Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Bachelor's Degree
washington.eduAnalysis
University of Washington-Seattle's nursing program offers something increasingly rare: excellent career preparation with minimal debt burden. With graduates earning $86,212 in their first year—ranking in the 86th percentile nationally—and carrying just $18,750 in debt, this program delivers one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find at 0.22.
While the program ranks at the 60th percentile among Washington nursing programs, this reflects the state's exceptionally strong nursing market rather than any weakness. The median Washington nursing graduate earns $85,196, meaning UW-Seattle performs right at state level while delivering significantly lower debt than the state median of $23,225. Compared to community colleges like Bellevue or Olympic that top the earnings charts, UW-Seattle provides comparable outcomes with the added value of a research university education and broader career flexibility.
The slight earnings dip from year one to four (-2%) is minimal and likely reflects normal market fluctuations rather than career stagnation. For parents weighing nursing programs, this represents an excellent investment: strong immediate earning power, manageable debt, and the prestige of a top-tier public university that opens doors beyond bedside nursing into leadership, research, and specialized practice areas.
Where University of Washington-Seattle Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing 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 | $86,212 | $84,469 | -2% |
| Western Washington University | $80,808 | $87,295 | +8% |
| Gonzaga University | $84,466 | $86,777 | +3% |
| Walla Walla University | $90,709 | $85,847 | -5% |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $86,212 | $84,469 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Washington
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle | $12,643 | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
 Bellevue CollegeBellevue | $4,305 | $97,067 | — | $20,379 | 0.21 |
 Saint Martin's UniversityLacey | $44,210 | $94,947 | $80,995 | — | — |
 Walla Walla UniversityCollege Place | $33,027 | $90,709 | $85,847 | $29,500 | 0.33 |
 Olympic CollegeBremerton | $4,197 | $88,069 | — | — | — |
 University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell | $12,559 | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| National Median | — | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing graduates
Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse Midwives
Nurse Practitioners
Medical and Health Services Managers
Registered Nurses
Acute Care Nurses
Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
Critical Care Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary
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 457 graduates with reported earnings and 433 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.