At $13,485/yr net price, University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn $78,466/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,466/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,466/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,466/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $14,615 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,398/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,601/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,817/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,234/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,383/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences. | Master | $218,927 | $147,357 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $127,652 | $58,052 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $124,420 | $282,467 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $122,038 | $36,600 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $121,294 | $28,625 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $120,252 | $15,422 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $118,349 | $147,085 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,572 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $113,228 | $130,804 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $106,421 | $47,521 |
The Risk Factor
83.7% of students at University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Washington-Seattle delivers strong financial returns that place it among the top public universities for ROI. Your net price of $13,485 annually leads to median earnings of $78,466 within ten years, creating one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios available at a major research institution.
Computer science and business programs generate the highest returns, with computer science graduates earning $122,038 annually while carrying just $36,600 in debt. Business administration graduates pull in $127,652 with moderate debt loads. Allied health programs also pay off strongly at $121,294 in median earnings. Dental programs show mixed results: advanced dentistry leads to $218,927 annually but requires surviving $147,357 in debt, while general dentistry graduates face a brutal $282,467 debt load despite strong $124,420 earnings.
Your biggest risk lies in Washington's competitive tech job market. While UW computer science graduates command high salaries, you'll compete directly with graduates from other top-tier programs in Seattle's saturated market. Out-of-state students face a different calculation entirely, as higher tuition erodes the value proposition significantly.
This school works best if you're a Washington resident targeting high-demand fields like computer science, business, or healthcare. The combination of low in-state costs, strong regional employer connections, and Seattle's job market creates ideal conditions for financial success. Avoid UW if you're out-of-state without merit aid, planning to study lower-earning fields, or unwilling to compete in Seattle's intense job market. The 94.90% retention rate suggests most students recognize the value, but you need a clear career path to maximize returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Washington-Seattle Campus worth the cost?
With a net price of $13,485 and median earnings of $78,466 after 10 years, UW-Seattle offers solid value for most students. The low debt burden ($14,615 median) and strong graduation rate (84%) make it a relatively safe investment compared to many universities.
What programs at University of Washington-Seattle Campus have the best ROI?
Dental programs lead with graduates earning over $200,000, followed by business ($127,652) and computer science ($122,038). These programs justify the cost quickly, while other majors may take longer to reach positive returns.
How much debt do University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates typically have?
The median debt is $14,615, which is below the national average. This manageable debt load, combined with decent earning potential, reduces financial risk for most graduates.
Does University of Washington-Seattle Campus provide good financial aid?
The $13,485 net price suggests reasonable aid for in-state students, though out-of-state costs are significantly higher. Financial aid helps make UW-Seattle accessible, but your actual cost depends heavily on residency status and family income.