Washington State University vs Western Washington University

Q: How do graduation rates compare between Washington State University and Western Washington University?

Washington State University has a graduation rate of 62% compared to 66% at Western Washington University.

Q: Which school has higher earnings, Washington State University or Western Washington University?

Washington State University graduates earn more, with median 5-year earnings of $53,510 compared to $45,272 at Western Washington University.

Washington State University

Western Washington University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data

Metric	Washington State University	Western Washington University	Winner
Acceptance Rate	85%	91%	Washington State University
Graduation Rate	62%	66%	Western Washington University
Avg Earnings (5yr)	$53,510	$45,272	Washington State University
Median Debt	$19,500	$18,500	Western Washington University
Tuition (In-State)	$12,997	$9,286	Western Washington University
Retention Rate	80%	80%	Western Washington University
Financial Aid	31%	28%	Washington State University

Comparison Analysis

Washington State University graduates earn more than Western Washington University graduates. The median earnings for Washington State University alumni are $53,510, while Western Washington University alumni earn $45,272. Western Washington University has a higher graduation rate than Washington State University. Western Washington University's graduation rate is 65.5%, and Washington State University's is 62%.

Western Washington University has lower tuition costs and a higher acceptance rate than Washington State University. Tuition at Western Washington University is $9,286, and its acceptance rate is 91.3%. Washington State University's tuition is $12,997, and its acceptance rate is 85.4%.

A student might choose Washington State University if they prioritize higher earning potential after graduation. A student might choose Western Washington University if they prioritize lower tuition costs, a higher chance of acceptance, and a higher graduation rate.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major	Washington State University Earnings	Western Washington University Earnings	Difference
Psychology, General	$36,216	$32,306	12% favor Washington State University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$125,114	$53,402	134% favor Washington State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing	$83,894	$80,808	4% favor Washington State University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$52,636	$53,402	1% favor Western Washington University
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$53,133	—
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$0	$63,702	—
Accounting and Related Services	$57,618	$60,048	4% favor Western Washington University
Marketing	$47,051	$43,375	8% favor Washington State University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$0	$53,402	—
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$56,115	$30,899	82% favor Washington State University

Quick Facts

Washington State University

Type Public

Location Pullman, WA

Setting Town

Students 21,583

Western Washington University

Type Public

Location Bellingham, WA

Setting City

Students 13,574

Other Comparisons

Compare

University of Washington-Seattle Campus vs Washington State University

Compare

Central Washington University vs Washington State University

Compare

Eastern Washington University vs Washington State University

Compare

University of Washington-Bothell Campus vs Washington State University

Compare

Gonzaga University vs Washington State University

Compare

Seattle University vs Washington State University

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Washington State University or Western Washington University?

Washington State University has median earnings of $53,510 and tuition of $12,997. Western Washington University has median earnings of $45,272 and tuition of $9,286. The best choice depends on your priorities, field of study, and financial situation.

How do graduation rates compare between Washington State University and Western Washington University?

Which school has higher earnings, Washington State University or Western Washington University?

Explore Further

Washington State University ROI Analysis

Western Washington University ROI Analysis