At $34,802/yr net price, Seattle University graduates earn $75,272/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $41,272/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,802 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $139,208 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $75,272/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$41,272/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 73.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,883 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,374/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,900/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,151/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,105/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,970/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $91,744 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $86,867 | $24,702 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $86,424 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $83,768 | $21,530 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,473 | $20,465 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,505 | $23,593 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $67,101 | $63,958 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Business/Managerial Economics. | Bachelor | $63,749 | |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,546 | $50,683 |
The Risk Factor
73.3% of students at Seattle University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 27% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Seattle University delivers solid financial returns despite its high sticker price, with graduates earning a median $75,272 ten years after enrollment. The school's location in Seattle's tech-heavy job market helps drive these strong outcomes, particularly for business and computer science majors.
Educational administration leads earnings at $91,744, while allied health programs produce $86,867 with manageable debt loads around $24,700. Business administration graduates earn $86,424 but carry significantly higher debt at $41,000, making the major financially riskier. Computer science offers strong returns at $83,768 with moderate debt of $21,530, benefiting from Seattle's tech ecosystem.
The school's biggest financial weakness is its limited aid availability. Only 22% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to the full $34,802 net price. This makes Seattle University financially viable mainly for middle and upper-middle class families who can afford the costs without excessive borrowing.
Your debt load will likely stay reasonable if you graduate, with median debt of $19,883 well below national averages. The 73% graduation rate means roughly one in four students leave without a degree, creating significant financial risk for those who struggle academically.
Seattle University makes financial sense if you can afford the high upfront costs and plan to study business, computer science, or health-related fields. The Seattle job market rewards these majors particularly well. Skip this school if you need substantial financial aid, plan to study lower-earning majors, or have concerns about completing your degree within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seattle University worth the cost?
Seattle University's $34,802 annual net price leads to median earnings of $75,272 after 10 years, which is reasonable but not exceptional for a private university. The relatively low median debt of $19,883 helps make the investment more manageable than many comparable schools.
What are the best paying majors at Seattle University?
Educational Administration ($91,744) and Allied Health programs ($86,867) offer the strongest financial returns at Seattle University. Business Administration and Computer Science also perform well, with median earnings above $83,000.
How much debt do Seattle University graduates typically have?
Seattle University graduates have a median debt load of $19,883, which is lower than the national average for private universities. This manageable debt level helps improve the overall return on investment despite the school's high tuition.
Does Seattle University have good job placement after graduation?
With a 73% graduation rate and 10-year median earnings of $75,272, Seattle University produces decent employment outcomes but nothing outstanding. The school's 85% acceptance rate suggests it's not highly selective, which can impact alumni networks and job prospects.