Head-to-head · 2026
South Puget Sound Community College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Compare average net price ($9,132 at South Puget Sound Community College; $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus), ROI score (12.33 vs 19.30), ten-year median earnings ($45,039 vs $78,466), and admissions context (Open / not reported at South Puget Sound Community 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 | South Puget Sound Community College | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 12.33 | 19.30 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $9,132 ✓ | $10,163 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $45,039 | $78,466 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 82.5% |
| Graduation rate | 43.7% | 63.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $11,000 ✓ | $14,615 |
| Enrollment | 3,075 | 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 $1,031 more per year than South Puget Sound Community College ($10,163 vs $9,132). University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates report $33,427 higher median earnings after ten years ($78,466 vs $45,039). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Washington-Tacoma Campus ahead on projected ROI (19.30 vs 12.33, 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; South Puget Sound Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
South Puget Sound Community College vs University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is South Puget Sound Community College or University of Washington-Tacoma Campus the better value?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus has the higher EduGradify ROI score (19.30 vs 12.33), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
South Puget Sound Community College is cheaper — average net price $9,132 per year vs $10,163 at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus. The annual difference of $1,031 adds up to about $4,124 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $78,466 vs $45,039 at South Puget Sound Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $33,427.
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. South Puget Sound Community College reports a A value grade; University of Washington-Tacoma Campus reports A+.