Design and Applied Arts at Seattle Pacific University
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Seattle Pacific University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Seattle Pacific University graduates earn $39k, placing them in the 76th percentile of all design and applied arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Design and Applied Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Pacific University | $39,248 | $68,201 | $26,000 | 0.66 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $63,449 | $71,597 | $12,250 | 0.19 |
| Bellevue College | $45,947 | — | $33,660 | 0.73 |
| Washington State University | $44,823 | $57,332 | $22,802 | 0.51 |
| Western Washington University | $31,078 | $68,445 | $20,000 | 0.64 |
| Walla Walla University | $28,436 | — | $28,000 | 0.98 |
| National Median | $33,563 | — | $26,880 | 0.80 |
Other Design and Applied Arts Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $63,449 | $12,250 |
| Bellevue College Bellevue | $4,305 | $45,947 | $33,660 |
| Washington State University Pullman | $12,997 | $44,823 | $22,802 |
| Western Washington University Bellingham | $9,286 | $31,078 | $20,000 |
| Walla Walla University College Place | $33,027 | $28,436 | $28,000 |
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.