Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Seattle University

Seattle University's Liberal Arts program starts slower than most but tells an impressive growth story—median earnings jump 56% from year one ($35,398) to year four ($55,317). That's the trajectory parents should focus on here, not the modest first-year number that sits right at the state median.

The debt load of $23,500 is reasonable for a private university, creating a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that slower first year. What matters more: among Washington's 20 Liberal Arts programs, Seattle U ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings despite being below the national median. Students are outperforming most local alternatives while building toward that $55K mark by year four. The catch? Top programs in the state like Antioch and Whitworth deliver stronger immediate returns if your child needs to maximize early earnings.

The real question is whether you value the Jesuit education and Seattle location enough to accept a slower start with strong upside. If your child is willing to work through leaner early years—possibly needing parental support or a roommate—the four-year outcome becomes competitive with state schools and many private alternatives. Just understand they'll likely be earning less than peers at the higher-ranked programs for at least those first few years.