Median Earnings (1yr)
$71,770
66th percentile
Median Debt
$27,000
4% above national median

Analysis

Seattle Pacific University's engineering graduates start at $71,770—nearly $4,000 above the national median and ranking in the 60th percentile among Washington engineering programs. The debt load of $27,000 is actually below the national median, creating a favorable 0.38 debt-to-earnings ratio that puts graduates in a stronger position than most engineering students nationwide. For a school with a 91% acceptance rate, these outcomes punch above their weight, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual circumstances could significantly shift these numbers.

The key consideration here isn't whether the financial return works—it clearly does—but whether this small program suits your student's learning style. Small engineering cohorts can mean limited course offerings and fewer specialized tracks, but they also offer closer faculty relationships and potentially more hands-on attention. The earnings trajectory holds steady with typical engineering patterns, and starting debt below $30,000 is manageable on an engineering salary.

For families seeking an engineering degree at a Christian university in Seattle with reasonable debt, this delivers solid financial results. Just verify that the program offers the specific engineering concentration your student wants—small programs typically can't support multiple specializations. The numbers work; the fit question depends on program breadth versus personalized instruction.

Where Seattle Pacific University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Seattle Pacific University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (5 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle$38,814$71,770—$27,0000.38
Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place$33,027$66,416$70,249$27,6250.42
National Median—$67,911—$26,0560.38

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

Wind Energy Engineers

Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.

Solar Energy Systems Engineers

Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency and solar projects involving residential, commercial, or industrial customers. Design solar domestic hot water and space heating systems for new and existing structures, applying knowledge of structural energy requirements, local climates, solar technology, and thermodynamics.

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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.