Applied Mathematics at Seattle University

Seattle's math program appears financially viable based on what we can infer from peer institutions nationally. The estimated $60,930 first-year salary aligns with the national median for applied mathematics bachelor's programs, while the estimated $25,421 in debt produces a manageable 0.42 debt-to-earnings ratio. For context, similar programs nationally report median debt closer to $21,000, suggesting Seattle University's costs run somewhat higher than typical—though still within reasonable bounds for a private institution.

The concerning data point is Washington State University's reported figure of just $27,626 for applied math graduates—less than half what comparable programs produce nationally. This single in-state data point creates significant uncertainty about whether Seattle's program will track closer to national norms or mirror WSU's outcomes. The dramatic gap could reflect differences in career paths (academic research versus industry), regional employer networks, or reporting timing, but without more Washington-specific data, it's impossible to determine which pattern Seattle graduates follow.

Given this uncertainty, the financial case hinges on whether Seattle University's private school network and Seattle's tech economy translate into outcomes closer to the $61,000 national benchmark. If your child matches the graduate profile nationally, the debt load seems reasonable. But if outcomes skew toward the lower Washington figure, you're looking at a debt burden nearly equal to first-year earnings—a much tougher starting position.