Students at the University of Washington-Seattle Campus achieve some of the strongest financial outcomes available at any public university, earning over $10,000 more than similar students at other institutions nationwide.
Graduates consistently reach top-tier earnings levels that place UW among the very best public universities for long-term return on investment.
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus stands as one of the nation's premier public research universities, delivering exceptional value through outstanding long-term outcomes. Azimuth ranks UW-Seattle among the top tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its ability to consistently produce graduates who achieve remarkable financial success. With median 10-year earnings of $78,466 and graduates earning over $10,000 more than similar students at other institutions, UW represents one of the strongest earnings advantages available at a public university.
What makes UW particularly compelling is how it combines academic excellence with meaningful access for diverse students. Nearly one-third of students are first-generation college goers, and the university maintains strong graduation rates across income levels. The institution's location in Seattle provides unparalleled access to major employers in technology, healthcare, and aerospace, creating pathways to high-mobility careers that continue paying dividends throughout graduates' careers.
As a large research university with comprehensive program offerings, UW-Seattle delivers the scale and resources of a flagship institution while maintaining the focused excellence that drives its exceptional outcomes. For students who can gain admission, few public universities offer a better combination of academic prestige, career preparation, and long-term financial returns.
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus excels across a diverse range of high-return academic programs, with particular strength in technology, health sciences, and professional fields. Computer Science leads in aggregate return, combining strong enrollment of 378 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $101,221, reflecting Seattle's position as a major technology hub. Artificial Intelligence represents the largest single program with 499 graduates earning solid median salaries of $71,575, demonstrating the university's leadership in emerging tech fields.
Health sciences programs achieve some of the highest individual earnings, with Allied Health specialties reaching median salaries exceeding $121,000 for graduates entering high-demand clinical roles. These programs benefit from Seattle's concentration of major medical centers and research institutions, creating exceptional career pathways for UW graduates.
The breadth of strong programs extends beyond STEM fields, though outcomes vary significantly by major choice. While some foundational sciences like Neuroanatomy show more modest early earnings around $24,000, reflecting graduate school preparation pathways, the overall portfolio demonstrates UW's ability to prepare students for success across multiple career trajectories. The university's comprehensive research focus and Seattle location create unique advantages for students across virtually all academic disciplines.
Graduates of the University of Washington-Seattle Campus achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the very best public universities nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $78,466, with the university ranking in the 94th percentile nationally for earnings performance. Even more impressive, UW graduates earn over $10,000 more than similar students at other institutions, demonstrating one of the strongest earnings advantages available at any public university.
The university's program portfolio drives these outstanding results through a combination of high-demand fields and exceptional preparation. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate return program, graduating 378 students annually with median 10-year earnings of $101,221. Artificial Intelligence, the largest program by enrollment with 499 graduates, produces strong outcomes at $71,575 in median earnings. Allied Health programs reach even higher peaks, with some specialties achieving median earnings exceeding $121,000, while fields like Neuroanatomy show more modest early returns at $24,035, reflecting the diverse pathways available.
Seattle's position as a major technology and healthcare hub amplifies these outcomes significantly. The region's concentration of major employers like Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and leading medical centers creates exceptional opportunities for UW graduates to launch high-trajectory careers. With over 11,800 graduates earning more than $75,000 annually, the university consistently delivers the kind of financial outcomes that justify its reputation as one of the West Coast's premier public institutions.
The University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families, despite its premium positioning among public universities. Low-income students pay approximately $6,398 annually in net price, well below national averages and ranking in the 87th percentile for affordability. Middle-income families see net costs around $7,817 per year, maintaining excellent value relative to the exceptional outcomes graduates achieve. Even high-income families, who pay closer to $28,383 annually, receive substantial value given the university's top-tier earnings performance.
The university's financial aid approach helps make this premium education accessible across income levels. Most students graduate with manageable debt loads, with typical federal student loan debt of $14,615 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $23,304. These debt levels remain reasonable given UW's exceptional earnings outcomes, and the university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates consistently manage their obligations successfully.
What makes UW particularly sustainable financially is the strong earning power graduates achieve relative to their debt burden. With median 10-year earnings of $78,466, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules while building wealth over time. The combination of reasonable upfront costs for most families and exceptional long-term returns creates one of the strongest value propositions available among major public research universities.
University Of Washington-Seattle Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
