Analysis
UW-Seattle's mathematics graduates start modestly at $46,585—just below the national median—but this program's real strength emerges within four years, when earnings jump 66% to $77,395. That trajectory substantially outpaces typical math degree outcomes nationally, suggesting strong employer demand and career advancement opportunities, likely fueled by Seattle's booming tech sector. At 60th percentile among Washington programs, UW-Seattle sits in respectable middle ground, trailing private schools like Seattle University but decisively ahead of peer public institutions.
The debt picture makes this trajectory even more compelling. At $15,501, graduates carry roughly $6,000 less debt than both state and national medians—translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.33, easily manageable on that first-year salary. For context, this means graduates owe about a third of their annual income, a comfortable position that becomes even more favorable as earnings accelerate.
For parents weighing in-state options, UW-Seattle offers something valuable: a flagship university credential with below-average debt and above-average growth potential. The first-year earnings might not wow, but the four-year mark tells a different story—one where patience and the Seattle job market reward math graduates who stick with technical career paths. Given the low borrowing and strong earnings growth, this represents solid value for students willing to start modestly and build upward.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mathematics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Seattle Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $46,585 | $77,395 | +66% |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $46,585 | $77,395 | +66% |
| University of Puget Sound | $37,610 | $68,484 | +82% |
| Whitworth University | $51,950 | $68,358 | +32% |
| Western Washington University | $22,953 | $65,171 | +184% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Mathematics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,643 | $46,585 | $77,395 | $15,501 | 0.33 | |
| $54,285 | $57,551 | — | $23,281 | 0.40 | |
| $50,920 | $51,950 | $68,358 | $27,000 | 0.52 | |
| $12,559 | $46,585 | $77,395 | $15,501 | 0.33 | |
| $59,900 | $37,610 | $68,484 | $22,000 | 0.58 | |
| $9,286 | $22,953 | $65,171 | $21,498 | 0.94 | |
| National Median | — | $48,772 | — | $21,500 | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mathematics graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other
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 62 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.