Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Bastyr University

Bastyr's estimated debt load of $27,000 significantly exceeds what most Washington health sciences programs report—the state median sits at just $16,000, suggesting students here are borrowing nearly 70% more than peers pursuing similar credentials elsewhere in the state. Meanwhile, first-year earnings from comparable programs hover around $37,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 that's manageable in theory but becomes tighter when you consider the borrowing premium.

The benchmark data reveals a troubling gap: Seattle Central College graduates in this field earn nearly double what peer programs produce, and even University of Washington campuses match the state median while requiring far less debt. Similar programs nationally produce comparable earnings around $35,000, confirming that Bastyr's outcomes align with broader patterns—but the debt picture makes this program notably more expensive than local alternatives for similar results.

For families weighing this option, the core question is whether Bastyr's specific approach justifies borrowing substantially more than you'd need at other Washington schools. With 38% of students on Pell grants, affordability matters here. If your child can access this program with significantly less debt through scholarships or family support, it becomes more viable. Otherwise, comparable programs across the state offer similar career preparation at a lower financial cost—a reality worth confronting before committing to the higher borrowing this path appears to require.