Education at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

UW-Tacoma's education program delivers something rare: top-quartile national earnings with exceptionally low debt. At $15,729, graduates carry roughly 40% less debt than the national median for education degrees—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. The $44,201 starting salary matches the national 75th percentile and ties with UW's Seattle and Bothell campuses, demonstrating that this regional campus produces equally competitive outcomes without the higher selectivity or cost pressure of the flagship.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary, among the healthiest financial profiles you'll find in education. This matters particularly for a field where earnings don't typically spike after the first year—teachers need manageable debt from day one. While this program sits at the 60th percentile among Washington education programs for earnings, that state comparison is somewhat misleading since Washington's education graduates generally command strong salaries. The real advantage here is the debt load, which opens doors for graduates who might want to work in lower-paying districts or pursue additional credentials without financial strain.

For families concerned about education's modest earning potential, UW-Tacoma offers the strongest possible version of this career path: competitive teacher salaries with minimal financial burden to start.