Urban Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Urban Studies/Affairs
57 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
58
Optimistic
57
Base Case
54
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,585/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (37% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (111,900 openings/yr)
ROI 11.5x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 25 Urban Studies/Affairs programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your strong showing in Urban Studies/Affairs at UW-Tacoma reflects the dynamic growth and evolving needs of the Puget Sound region. This program uniquely positions you to engage directly with the complex issues shaping urban environments in Tacoma and beyond, from sustainable development to social equity. The curriculum likely emphasizes practical, applied skills and community engagement, fostering strong connections with local government agencies, non-profits, and planning firms that are actively hiring. This regional embeddedness explains why graduates often find themselves in impactful roles managing projects or shaping policy within a few years. Given the evolving landscape and the potential for AI to automate some data-heavy tasks, focusing on human-centric skills like community organizing, policy advocacy, and nuanced problem-solving will be crucial. Actively seek internships and build relationships within local organizations to leverage the program's strong regional ties.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Urban Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $597K $589K $541K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.6x 11.5x 10.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 44% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 58 57 54

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,268
Out-of-state: $168,684 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$40,068
22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,757
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,334
39% growth from Year 1

About University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 3,989 students in Tacoma, WA. With 40% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
Urban and regional planners $83,720/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Urban Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Urban Studies at University of Washington-Tacoma Campus?
A score of 57/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Urban Studies field.
Will AI replace Urban Studies careers?
With 37% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $541,463 in decade earnings vs $597,258 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes University of Washington-Tacoma Campus's Urban Studies program stand out?
Ranked #6 of 25 programs nationally, University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →