Analysis
When the Department of Education suppresses both earnings and debt data due to small graduate samples, we're left estimating from national peer programs—and those estimates suggest something intriguing at Seattle University. Based on similar Business/Managerial Economics bachelor's programs nationwide, first-year earnings likely land around $53,200 with debt near $24,000. That's a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio, and the program appears to deliver steady income growth: reported fourth-year earnings jump to $100,895, nearly doubling from that estimated starting point.
The challenge here is understanding what drives Seattle University's specific outcomes. The school's 76% admission rate and solid SAT average suggest it serves a broad student population, while only 22% receive Pell grants—meaning most families aren't qualifying for federal need-based aid. Business economics programs vary enormously in their industry connections and job placement networks, and Seattle's tech-heavy economy could either amplify or complicate career prospects depending on how the curriculum aligns with local employer needs.
Your call hinges on factors these estimates can't capture: whether this program connects students to Seattle's competitive job market, how its curriculum differs from generic business degrees, and whether your family can afford $24,000 in debt while waiting for earnings growth. The fourth-year salary suggests graduates who stay the course find success, but you'll need to dig into career services, internship pipelines, and alumni outcomes to determine if Seattle University specifically delivers that trajectory—or if you're betting on national averages playing out locally.
Where Seattle University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle University | — | $100,895 | — |
| Villanova University | $82,212 | $122,309 | +49% |
| Lehigh University | $81,796 | $101,741 | +24% |
| Brigham Young University | $75,227 | $97,349 | +29% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $83,604 | $92,873 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $54,285 | $53,219* | $100,895 | $24,000* | — | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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 University, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.