Accounting at Seattle Pacific University

Looking at comparable accounting programs across Washington, the estimated $61,000 first-year salary aligns precisely with the state median—suggesting this program tracks with typical outcomes for the region. By year four, reported earnings of $81,000 show solid progression. The estimated $25,625 in debt sits slightly above the state median of $20,567 but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, meaning graduates would owe roughly five months of their first year's salary.

What's worth noting is how Seattle Pacific compares to other private universities in the area. Similar programs at Seattle University and Gonzaga produce first-year earnings around $70,000, roughly $9,000 higher than what peer programs suggest for SPU graduates. That gap matters when you're carrying comparable debt loads—those extra thousands accelerate debt payoff and provide more financial cushion early in a career. The program does outpace the national median for accounting degrees by about $7,000, but within Washington's competitive landscape, it falls in the middle tier.

For families weighing this investment, the fundamentals work: accounting degrees lead to predictable employment, and the debt burden here won't be overwhelming. However, if your child has options at Seattle University, Gonzaga, or the UW system—all showing stronger early earnings—those programs may offer better value given similar upfront costs at Washington's private institutions.