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 gives you a moderate financial return with low risk on the debt side. You borrow a median of $19,500 to graduate, which lines up well against $57,897 in median earnings ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is comfortable, and it's the strongest thing this school has going for it.
The engineering and technical majors are where the money is. Electrical engineering and computer science both clear the school-wide median and land you jobs that pay in the Spokane and greater Washington tech and manufacturing market. Dental support services pays nearly as well as electrical engineering. Mechanical engineering and engineering technology round out the top tier. Pick one of these and you carry a bit more debt (electrical engineering runs about $25,000) but the earnings justify it.
The real risk here is finishing at all. Only 47% of students graduate, and a third don't return after their first year. If you drop out with loans and no degree, the friendly debt numbers stop protecting you. The full price of the degree assumes you actually walk across the stage.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families sharply. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $8,600 a year. Above $110,000, that more than doubles to about $20,600, and the jump between the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets is steep. EWU is a strong deal for lower-income Washington residents aiming at engineering, computer science, or dental support. If you're paying the top-tier price and planning to major in a lower-earning field, look harder at the total four-year cost against what that specific degree pays.
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.