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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $38,814 | $71,770 | — | $27,000 | 0.38 | |
| $33,027 | $66,416 | $70,249 | $27,625 | 0.42 | |
| National Median | — | $67,911 | — | $26,056 | 0.38 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
Wind Energy Engineers
Solar Energy Systems Engineers
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.