At $35,049/yr net price, City University of Seattle graduates earn $69,460/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $35,460/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $35,049 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $140,196 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $69,460/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$35,460/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 16.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $35,049/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $107,256 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $74,200 | $46,125 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $57,995 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $57,017 | $41,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,851 | $37,807 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,157 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $23,209 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,356 | $49,878 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $43,240 |
The Risk Factor
16.7% of students at City University of Seattle graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
City University of Seattle presents a troubling financial picture with a 16.7% graduation rate that undermines any potential return on investment. Your $35,000 annual investment faces enormous risk when fewer than one in five students actually finish their degree.
The earnings data tells a stark story of inequality across programs. Educational Administration graduates earn over $100,000 annually, making those programs financially viable despite the high net price. Business Administration offers solid mid-career returns at $74,200, though you'll carry $46,125 in debt to get there. Special Education and Curriculum programs generate modest returns around $57,000, barely justifying the cost when factored against completion risk.
The 0% retention rate signals serious institutional problems that directly threaten your financial investment. Students aren't staying past their first year, suggesting academic or support issues that could derail your degree completion.
Only 12.84% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for affordability. This makes City University particularly risky for students without significant family resources or those needing substantial assistance to afford the $35,000 annual cost.
You should only consider this school if you're pursuing Educational Administration and have strong confidence in your ability to complete the program despite the institutional challenges. The combination of low graduation rates, minimal financial aid, and poor student retention makes this a high-risk investment for most students. Traditional universities with stronger completion rates offer better financial prospects, even at similar price points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is City University of Seattle worth the cost?
City University of Seattle's $35,049 annual net price leads to median earnings of $69,460 after 10 years, which creates a challenging return on investment. The extremely low 16.7% graduation rate means most students don't complete their programs.
What are the best paying programs at City University of Seattle?
Educational Administration programs at City University of Seattle offer the strongest earnings potential, with graduates earning $94,000-$107,000 annually. Business programs pay around $74,200, while education specialties like Special Education average $58,000.
How much debt do City University of Seattle graduates have?
City University of Seattle graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable compared to the school's high net price. However, this figure only reflects students who actually graduate, not the 83% who don't finish.
Does City University of Seattle have good graduation rates?
City University of Seattle has a 16.7% graduation rate, meaning fewer than 1 in 5 students complete their degree. This presents significant financial risk for students who pay tuition but don't graduate.