Washington State University vs Eastern Washington University
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
On the numbers, Washington State University comes out ahead: 84/100 to 66/100, a 18-point edge over Eastern Washington University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Eastern Washington University runs $13,886 a year against $14,971 at Washington State University - $1,085 more a year, or about $4,340 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Washington State University graduates earn a median $68,905 against $57,897 at Eastern Washington University. The cost earns itself back in 5.9 years at Washington State University and 8.5 years at Eastern Washington University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Eastern Washington University owing a median $19,500 versus $19,500 at Washington State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.44 and 0.52 - 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 | Washington State Universi... | Eastern Washington Univer... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,391 | $8,586 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $29,950 | $25,959 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,971 | $13,886 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $59,884 | $55,544 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $44,700 | $37,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $68,905 | $57,897 |
| Graduation Rate | 60.5% | 43.5% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 8.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $207 | $207 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.44 | 0.52 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 82.2% | 74.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 78.8% | 69.9% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 86.6% | 90.8% |
| Enrollment | 21,099 | 6,222 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Washington State Uni... | Eastern Washington U... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,074 | $9,547 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,971 | $10,204 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $11,519 | $12,292 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $18,426 | $17,596 |
| $110,001+ | $24,726 | $22,279 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Washington State Uni... | Eastern Washington U... |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering | $104,354 | $85,599 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,971 | $85,495 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $86,012 | $66,710 |
| Management Information Systems | $85,967 | $67,534 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $81,321 | $65,503 |
| Marketing | $76,595 | $64,677 |
| Accounting | $75,980 | $75,927 |
| Economics | $70,215 | $60,954 |
| International Relations | $67,264 | $53,502 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $63,052 | $65,245 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $62,406 | $50,969 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $62,126 | $57,915 |
| Teacher Education | $61,304 | $55,671 |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $43,876 | $60,556 |
| Biology | $60,418 | $56,083 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Washington State Uni... | Eastern Washington U... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 83 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 90 | 71 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 83 | 70 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 61 | 27 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 77 | 52 |
| Overall ROI Score | 84 | 66 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Washington State University clearly outperforms Eastern Washington University (84 vs 66), a 18-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Eastern Washington University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Washington State University.
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Washington State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Eastern Washington University
Fair 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.