Analysis
UW-Bothell's Area Studies program punches well above its weight for an open-access campus. With first-year earnings of $43,668, graduates match the state's top programs—including the flagship Seattle campus—while carrying 27% less debt than the national median. This combination places it at the 75th percentile nationally for earnings, a remarkable showing for a program at a school that admits 92% of applicants.
The debt picture particularly stands out. At under $15,000, it's the lowest among Washington's Area Studies programs and translates to a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. Four-year earnings of $55,743 represent 28% growth, suggesting graduates gain traction in their careers rather than plateauing. For context, Area Studies programs typically struggle with earnings—the national median sits at just $34,211—making this program's performance notably stronger.
The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the pattern is clear: this program delivers outcomes comparable to more selective Washington universities while keeping debt low. For families considering Area Studies who want to minimize financial risk, UW-Bothell offers the earnings potential of flagship programs at roughly half the typical borrowing cost.
Where University of Washington-Bothell Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all area studies bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Bothell Campus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $43,668 | $55,743 | +28% |
| Emory University | $33,549 | $77,707 | +132% |
| University of California-Berkeley | $50,728 | $77,557 | +53% |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $43,668 | $55,743 | +28% |
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $43,668 | $55,743 | +28% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Area Studies bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell | $12,559 | $43,668 | $55,743 | $14,922 | 0.34 |
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $43,668 | $55,743 | $14,922 | 0.34 |
 University of Washington-Tacoma CampusTacoma | $12,817 | $43,668 | $55,743 | $14,922 | 0.34 |
 Western Washington UniversityBellingham | $9,286 | $33,103 | — | $15,655 | 0.47 |
 University of Puget SoundTacoma | $59,900 | $29,232 | — | $27,000 | 0.92 |
| National Median | — | $34,211 | — | $20,552 | 0.60 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with area studies graduates
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 University of Washington-Bothell Campus, approximately 28% 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 96 graduates with reported earnings and 86 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.