About Bastyr University
The financial picture requires careful consideration. With 37.84% of students receiving financial aid, many graduate with a median debt of $13,817. However, graduates earn a median of $33,152 in their first year after graduation, rising to $49,364 after ten years. Monthly loan payments average $146, which becomes manageable as earnings increase with experience and practice establishment. The 60% loan repayment rate reflects the challenges many alternative medicine practitioners face building their practices.
Women comprise 84.48% of the student body, reflecting the field's demographics. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means extensive mentorship and hands-on clinical training. Housing capacity of 132 exceeds enrollment, ensuring students can live on the wooded campus. The quarter system allows for intensive, focused coursework in specialized natural health disciplines.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 67.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,364
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $36,668 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Doctoral | $33,850 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,138 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Master | $29,685 |
| Energy and Biologically Based Therapies. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Master | $21,740 |
Campus Life
Campus housing accommodates 132 students, though many choose off-campus living in the Seattle suburbs. You're 20 minutes from downtown Seattle by car, offering access to farmers markets, wellness centers, and outdoor recreation. Pack rain gear for the Pacific Northwest's wet winters and mild summers. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly through intensive science coursework.
Weekends often involve hiking in nearby forests, visiting Seattle's health food scene, or attending campus wellness workshops. Students gather in the medicinary garden to study herbs or practice techniques like acupuncture and massage therapy. The community emphasizes well-rounded living, with many students participating in yoga classes, meditation groups, and sustainable living practices that align with their career goals.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 132 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1978
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–47°F
- July Avg
- 56°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 15.5%
- Women
- 84.5%
- White
- 77.6%
- Black
- 6.9%
- Hispanic
- 3.5%
- Asian
- 0.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 37.8%
Location
- Address
- Kenmore, Washington 98028-4966
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,364
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,898
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $146/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $13,817
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student body like at Bastyr University?
Bastyr enrolls just 58 students, making it one of the smallest universities in the country. Women make up 84.48% of the student body, reflecting the field's demographics in natural health sciences. The intimate size creates a close-knit community focused on well-rounded medicine training.
How much does Bastyr University cost after financial aid?
Students graduate with a median debt of just $13,817, unusually low for a private university. Monthly loan payments average $146, making the specialized natural health education surprisingly affordable. Only 37.84% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many can pay out of pocket.
What are the academics like at Bastyr University?
The university operates on a quarter system with an exceptional 9:1 student-faculty ratio. Bastyr pioneered accredited naturopathic medicine education in the Pacific Northwest since 1978. Students receive intensive, hands-on training in natural health sciences and alternative medicine practices.
What do Bastyr University graduates earn after college?
Recent graduates earn a median of $33,152 in their first year, typical for those starting naturopathic practices. Earnings jump to $49,364 by the 10-year mark as practitioners establish their patient base. The employment rate of 84.7% reflects strong demand for natural health practitioners.
Where is Bastyr University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Kenmore, Washington, a large suburb north of Seattle near Lake Washington. Housing capacity of 132 means the small campus can accommodate most of its 58 students. The Pacific Northwest setting aligns perfectly with the university's focus on natural living and environmental wellness.
Is Bastyr University worth the investment for natural health careers?
The 60% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can manage their debt load in this specialized field. Bastyr remains the top institution for naturopathic medicine education on the West Coast. The combination of low debt and growing interest in alternative medicine makes it a solid choice for committed students.
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