At $24,820/yr net price, Seattle Pacific University graduates earn $64,506/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,506/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,820 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $99,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,506/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,506/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,348/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,024/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,893/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,476/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,524/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $94,408 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,463 | $26,986 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Doctoral | $66,077 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $56,802 | $40,979 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,415 | $55,648 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $49,875 | $21,500 |
The Risk Factor
62.1% of students at Seattle Pacific University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Seattle Pacific University gives you a middling financial return. Ten-year median earnings sit near $64,500 against a $24,820 yearly net price, and the 62% graduation rate means a real chance you leave without the degree you paid for. The upside is manageable debt: a $24,000 median is low enough that most payoff scenarios work if you finish and land in the right field.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays more than any other bachelor's program on this list, and Seattle's hospital market gives those graduates a strong local hiring base. Accounting and general business land in the high-$40s to mid-$50s, solid but not spectacular for a private-school price tag. Education pays around $47,000 with $25,000 in debt, so a teaching degree from SPU leaves you carrying nearly a dollar of debt for every dollar of first-decade earnings gap over cheaper options. Design and Applied Arts is the weakest payoff, under $44,000 with the same $25,000 debt load.
The specific risk is the retention rate. About one in four freshmen don't return, and dropping out after a year of $24,820 net price leaves you with debt and no credential. That threat hits hardest if you're unsure of your major.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in household income, you pay around $18,000-$19,000 a year. above $110,000, you pay over $32,500. If your family earns in the mid-brackets, SPU costs nearly as much as the sticker for far less benefit.
SPU is a good fit if you're set on nursing or committed to finishing a business degree. If you want design, or you're undecided and price-sensitive, a Washington public university will likely serve your wallet better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle Pacific University worth the cost?
Seattle Pacific University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $94,000 annually, making the $24,820 net price worthwhile, but other programs like education ($57,318) offer weaker returns relative to cost.
What is the job market like for Seattle Pacific University graduates?
SPU graduates earn $64,506 ten years after enrollment, which is decent but not exceptional for the Seattle area's high cost of living. The 62% graduation rate suggests significant academic challenges that could impact career outcomes.
How much debt do Seattle Pacific University students typically have?
The median debt at Seattle Pacific University is $24,000, which is manageable for nursing graduates but could be problematic for lower-earning majors. With a 90% acceptance rate, the school admits many students who may struggle academically and financially.
Which Seattle Pacific University programs offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Seattle Pacific University provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning up to $94,000 annually. Psychology and education programs offer significantly lower earning potential at $66,000 and $57,000 respectively.