Head-to-head · 2026
Lower Columbia College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Compare average net price ($7,630 at Lower Columbia College; $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus), ROI score (13.33 vs 19.30), ten-year median earnings ($40,691 vs $78,466), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Lower Columbia College; 82.5% at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has a narrow 3-2 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 | Lower Columbia College | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 13.33 | 19.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $7,630 ✓ | $10,163 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $40,691 | $78,466 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 82.5% |
| Graduation rate | 23.4% | 63.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $10,506 ✓ | $14,615 |
| Enrollment | 1,932 | 4,185 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus costs $2,533 more per year than Lower Columbia College ($10,163 vs $7,630). University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates report $37,775 higher median earnings after ten years ($78,466 vs $40,691). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ahead on projected ROI (19.30 vs 13.33, 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; Lower Columbia College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Lower Columbia College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Lower Columbia College or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus the better value?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.30 vs 13.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Lower Columbia College is cheaper — average net price $7,630 per year vs $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. The annual difference of $2,533 adds up to about $10,132 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $78,466 vs $40,691 at Lower Columbia College. The annual gap in the federal data is $37,775.
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. Lower Columbia College reports a A value grade; University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports A+.