At $14,401/yr net price, Washington State University graduates earn $68,905/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,905/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,401 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,604 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,905/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,905/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.6% |
| 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 | $7,147/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,723/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,308/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,445/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,472/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $135,393 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $123,178 | $137,435 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $112,073 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $105,813 | $64,792 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $100,915 | $53,547 |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $79,822 | $108,355 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,204 | $19,902 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $74,017 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $72,881 | $18,546 |
The Risk Factor
61.6% of students at Washington State University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Washington State University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings that justify the relatively affordable cost of attendance. Your net price of around $14,400 annually puts you ahead of the game compared to most four-year universities, and the manageable median debt load of $19,500 means you won't spend decades paying off your education.
The school's engineering and nursing programs stand out as clear financial winners. Engineering-related fields produce graduates earning $112,000 annually, while registered nursing graduates command over $105,000 with reasonable debt levels around $65,000. The pharmacy program offers the highest earning potential at $123,000, though you'll graduate with substantial debt of $137,000 that requires careful consideration.
WSU works particularly well if you're an in-state student pursuing technical fields or health sciences. The university's location in eastern Washington connects you to regional employers in agriculture, technology, and healthcare who actively recruit from the campus. You'll benefit from lower competition for internships and jobs compared to Seattle-area schools.
The graduation rate of 62% signals risk for students who struggle academically or lack clear career direction. If you're unsure about your major or need extensive academic support, consider whether WSU provides the resources you need to stay on track. The retention rate of nearly 80% suggests most students who return for sophomore year ultimately succeed.
Financial aid reaches only about 26% of students, so don't count on need-based assistance unless your family income is quite low. Merit scholarships exist but aren't guaranteed, making WSU most attractive for families who can handle the sticker price without significant borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Washington State University worth the cost?
WSU offers solid value with a net price of $14,401 and graduates earning $68,905 after 10 years, but the 61.6% graduation rate means many students don't finish. The return depends heavily on your major, with pharmacy and engineering programs paying significantly better than average.
What are the highest paying majors at Washington State University?
Educational administration leads at $135,393, followed by pharmacy at $123,178 and engineering at $112,073. Nursing programs also perform well, with graduates earning over $105,000 annually.
How much debt do Washington State University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable compared to many universities. With starting salaries around $69,000 for graduates, most can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
What is the graduation rate at Washington State University?
Only 61.6% of students graduate, which is below the national average for four-year universities. This means nearly 40% of students leave without a degree but may still carry debt.