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 gives you a solid financial return with low risk. Median debt sits at $19,500 against median earnings of $68,905 ten years out, so the debt-to-earnings ratio stays comfortable. That's a good deal for a public flagship, and the numbers hold up across most of the programs that make it onto the earnings list.
The engineering and health tracks are where the payoff is clearest. Computer Engineering leads at $75,204, and nursing stands out because it pairs a strong salary with the lowest debt of any top program at $13,476. If you graduate from nursing here, you leave with more earning power per dollar borrowed than any other path on campus. Computer Science and Electrical Engineering land in the same range, and Construction Management holds near $70,000, which is high for a field that doesn't require a graduate degree.
The main risk is finishing. The 61.6% graduation rate and 79.57% retention rate mean roughly one in five of you won't return after year one, and nearly 40% won't finish. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome here, and it's a real possibility for a meaningful share of students. WSU pays off if you make it through, not if you drop out with loans.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes heavily. Under $30k, you pay $7,147. over $110k, you pay $24,472, more than triple. If your family earns under $48k, this is an affordable flagship. Above $110k, you're paying close to sticker, so weigh it against cheaper in-state options unless you're heading into engineering, nursing, or computing. Those programs justify the full price. Softer majors not on the earnings list are a bigger gamble at the top tier.
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.