Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 suggests manageable repayment—estimates from similar Interior Architecture bachelor's programs nationwide point to roughly $22,800 in debt against $44,800 in first-year earnings. That ratio falls well within the comfortable zone where monthly loan payments shouldn't consume an outsized portion of your child's early career income. Interior Architecture is a specialized field, though, and these national figures can't tell you how UW's specific program performs in Seattle's design market or how its curriculum stacks up against competitors.
The limited data here—both earnings and debt figures are estimates because too few graduates reported outcomes—makes it difficult to assess what distinguishes this program from the 46 other Interior Architecture bachelor's programs nationwide. Is UW's Seattle location an advantage for internships and networking in a design-forward city? Does the curriculum prepare students differently? Without program-specific outcomes, you're essentially betting on the university's broader reputation and the field's general trajectory rather than proven results from this particular degree.
If your child is committed to Interior Architecture specifically, request placement data and alumni outcomes directly from the department. Ask where recent graduates are working, what their actual starting salaries look like, and how Seattle employers view UW Interior Architecture degrees compared to programs at other institutions. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable economics, but confirming those numbers with real outcomes from this program would make this decision far less speculative.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all interior architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $44,811* | — | $22,834* | — |
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $50,681* | $56,839 | $18,250* | 0.36 |
 California State University-SacramentoSacramento | $7,602 | $50,108* | $56,590 | $16,500* | 0.33 |
 University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln | $10,108 | $46,293* | $55,806 | $26,876* | 0.58 |
 Chatham UniversityPittsburgh | $43,810 | $45,785* | — | —* | — |
 Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins | $12,896 | $45,774* | — | $22,417* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $44,811* | — | $23,250* | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with interior architecture 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-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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 15 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.