 | $107,904 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $95,193 | $104,172 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $103,414 | $67,147 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $102,078 | $95,329 |
| Accounting | $88,393 | $101,098 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $100,930 | $97,926 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Washin... | University of Illino... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 96 | 97 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 95 | 90 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 93 | 93 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 82 | 78 |
| Overall ROI Score | 94 | 93 |
The Verdict
It's close. University of Washington-Seattle Campus edges out University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign by 1 points (94 vs 93), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.