Business Administration, Management and Operations at City University of Seattle

City University of Seattle business graduates start strong with $79,592 their first year out—that's 95th percentile both nationally and within Washington state. With just $18,000 in typical debt, the immediate return on investment is exceptional. This program substantially outperforms Washington's median business program earnings of $49,004, and it does so while keeping debt below the state average. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 means graduates earn nearly five times what they owe—a remarkably favorable position.

The wrinkle here is the earnings trajectory: by year four, median income drops to $67,095. This 16% decline is unusual and worth understanding. It could reflect graduates transitioning between roles, pursuing further education, or the moderate sample size creating some statistical noise. However, even with this dip, four-year earnings still comfortably exceed both state and national medians for business programs. The initial earning power gives graduates breathing room to explore career paths without financial distress.

For families weighing Seattle's high cost of living against program cost, the math works. The combination of top-tier starting salaries, manageable debt, and strong positioning relative to other Washington programs makes this a solid choice, particularly for students who need to start earning quickly after graduation. Just be prepared to investigate what's driving that mid-career earnings pattern.