Return on Investment Analysis

Western Washington University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Western Washington University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Western Washington University is 3.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Western Washington University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Western Washington University is $37,144 ($9,286 per year). 28% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Western Washington University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Western Washington University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $45,272. This is $10,272 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

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

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%

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

Is Western Washington University worth the cost?

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.

How long does it take to break even on a Western Washington University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Western Washington University?

What do Western Washington University graduates earn?

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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