At $14,715/yr net price, Central Washington University graduates earn $61,580/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,580/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,715 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $58,860 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,580/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,580/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,978/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,430/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,182/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,886/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,366/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $72,482 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $71,168 | $24,120 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $70,456 | |
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $65,486 | $25,333 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $61,020 | $32,338 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,979 | $22,190 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $55,151 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $52,941 | $19,435 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $50,606 | $23,950 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $47,260 | $25,891 |
The Risk Factor
49.9% of students at Central Washington University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Central Washington University offers solid financial returns if you pick the right major, but the overall picture shows significant risks. With a 50% graduation rate, half of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-stakes investment.
The engineering and construction programs deliver strong ROI. Electrical Engineering Technologies graduates earn $72,482 annually, while Construction Management majors make $71,168 with manageable debt loads around $24,000. Allied Health programs also perform well at $70,456 in median earnings. These technical fields align with Washington's growing infrastructure and healthcare sectors.
Educational Administration stands out as a poor financial choice, with graduates earning just $61,020 despite carrying $32,338 in debt. The program essentially guarantees you'll earn less than the university median while taking on significantly more debt.
The low retention rate of 69% signals academic struggles that could derail your investment. If you're not academically prepared or lack strong study habits, you face real risk of dropping out with debt but no degree. Only 31% of students receive financial aid, meaning most families pay the full $14,715 net price.
Central Washington works financially if you're committed to engineering, construction management, or allied health programs and confident in your ability to complete college coursework. The relatively low net price makes the debt manageable for high-earning majors. However, students considering education, liberal arts, or other lower-paying fields should look elsewhere, as the combination of modest earnings potential and significant dropout risk creates poor financial odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Washington University worth the cost?
Central Washington University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $14,715 annually and moderate debt levels around $19,500. However, the 50% graduation rate and $61,580 median earnings suggest mixed outcomes depending on your program choice.
What are the best paying majors at Central Washington University?
Electrical Engineering Technologies ($72,482) and Construction Management ($71,168) offer the strongest earning potential at Central Washington University. Allied Health programs also perform well at $70,456, while general education fields lag behind at around $61,020.
How much student debt do Central Washington University graduates have?
Central Washington University graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. The relatively low cost of attendance helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Central Washington University?
Only 50% of students graduate from Central Washington University, which is below the national average. This completion rate poses a significant risk since non-graduates still carry debt without the degree needed for higher earnings.