Design at Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Design and Applied Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
50
Pessimistic
Earnings
$39,248/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (101,000 openings/yr)
ROI
5.0x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Design graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $806K | $780K | $701K |
| Earnings Multiple | 5.2x | 5.0x | 4.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 63% | 57% | 46% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 47 | 46 | 50 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$155,256
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
7.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$79,971
104% growth from Year 1
About Seattle Pacific University
With 91% of applicants admitted, Seattle Pacific University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,073 students in Seattle, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $99,280 — 36% less than the list price.
See all programs and financial aid at Seattle Pacific University →Top Career Paths
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Architecture teachers, postsecondary
$101,480/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Compare & Explore
Design at Other Schools
Other Majors at Seattle Pacific University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Seattle Pacific University's Design program score?
This program scores 46/100 — on the lower end for Design. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Design to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Design careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Seattle Pacific University rank so high for Design?
The #61 ranking out of 290 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →