Urban Studies/Affairs at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UW Tacoma's Urban Studies program launches graduates into surprisingly strong earnings trajectories, with median pay jumping from $47,585 in year one to $64,344 by year four—a 35% increase that outpaces most social science fields. This places the program in the 86th percentile nationally for Urban Studies, well above the national median of $40,294. The initial salary already exceeds three-quarters of similar programs across the country, giving graduates immediate financial stability.
The debt picture reinforces this value proposition. At $18,965, graduates owe less than the national median for this field, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.40—meaning most can realistically pay off loans within a year or two of starting salaries. Within Washington state, this program matches the Seattle campus for earnings while serving a student population where 40% receive Pell grants, making it an accessible path to middle-class careers in urban planning, community development, and local government.
The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the consistent strength across metrics tells a clear story. For families weighing Urban Studies programs, UW Tacoma offers competitive entry-level pay with unusual upward momentum, all while keeping debt manageable. The combination of low debt and strong earnings growth makes this one of the better bets in a field where financial outcomes vary widely.
Where University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all urban studies/affairs 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 $48k, placing them in the 86th percentile of all urban studies/affairs 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
Urban Studies/Affairs bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (3 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $47,585 | $64,344 | $18,965 | 0.40 |
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $47,585 | $64,344 | $18,965 | 0.40 |
| National Median | $40,294 | — | $21,775 | 0.54 |
Other Urban Studies/Affairs Programs in Washington
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Washington schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle | $12,643 | $47,585 | $18,965 |
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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.