Urban Studies/Affairs at University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Urban Studies graduates from UW-Seattle start strong at nearly $48,000 and see impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 35% to over $64,000 within four years. This trajectory outperforms the vast majority of Urban Studies programs nationwide—only 14% deliver higher starting salaries. However, that 86th national percentile tells just part of the story. Within Washington state, this program sits closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, reflecting the reality that all three Washington schools offering this degree produce similar outcomes.

The debt picture makes this program particularly accessible. Graduates carry less than $19,000—well below both the national median for Urban Studies ($21,775) and far below what many bachelor's programs demand. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable threshold that gives them breathing room as their careers accelerate.

For parents weighing this against other liberal arts or social science majors, Urban Studies at UW-Seattle offers something valuable: a clear career path with steadily rising earnings rather than stagnation. The strong four-year growth suggests graduates are moving into progressively better roles in urban planning, community development, or local government. Combined with relatively low debt, this represents a solid return—especially for students genuinely interested in shaping cities and communities.