Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,890
Est. from national median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,750
Est. from national median (5 programs)

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

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle$12,643$36,890*$13,750*
University of California-San DiegoLa Jolla$15,265$47,672*$18,200*0.38
Marist UniversityPoughkeepsie$46,140$47,348*$60,881$26,000*0.55
Northwestern UniversityEvanston$65,997$36,890*$59,494$11,630*0.32
University of California-DavisDavis$15,247$31,345*$53,727$14,745*0.47
Montreat CollegeMontreat$33,860$29,234*$35,005*
National Median$36,890*$16,472*0.45
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.