Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Degrees in Washington by ROI
Colleges in Washington ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment — calculated from median graduate earnings, total attendance cost, and average student debt. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs in Washington
10
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$283,671
Across Washington programs
Average Annual Cost
$36,878
Cost of attendance
| # | College | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antioch University-Seattle | -$138,493 | $37,089 | N/A | $29,832 | Full ROI → |
| 2 | Whitworth University-Adult Degree Programs | -$162,293 | $36,382 | N/A | $36,988 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Grad rate: 68.5% |
-$218,584 | $37,065 | $24,462 | $16,323 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Grad rate: 58.5% |
-$218,848 | $37,065 | $24,528 | $16,323 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Grad rate: 84.0% |
-$241,864 | $37,065 | $30,282 | $16,323 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Washington State University
Grad rate: 62.0% |
-$242,453 | $36,857 | $27,176 | $22,881 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Seattle University
Grad rate: 73.8% |
-$329,957 | $40,815 | $68,633 | $23,500 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
Western Washington University
Grad rate: 65.5% |
-$415,300 | $26,896 | $28,305 | N/A | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
Whitworth University
Grad rate: 72.3% |
-$425,137 | $36,382 | $65,711 | $36,988 | Full ROI → |
| 10 |
The Evergreen State College
Grad rate: 42.3% |
-$443,783 | $26,439 | $25,934 | $21,354 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost (annual cost × programme years) − Debt Payoff (avg debt × 1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20 = $840,000)
A positive ROI means a degree in this field pays off relative to entering the workforce without one. Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Degrees by State
Browse Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.