Students at the University of Washington-Bothell achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the very best public universities nationwide for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently earn far more than similar students at other institutions, with particularly strong results for students from low-income backgrounds.
The University of Washington-Bothell delivers exceptional value as a medium-sized public university that consistently produces graduates with strong earning power. While specific national ranking data isn't available, the institution's outcomes speak for themselves: graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the 93rd percentile nationally for long-term earnings. This performance reflects UW-Bothell's focused approach to career-oriented programs and its connection to the broader University of Washington system.
What makes UW-Bothell particularly compelling is its ability to deliver flagship-quality outcomes while maintaining more accessible admission standards and reasonable costs. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants and 33% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations by more than $23,000 compared with similar students at other institutions. This combination of access and outcomes places the university in the "Selective Achievers" category for economic mobility.
As part of the University of Washington system, UW-Bothell offers the academic reputation and employer recognition of a major research university while providing a more intimate campus environment in the Seattle metropolitan area. The university's strategic location in Washington's tech corridor, combined with strong programs in high-demand fields, creates pathways to careers that continue paying dividends throughout graduates' working lives.
The University of Washington-Bothell's program portfolio reflects its strategic focus on high-demand, career-oriented fields that align with the regional economy. Computer Science leads in both aggregate return and individual earnings, with 171 graduates earning a median of $101,221 ten years out—a figure that reflects the strong demand for tech talent in the Seattle area. Business Administration and Management enrolls the largest cohort with 215 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $48,687, indicating the broad appeal and varied career paths within business fields.
Nursing programs provide a strong middle ground, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $72,152 and benefiting from consistent demand in healthcare systems throughout the region. The 169 nursing graduates represent a substantial pipeline into secure, well-compensated healthcare careers. Biology, while showing lower early-career earnings at $31,859 for 129 graduates, often serves as preparation for graduate school or professional programs in medicine and related fields.
The university's program mix reflects its positioning as a career-focused institution within the University of Washington system. The concentration in technology, business, healthcare, and life sciences aligns with regional employer needs and helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations. This strategic program portfolio, combined with the university's location and employer connections, creates pathways to careers that deliver strong long-term financial returns.
Graduates of the University of Washington-Bothell achieve impressive long-term financial outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $78,466, ranking in the 93rd percentile among all institutions. Even more remarkable is how much better graduates perform than expected—they earn approximately $23,000 more than similar students at comparable universities, demonstrating one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" advantages in the country.
The university's return on investment varies significantly by program, reflecting its focused academic portfolio. Computer Science stands out as the highest aggregate return major, with 171 graduates earning a median of $101,221 ten years out, making it a key economic driver for the institution. Business Administration and Management enrolls the largest number of students with 215 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $48,687. Adult Health Nursing provides strong middle-ground outcomes with 169 graduates earning $72,152, while Biology represents the lower end at $31,859 for 129 graduates.
The university's location in the Seattle metropolitan area, where cost of living runs above the national average, means graduates enter a competitive but high-paying job market. The concentration of technology companies, healthcare systems, and business services in the region helps explain why UW-Bothell graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as local employers actively recruit from programs that align with regional economic strengths.
The University of Washington-Bothell offers strong affordability, particularly for low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay just $5,081 per year in net price, well below national averages and ranking in the 89th percentile for affordability nationally. Middle-income families see annual costs around $8,059, which remains very reasonable for a university of this caliber. Even high-income families pay $23,389 annually, a predictable figure that helps with long-term financial planning.
Debt levels remain manageable relative to the strong earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt is $14,615, a modest amount that graduates can comfortably service given median earnings of $78,466 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,304, reflecting families who choose to invest directly in their student's education. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UW-Bothell particularly sustainable financially is the relationship between what students pay and what they ultimately earn. The combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong long-term earnings creates a favorable return on investment that works for families across income levels. The university's location provides access to high-paying regional employers while maintaining public university pricing that doesn't overburden students with excessive debt.
University Of Washington-Bothell Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
