Education at City University of Seattle

Based on comparable education programs in Washington, this bachelor's degree appears positioned to deliver first-year earnings around $44,200—matching the state median and putting it at the 75th percentile nationally for education degrees. By year four, reported earnings climb to $53,249, suggesting decent progression. However, the estimated debt load of $27,000 is notably higher than Washington's typical $15,729 for education programs, though it remains in line with national patterns for similar institutions.

That debt premium matters for a teaching career. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable in absolute terms, you're looking at roughly $12,000 more in loans than peer programs across Washington produce. For a field where salaries are relatively standardized—most education graduates in the state cluster around that $44,200 mark regardless of institution—the extra borrowing means City University students face tighter budgets during their early teaching years without compensating salary advantages.

The core question is whether City University's specific approach to teacher preparation justifies borrowing nearly double what other Washington programs require. If this program offers unique flexibility, location advantages, or specializations your child needs, the premium may be worth it. Otherwise, the state's public universities deliver similar career outcomes with substantially less debt.