Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio below 0.5 typically signals manageable repayment, and based on national medians from similar landscape architecture programs, this degree appears to hit that mark. The estimated $25,735 in debt against $52,841 in first-year earnings suggests monthly loan payments around $290—roughly 7% of gross monthly income. That's workable territory, though landscape architecture graduates nationally don't see the dramatic early-career salary growth of some design fields, so banking on rapid debt payoff may be optimistic.
What complicates the picture is uncertainty. With only two landscape architecture programs in Washington and no reported outcomes from either, you're making this decision almost blind to actual local market realities. The national median figures suggest competent graduates find work—landscape architects are licensed professionals with clear career paths—but Seattle's particular market dynamics, UW's industry connections, and whether graduates stay in the region or scatter nationally remain opaque. The program's relatively low accessibility (43% admission rate, only 15% Pell students) suggests selectivity, which can correlate with quality, but that's speculation without actual graduate data.
If your child is committed to landscape architecture specifically and UW offers strong studio facilities and faculty connections, the projected debt burden looks reasonable enough to proceed cautiously. Just recognize you're trusting the national baseline rather than proven outcomes from this campus.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all landscape architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Landscape 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 | $52,841* | — | $25,735* | — |
 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical CollegeBaton Rouge | $11,954 | $60,668* | $62,645 | —* | — |
 Ball State UniversityMuncie | $10,758 | $59,972* | $64,800 | —* | — |
 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo | $11,075 | $58,331* | $58,474 | $22,433* | 0.38 |
 University of Rhode IslandKingston | $16,408 | $57,920* | $54,744 | —* | — |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $54,777* | $60,412 | $27,000* | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $52,841* | — | $25,734* | 0.49 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with landscape 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 17 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.