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Return on Investment Analysis

Western Washington University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Western Washington University costs about $37,144 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $45,272 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 3.6 years (20-year ROI: 453%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$37,144

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$10,272/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

3.6 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

453%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, Western Washington University graduates earn a median salary of $35,723. The median debt for graduates is $18,500. The debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year out is 0.52.

Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $45,272. Ten years after graduation, the median salary is $62,569. The average in-state tuition is $9,286.

With a median debt of $18,500 and a starting salary of $35,723, the break-even point for the cost of tuition is less than one year.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$9,286

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$45,272

Graduation Rate

66%

Receive Financial Aid

28%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Natural Resources Conservation and Research $37,144 $50,224 720%
Psychology, General $37,144 $46,069 496%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $37,144 $107,158 3785%
Computer and Information Sciences, General $37,144 $107,521 3805%
Sociology $37,144 $45,075 442%
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other $37,144 $30,634 N/A
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies $37,144 $30,090 N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $37,144 $66,287 1585%
Marketing $37,144 $62,280 1369%
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $37,144 $43,086 335%
Political Science and Government $37,144 $46,606 525%
English Language and Literature, General $37,144 $42,267 291%
Accounting and Related Services $37,144 $67,739 1663%
Human Services, General $37,144 $40,777 211%
Communication and Media Studies $37,144 $49,638 688%
Special Education and Teaching $37,144 $58,469 1164%
History $37,144 $42,394 298%
Economics $37,144 $67,444 1647%
Journalism $37,144 $50,965 760%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $37,144 $58,602 1171%
Fine and Studio Arts $37,144 $35,240 -87%
Finance and Financial Management Services $37,144 $70,265 1799%
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $37,144 $44,176 394%
Anthropology $37,144 $43,549 360%

Peer Comparison

Western Washington University Current

453%

20yr ROI

Boise State University

484%

20yr ROI

University of Mississippi

449%

20yr ROI

Wayne State University

257%

20yr ROI

Sam Houston State University

460%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$37,144
Median Debt$18,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$37,144

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Western Washington University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 453%. The total 4-year cost is $37,144 and graduates earn a median of $45,272 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

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