Analysis
Seattle Pacific's design program starts modest but rewards patience. While recent graduates earn roughly the state median at $39,248, incomes surge 74% by year four to $68,201—significantly outpacing both national and state averages. This trajectory places graduates closer to UW's outcomes than typical Washington design programs, despite SPU's far more accessible 91% admission rate.
The $26,000 debt load is reasonable relative to first-year earnings, and the four-year income trajectory justifies the investment. Though the program ranks 60th percentile within Washington initially, that fourth-year figure tells a different story about graduate success. For context, most Washington design programs cluster between $28,000-$46,000 in early earnings, making SPU's later-career performance notable.
The moderate sample size suggests these outcomes are reasonably reliable, though individual results will vary. For families comfortable with lower early earnings in exchange for strong mid-career growth, this program delivers tangible returns that outperform most design degrees nationally.
Where Seattle Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all design and applied arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Seattle Pacific University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Pacific University | $39,248 | $68,201 | +74% |
| Carnegie Mellon University | $66,274 | $126,932 | +92% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $63,449 | $71,597 | +13% |
| Western Washington University | $31,078 | $68,445 | +120% |
| Washington State University | $44,823 | $57,332 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle | $38,814 | $39,248 | $68,201 | $26,000 | 0.66 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $63,449 | $71,597 | $12,250 | 0.19 |
 Bellevue CollegeBellevue | $4,305 | $45,947 | — | $33,660 | 0.73 |
 Washington State UniversityPullman | $12,997 | $44,823 | $57,332 | $22,802 | 0.51 |
 Western Washington UniversityBellingham | $9,286 | $31,078 | $68,445 | $20,000 | 0.64 |
 Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place | $33,027 | $28,436 | — | $28,000 | 0.98 |
| National Median | — | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with design and applied arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Video Game Designers
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Fashion Designers
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Set and Exhibit Designers
Interior Designers
Graphic Designers
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Seattle Pacific University, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 42 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.