Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
This nursing program produces graduates who earn significantly more than the national average but land right in the middle of Washington's competitive nursing landscape. At $86,212 in first-year earnings, UW-Bothell graduates out-earn 86% of nursing programs nationwide, yet rank at just the 60th percentile within Washington state—a testament to how strong nursing education is across the state.
The debt picture here is exceptional. With median debt of just $18,750 compared to the national average of $27,000, students graduate with remarkably manageable financial obligations. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 means graduates typically owe less than three months of their starting salary, creating immediate financial flexibility that many nursing graduates elsewhere don't enjoy.
However, earnings show a slight decline by year four, dropping to $84,469—a pattern that warrants attention but doesn't dramatically alter the program's strong fundamentals. For families weighing nursing programs, UW-Bothell offers the reliability of strong post-graduation earnings with minimal debt burden, even if it doesn't crack the top tier of Washington nursing programs. The combination of solid outcomes and the University of Washington brand makes this a sensible choice for students seeking financial security in healthcare.
Where University of Washington-Bothell Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Bothell Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Washington-Bothell Campus graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 86th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (19 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| Bellevue College | $97,067 | — | $20,379 | 0.21 |
| Saint Martin's University | $94,947 | $80,995 | — | — |
| Walla Walla University | $90,709 | $85,847 | $29,500 | 0.33 |
| Olympic College | $88,069 | — | — | — |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue College Bellevue | $4,305 | $97,067 | $20,379 |
| Saint Martin's University Lacey | $44,210 | $94,947 | — |
| Walla Walla University College Place | $33,027 | $90,709 | $29,500 |
| Olympic College Bremerton | $4,197 | $88,069 | — |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $86,212 | $18,750 |
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 457 graduates with reported earnings and 433 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.