Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Washington-Tacoma's nursing program delivers strong graduate outcomes while keeping debt remarkably low—a combination that's increasingly rare in higher education. With median debt of just $18,750 compared to the national average of $27,000, graduates enter the workforce with significantly less financial burden while still earning $86,212 in their first year, placing them in the 86th percentile nationally.
Within Washington state, the program holds solid middle ground among 19 nursing programs, ranking in the 60th percentile for earnings. While graduates don't quite match the $97,000+ starting salaries at top-tier programs like Bellevue College or Saint Martin's University, they're earning competitively with much less debt. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 is excellent—meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with just over two months of gross salary.
The slight earnings dip from year one to year four (-2%) is minor and likely reflects normal market fluctuations rather than career trajectory concerns. For families prioritizing financial prudence, UW-Tacoma offers an attractive value proposition: graduates enter a high-demand field with strong earning potential and manageable debt loads, setting them up for long-term financial stability in nursing careers.
Where University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 86th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
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)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| Bellevue College | $97,067 | — | $20,379 | 0.21 |
| Saint Martin's University | $94,947 | $80,995 | — | — |
| Walla Walla University | $90,709 | $85,847 | $29,500 | 0.33 |
| Olympic College | $88,069 | — | — | — |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $86,212 | $84,469 | $18,750 | 0.22 |
| National Median | $74,888 | — | $27,000 | 0.36 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue College Bellevue | $4,305 | $97,067 | $20,379 |
| Saint Martin's University Lacey | $44,210 | $94,947 | — |
| Walla Walla University College Place | $33,027 | $90,709 | $29,500 |
| Olympic College Bremerton | $4,197 | $88,069 | — |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $86,212 | $18,750 |
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-Tacoma Campus, approximately 40% 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.