Head-to-head · 2026
Columbia Basin College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Compare average net price ($8,317 at Columbia Basin College; $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus), ROI score (14.03 vs 19.30), ten-year median earnings ($46,680 vs $78,466), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Columbia Basin College; 82.5% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has a 4-1 metric-level edge. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Columbia Basin College | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.03 | 19.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $8,317 ✓ | $10,163 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $46,680 | $78,466 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 82.5% |
| Graduation rate | 33.3% | 63.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $14,829 | $14,615 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,640 | 4,185 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus costs $1,846 more per year than Columbia Basin College ($10,163 vs $8,317). University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates report $31,786 higher median earnings after ten years ($78,466 vs $46,680). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ahead on projected ROI (19.30 vs 14.03, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Washington-Tacoma Campus) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports 82.5% acceptance; Columbia Basin College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Columbia Basin College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Columbia Basin College or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus the better value?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.30 vs 14.03), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Columbia Basin College is cheaper — average net price $8,317 per year vs $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. The annual difference of $1,846 adds up to about $7,384 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $78,466 vs $46,680 at Columbia Basin College. The annual gap in the federal data is $31,786.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Columbia Basin College reports a A value grade; University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports A+.