Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The University of Washington's business program stands out for one compelling reason: exceptionally low debt burden. With graduates owing just $15,000 compared to the national average of $26,000, this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for keeping costs down—a remarkable achievement for a flagship state university.
The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story of growth. Starting salaries of $49,004 jump 38% to $67,626 by year four, outpacing both national and state medians. While UW doesn't crack the top tier of Washington business programs (City University of Seattle leads at nearly $80,000), it performs solidly in the 60th percentile statewide and 62nd percentile nationally for a program offered at over 1,600 schools.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 creates an enviable financial foundation—graduates can realistically pay off their loans quickly while building wealth in their twenties. This combination of moderate selectivity (43% admission rate), strong earning potential, and minimal debt makes UW's business program a smart financial choice, especially for Washington residents paying in-state tuition.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business administration, management and operations 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-Seattle Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 62th percentile of all business administration, management and operations 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
Business Administration, Management and Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $49,004 | $67,626 | $15,000 | 0.31 |
| City University of Seattle | $79,592 | $67,095 | $18,000 | 0.23 |
| Olympic College | $58,058 | — | $11,305 | 0.19 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| Northwest University | $54,779 | $71,547 | $25,000 | 0.46 |
| Western Washington University | $53,402 | $68,627 | $17,375 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $45,703 | — | $26,000 | 0.57 |
Other Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| City University of Seattle Seattle | $14,589 | $79,592 | $18,000 |
| Olympic College Bremerton | $4,197 | $58,058 | $11,305 |
| Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland | $14,652 | $54,779 | $25,000 |
| Northwest University Kirkland | $36,035 | $54,779 | $25,000 |
| Western Washington University Bellingham | $9,286 | $53,402 | $17,375 |
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-Seattle Campus, approximately 15% 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 327 graduates with reported earnings and 242 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.