Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

UW Seattle's electrical engineering program delivers strong outcomes at an exceptional price point. Graduates carry just $15,000 in debt—nearly $10,000 less than the state median and $10,000 below the national median—while earning $81,989 in their first year. That 0.18 debt-to-earnings ratio is outstanding; most engineering programs struggle to get below 0.30. The 79th national percentile for earnings confirms this program competes well beyond Washington state borders.

Within Washington, the earnings picture is more nuanced. At $81,989, first-year earnings match UW's Bothell and Tacoma campuses and sit just above the state median, placing this in the 60th percentile among Washington engineering programs. However, the real differentiation comes from debt levels and steady earnings growth. That 13% increase to $92,752 by year four outpaces typical engineering trajectories, and the minimal debt burden means graduates have financial flexibility their peers at pricier programs won't enjoy.

For parents weighing UW Seattle against private alternatives or other state schools, the math here is straightforward. Your child gets flagship university credentials, robust starting salaries, and walks away with manageable debt—a combination that's increasingly rare in engineering education. The strong sample size confirms these aren't outlier results.