At $13,091/yr net price, Eastern Washington University graduates earn $57,897/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $23,897/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,091 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $57,897/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$23,897/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.2% |
| 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 | $8,578/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,788/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,004/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,464/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,564/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,130 | $61,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,355 | $55,865 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,335 | $25,116 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $62,707 | $23,604 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 | $41,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,979 | $21,500 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,770 | $21,750 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $54,331 | $54,184 |
| Education, General. | Master | $53,894 | $29,660 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,358 | $20,500 |
The Risk Factor
47.2% of students at Eastern 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
Eastern Washington University offers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes in healthcare and technical fields but concerning graduation and retention rates that undermine overall value.
Your best financial bets are rehabilitation therapy programs, which lead to $75,000+ salaries despite higher debt loads of around $60,000. Electrical engineering and dental support services deliver solid returns with more manageable debt under $26,000. Communication disorders also pays decently at $57,000, though you'll carry $41,000 in debt.
The biggest risk at EWU is not finishing your degree. With only 47% of students graduating and 33% dropping out after freshman year, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning a credential. This makes program choice critical - stick to fields with clear career paths and avoid majors without strong job placement data.
EWU works best if you're pursuing healthcare, engineering, or other technical fields and can commit to finishing your program. The low net price of $13,000 annually makes it affordable compared to other options, and the typical debt load of $19,500 remains manageable for graduates who actually complete degrees.
Avoid EWU if you're unsure about your major or tend to struggle academically. The low retention rate suggests many students find the transition difficult. You're also taking a gamble if you're considering programs outside the top-earning fields, as the median graduate salary of $58,000 provides limited cushion for repaying loans if you don't land in a high-paying specialty.
Look elsewhere if you need extensive academic support services or prefer smaller class sizes, as EWU's completion rates indicate potential gaps in student success infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eastern Washington University worth the cost?
Eastern Washington University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $13,091 and modest debt levels around $19,500. However, the 47% graduation rate and median earnings of $57,897 suggest mixed returns, making it worth it mainly for students who complete their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Eastern Washington University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead with earnings around $75,000, followed by engineering and dental support programs in the $60,000+ range. These programs offer strong ROI compared to the university's overall median earnings of $57,897.
How much debt do Eastern Washington University graduates have?
Eastern Washington University graduates carry a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to many schools. With the low net price of $13,091 per year, students can often minimize borrowing if they graduate on time.
Does Eastern Washington University have a good graduation rate?
Eastern Washington University's 47% graduation rate is below average and represents a significant completion risk. Students should have strong academic preparation and clear degree plans, as nearly half of entering students don't finish their programs.