Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at City University of Seattle

A liberal arts bachelor's requiring nearly a year's salary in debt deserves careful scrutiny. Based on similar programs at City University of Seattle, graduates appear to carry roughly $33,410 in loans while earning an estimated $35,398 in their first year—a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1.0. While this sits above the $22,881 state median debt for comparable programs, the earnings estimate aligns with Washington's typical outcomes for this major.

The challenge becomes clearer when looking at peer institutions with reported data. Other liberal arts programs in Washington—from Antioch to Washington State University—show first-year earnings ranging from $35,000 to nearly $47,000. City University's estimated outcomes land at the lower end of this spectrum, though the earnings figure matches what half of Washington programs produce. The debt load, however, exceeds what most similar programs require students to shoulder.

For a general liberal arts degree, these estimated figures suggest a longer payback period than many alternatives. With only 13% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears to serve primarily traditional students who should consider whether the debt burden fits their post-graduation plans. If the actual program outcomes match these estimates, families might find better value at public universities or schools with documented track records in this field.