Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Seattle University

Seattle University's nursing program starts strong with first-year earnings of $81,000—well above the national median—but here's the catch: graduates earn less than typical Washington nurses. At the 40th percentile statewide, Seattle U grads trail the Washington median by about $4,000 annually, and they're making roughly $15,000 less than peers from Bellevue College or Saint Martin's University. In a state where nursing salaries run high, this program isn't capitalizing on the local market premium the way competitors do.

The modest $25,000 debt load helps soften the blow, especially compared to the national median of $27,000. But the virtually flat earnings trajectory—just 2% growth over four years—means graduates aren't gaining much ground after that initial placement. For a profession where experience typically commands higher pay, this stagnation is worth noting.

If your child is set on Seattle University for the Jesuit education and campus experience, the nursing program won't saddle them with crushing debt. However, if maximizing nursing career earnings in Washington is the priority, several state schools deliver better financial outcomes at similar or lower cost. The $25,000 debt is manageable, but you're paying a premium for the Seattle U brand without seeing it translate into salary advantages.