Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,364/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,364/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $13,817 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $36,668 | $101,182 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Doctoral | $33,850 | $300,530 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Bachelor | $33,138 | |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $20,000 |
| Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems. | Master | $29,685 | $156,482 |
| Energy and Biologically Based Therapies. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $25,695 |
| Nutrition Sciences. | Master | $21,740 | $92,690 |
Analysis
Bastyr University graduates earn about $49,364 a year a decade after enrolling, and the low $13,817 median debt keeps your downside contained. That debt figure is the strongest number here , you are unlikely to be buried in loans. The problem is what you earn on the other side.
The bachelor's programs at Bastyr are where the math turns rough. Culinary Arts grads earn around $33,138, and both Nutrition Sciences and Energy and Biologically Based Therapies land near $29,685. Those are earnings you could reach without a four-year private-school degree, and the two health-focused majors carry more debt than the school-wide median , $20,000 for Nutrition and $25,695 for Energy and Biologically Based Therapies. Paying more to earn less is the wrong direction.
The gap between the $49,364 school-wide median and these sub-$34,000 bachelor's figures tells you something specific about Bastyr. The higher overall number is pulled up by graduate credentials in naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, not by the undergraduate programs listed. If you stop at a bachelor's here, plan for the lower numbers, not the school-wide median.
Bastyr fits you if you are committed to natural health fields and treat the bachelor's as a step toward a graduate degree that actually pays. It fits you if the low debt matters more than fast earnings and you have another income source or family support. Look elsewhere if you need a bachelor's degree to stand on its own financially , the culinary and nutrition tracks here do not clear that bar.
With 37.84% of students on Pell Grants, a meaningful share of families here have limited incomes. If you are in that group, weigh Bastyr's net price against the modest paychecks these undergraduate programs produce before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bastyr University worth the cost for career prospects?
Bastyr University graduates earn a median of $49,364 ten years after graduation, which is below average for most four-year degrees. The relatively low median debt of $13,817 helps offset the modest earnings, but return on investment varies significantly by program.
Which Bastyr University programs offer the best financial returns?
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services leads with median earnings of $57,318, making it the only program that significantly exceeds the school average. Psychology and alternative medicine programs show much lower earnings potential at $36,668 and $33,850 respectively.
How much debt do Bastyr University students typically graduate with?
The median debt at Bastyr University is $13,817, which is lower than many private institutions. However, this debt level becomes more concerning when paired with the school's below-average graduate earnings across most programs.
Should I attend Bastyr University for alternative medicine studies?
Alternative medicine graduates from Bastyr earn a median of $33,850, which is quite low relative to the investment in a four-year degree. Consider whether this income level aligns with your financial goals and debt tolerance before enrolling.