Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.5%
- Retention Rate
- 79.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,569
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.3%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $81,333 | $18,583 |
| Mathematics. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $9,369 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $26,611 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $60,920 | $38,104 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $60,325 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,667 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $51,482 | $27,499 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $50,465 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,572 | $20,567 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $48,522 | $16,666 |
| Physics. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $46,087 | $19,833 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $45,826 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $45,696 | $19,084 |
Outcomes Overview
Western Washington graduates earn a median of $62,569 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 30% with typical debt loads of $18,500. Monthly loan payments of $196 represent just 3.8% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 94.7% employment rate reflects strong job placement in education, environmental consulting, and sustainable business sectors where WWU's reputation opens doors. Many graduates find work with Washington state agencies or Pacific Northwest nonprofits focused on environmental issues. The loan repayment rate of 74.32% indicates most students successfully manage their obligations. Given the reasonable debt burden and solid earning potential in growing green economy fields, WWU offers a strong return on investment.