University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs University of Maryland-College Park

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Washington-Seattle Campus and University of Maryland-College Park come out about even on financial return. University of Washington-Seattle Campus scores 94/100 and University of Maryland-College Park 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 $15,678 at University of Maryland-College Park - $1,587 more a year, or about $6,348 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn a median $82,860 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 4.2 years at University of Maryland-College Park.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Washington-Seattle Campus owing a median $14,615 versus $19,000 at University of Maryland-College Park. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.29 and 0.38 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.