Accounting at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

UW Tacoma's accounting program punches well above its weight. With a median starting salary of $62,731—outperforming 82% of accounting programs nationwide—this accessible campus (83% admission rate) delivers outcomes comparable to Seattle's flagship campus and UW Bothell. The real standout is debt: graduates leave with just $17,083, dramatically below both the state median ($20,567) and national median ($25,000). That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, meaning graduates owe roughly three months' salary—about as favorable as you'll find in accounting.

The catch is that within Washington state, this program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing Seattle University and Gonzaga by roughly $7,000-8,000 in starting pay. But those schools come with significantly higher debt loads. For a family prioritizing affordability while still accessing strong career outcomes, UW Tacoma offers a compelling middle ground. The 22% earnings growth to $76,793 by year four shows solid career progression, and the program serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (40%) without compromising outcomes.

Bottom line: If your student has UW Seattle or Bothell as an option with similar costs, those might edge ahead slightly. But UW Tacoma's combination of low debt, strong national standing, and competitive regional salaries makes it an excellent value—particularly for families where minimizing loans is a priority.