Students at the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus achieve remarkable earnings outcomes, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who see some of the strongest financial results among public universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently earn far more than similar students at other institutions, reflecting exceptional value and upward mobility potential.
Azimuth ranks the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus among the top public institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting exceptional performance across earnings, affordability, and mobility outcomes. What makes UW Tacoma distinctive is how it combines broad access with remarkably strong financial results—over 40% of students receive Pell Grants and nearly 33% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the institution in the top 10% nationally.
The campus serves as a designated "Mobility Engine," delivering both high access for underserved students and outstanding long-term outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $78,466 ten years after enrollment, substantially outperforming expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage of nearly $24,000 above the counterfactual represents one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" performances among public universities.
As a medium-sized campus within the University of Washington system, UW Tacoma offers the academic reputation and employer recognition of a flagship university while maintaining the personalized attention and community focus that helps diverse student populations succeed. The combination of strong access, exceptional affordability for low-income families, and top-tier earnings outcomes makes this campus a standout option for students seeking both opportunity and results.
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus offers a focused portfolio of programs that align closely with regional economic opportunities and student career goals. Artificial Intelligence emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 275 graduates with strong earnings of $71,575 ten years out, making it the highest aggregate-return major on campus. This reflects the campus's strategic positioning in the growing technology sector and the high demand for AI professionals in the Pacific Northwest.
Healthcare programs deliver exceptional individual returns, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $72,152—the highest median earnings among all programs. This premium reflects both the critical shortage of healthcare professionals and the campus's strong clinical partnerships throughout the region. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 164 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $33,789, typical for a field that often requires additional education for higher-paying positions.
The program mix demonstrates the campus's practical, career-oriented approach to higher education. Rather than offering an exhaustive catalog of majors, UW Tacoma focuses on fields with clear employment pathways and strong regional demand. This strategic concentration helps explain why graduates across programs achieve such strong earnings outcomes and why the campus consistently outperforms expectations for student financial success.
Graduates of the University of Washington-Tacoma Campus achieve exceptionally strong long-term financial outcomes. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $78,466, placing the institution in the top 10% nationally for graduate earnings. Even more impressive is how much better graduates perform than expected—they earn nearly $24,000 more than similar students at other institutions, representing one of the strongest "earnings beyond expectations" advantages among public universities. This substantial earnings premium reflects both the quality of academic programs and the campus's connection to the robust Pacific Northwest job market.
Program-level outcomes show particular strength in high-demand fields. Artificial Intelligence stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 275 graduates with solid earnings of $71,575 ten years out. Adult Health Nursing delivers the highest individual earnings at $72,152, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment with 164 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $33,789, while Biology shows similar enrollment patterns with 64 graduates earning $31,859.
The campus's location in Tacoma provides access to Seattle's technology sector, healthcare systems, and business opportunities while maintaining more affordable living costs than the main Seattle campus. This geographic advantage helps graduates maximize their earning potential while managing post-graduation expenses, contributing to the institution's exceptional return on investment for students across income levels.
The University of Washington-Tacoma Campus delivers exceptional affordability, particularly for students from low- and middle-income families. Low-income students pay just $4,709 annually in net price, placing the campus among the most affordable public options nationwide. Middle-income families see costs of $7,900 per year, well below typical public university levels, while even high-income families pay $22,095—reasonable for a university of this caliber and location. This pricing structure makes quality higher education accessible across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain highly 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 approaching $78,500 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,304, reflecting families' confidence in the investment value. The campus maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that virtually all borrowers successfully manage their repayment obligations.
What makes UW Tacoma particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and strong earning potential. The substantial earnings advantage graduates achieve—nearly $24,000 above expectations—means that even students who borrow can typically handle standard repayment terms without financial stress. This creates a virtuous cycle where affordable access leads to strong outcomes, which in turn validate the investment for future students and families.
University Of Washington-Tacoma Campus Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
