Students at Washington State University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $3,320 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
The university ranks in the top quartile nationally for both overall earnings and outcomes for low-income students, reflecting strong career preparation across academic programs.
Azimuth ranks Washington State University among the top public institutions nationwide for overall value, reflecting its strong combination of earnings outcomes and reasonable affordability. Located in Pullman, WSU operates as a large public research university that consistently delivers above-average financial returns for graduates across a wide range of academic programs.
What distinguishes WSU is its ability to generate strong long-term earnings for students while maintaining accessible net prices for most income levels. Graduates earn a median of $68,905 ten years after enrollment, placing the university in the top 20% nationally for earnings outcomes. The university also demonstrates exceptional value-added performance, with graduates earning about $3,320 more than similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting WSU's effectiveness in preparing students for high-paying careers.
As a comprehensive research university, WSU combines academic breadth with practical career preparation. The institution serves over 25,000 students with programs spanning engineering, agriculture, business, nursing, and liberal arts. While WSU maintains moderate selectivity as a "Selective Achiever," it provides strong upward mobility opportunities, particularly for students who complete degrees in high-demand fields like computer engineering, nursing, and business administration.
Washington State University's program portfolio demonstrates particular strength in professional and technical fields that lead directly to well-paying careers. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the standout program, combining substantial scale with 345 graduates and strong median earnings of $69,757, making it the highest aggregate-return major at WSU. This reflects both the program's quality and the strong demand for nursing professionals in the regional and national healthcare market.
Engineering programs deliver some of WSU's highest individual earnings outcomes, with Computer Engineering graduates earning $75,204 in early career positions despite the program's smaller scale of 35 graduates annually. This pattern reflects the university's strength in technical fields and the premium that employers place on WSU engineering graduates. Psychology represents WSU's largest program by enrollment with 415 graduates, though early earnings of $33,162 reflect the field's typical career trajectory requiring additional experience or graduate education for higher compensation.
The university's program mix balances professional preparation with liberal arts breadth, though financial outcomes vary significantly by field. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as English Language and Literature at $26,248, benefit from WSU's overall institutional reputation and alumni network. The university's comprehensive research environment provides students across disciplines with opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and career development that contribute to long-term earning potential beyond what early career salaries might suggest.
Washington State University delivers strong long-term financial outcomes for graduates across multiple academic disciplines. Ten years after enrollment, WSU graduates earn a median of $68,905, placing the university in the 83rd percentile nationally for earnings performance. More importantly, graduates consistently earn about $3,320 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating WSU's exceptional ability to add value beyond what would be expected based on student characteristics and institutional factors.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional and technical programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining substantial enrollment of 345 graduates with strong median earnings of $69,757. Computer Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $75,204 for its 35 graduates, while Psychology represents the largest program footprint with 415 graduates earning $33,162 in early career positions. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as English Language and Literature at $26,248, benefit from WSU's overall institutional strength in preparing students for career advancement and long-term earning potential.
Washington State University maintains strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $7,147 annually in net price, well below national averages for public research universities. Middle-income families face net costs around $12,308 per year, while higher-income students pay about $24,472 annually, representing reasonable value given WSU's strong outcomes and comprehensive program offerings.
Debt levels remain manageable for most WSU graduates relative to their earning potential. Typical federal student loan debt totals $19,500, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of nearly $69,000 ten years post-enrollment. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $23,817 for families who choose this option, reflecting moderate family contribution levels. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by strong career outcomes and earnings growth that make repayment sustainable for most borrowers.
Washington State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
