Analysis
A 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable financing for a psychology bachelor's—if these estimates hold true. With earnings and debt both derived from national medians (around $36,900 in first-year income against $13,750 in loans), this program appears to align with typical outcomes across similar programs nationwide. That's a reasonable starting point, though it's worth noting UW-Seattle's selectivity and strong regional reputation could position its graduates differently than the national average suggests.
The challenge with psychology bachelor's degrees isn't usually the debt load—it's what comes after. Many psychology careers require graduate training, meaning that $36,900 figure may represent a stepping stone rather than a career salary. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, roles in social services, HR, or research assistance typically cluster around this earnings range. If graduate school is the goal, factor in additional years of education and potentially more debt before reaching higher earning potential.
Given the data limitations here, the key question is whether UW-Seattle's standing as a Research I university with robust psychology programs justifies the investment despite this uncertainty. The estimated numbers suggest a standard financial picture for psychology majors, but without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're making a bet on the institution's broader strengths translating to your child's experience. Connect with the department directly about graduate school placement rates and typical career paths for their bachelor's recipients—that context matters more than these estimated figures.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Psychology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,643 | $36,890* | — | $13,750* | — | |
| $15,265 | $47,672* | — | $18,200* | 0.38 | |
| $46,140 | $47,348* | $60,881 | $26,000* | 0.55 | |
| $65,997 | $36,890* | $59,494 | $11,630* | 0.32 | |
| $15,247 | $31,345* | $53,727 | $14,745* | 0.47 | |
| $33,860 | $29,234* | $35,005 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $36,890* | — | $16,472* | 0.45 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology 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 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.