Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree) at Seattle University

Median Earnings (1yr)

$55,823

59th percentile

40th percentile in Washington

Median Debt

$24,000

3% above national median

Analysis

Seattle University's finance program delivers solid earnings growth but struggles to compete within Washington state. Starting at $55,823 and climbing to over $70,000 by year four represents impressive 26% growth that outpaces many peer programs. However, that 40th percentile ranking among Washington finance programs tells a more nuanced story—graduates earn less than the state median of $56,385, and significantly trail the University of Washington's $63,500.

The debt picture offers some reassurance: $24,000 is manageable relative to first-year earnings (0.43 ratio), though it's notably higher than Washington's typical $18,418 for finance programs. The real question is whether Seattle University's smaller class sizes and urban location justify paying more debt for lower initial earnings compared to state alternatives like Washington State or even UW-Tacoma, which match UW-Seattle's outcomes.

For families considering in-state options, this comes down to fit versus pure financial return. The strong earnings trajectory suggests Seattle U finance grads catch up over time, but they start behind Washington peers. If your student has access to UW or WSU, those offer better value propositions. Seattle University makes sense if the private school environment is worth the premium—just know you're paying for something other than earnings advantage.

Where Seattle University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Seattle University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Seattle University	$55,823	$70,076	+26%
University of Washington-Seattle Campus	$63,500	$94,385	+49%
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus	$63,500	$94,385	+49%
Washington State University	$56,947	$70,504	+24%
Western Washington University	$51,984	$70,265	+35%

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (7 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Seattle UniversitySeattle	$54,285	$55,823	$70,076	$24,000	0.43
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle	$12,643	$63,500	$94,385	$14,208	0.22
University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma	$12,817	$63,500	$94,385	$14,208	0.22
Washington State UniversityPullman	$12,997	$56,947	$70,504	$19,762	0.35
Western Washington UniversityBellingham	$9,286	$51,984	$70,265	$20,610	0.40
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney	$8,353	$48,728	$60,166	$17,074	0.35
National Median	—	$53,590	—	$23,332	0.44

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Executives

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chief Sustainability Officers

Communicate and coordinate with management, shareholders, customers, and employees to address sustainability issues. Enact or oversee a corporate sustainability strategy.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

General and Operations Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

$105,350/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Personal Financial Advisors

Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.

$102,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

$79,880/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

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.

Sample Size: Based on 60 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.