Psychology at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

UW Seattle's psychology program combines flagship-university prestige with remarkably manageable debt—just $17,426, well below both the national ($25,500) and state ($22,525) medians for this degree. While first-year earnings of $34,660 trail several smaller Washington schools, this represents the 60th percentile statewide and beats the national median by $3,000. More importantly, the 44% earnings growth trajectory suggests graduates are successfully pivoting into better-paying roles as they gain experience, reaching $50,049 by year four. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50, most graduates should comfortably manage their loans on entry-level salaries.

The gap between UW Seattle and private competitors like Seattle University ($37,452 starting) narrows considerably when you account for the dramatic difference in borrowing costs. Psychology majors at a flagship public university typically face lower debt loads, and that advantage compounds over time through reduced interest payments and greater financial flexibility for graduate school or career transitions. The degree's strong earnings growth pattern is particularly relevant here, since many psychology bachelor's holders pursue additional credentials or shift into adjacent fields like HR, social services, or research—moves that require financial breathing room.

For in-state families, this delivers solid value: competitive outcomes with minimal debt burden from Washington's premier research university. The below-average debt makes this one of the safer psychology program investments you'll find.