Central Washington combines accessible admission with earnings performance that exceeds expectations. As an Opportunity Builders institution, the university generates $11,296 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining open access policies, supporting economic advancement for first-generation and transfer students.
With above average results, supported by strong earnings relative to educational investment
With well above average results, driven by controlled costs and manageable debt levels relative to outcomes
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into earnings growth for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisCentral Washington University delivers strong earnings outcomes relative to its accessible admission standards and diverse student population. Graduates earn a median of $61,580 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 74th percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median of $50,116 by $11,464.
Earnings range from $38,275 at the 25th percentile to $84,664 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career paths across professional fields. The institution generates $11,296 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 87.0th percentile nationally on this measure and qualifying for top-25 recognition.
Students seeking accessible education with strong career outcomes, particularly those interested in teaching, business, or public service fields. Well-suited for first-generation students (40.0%) and working adults, given the university's emphasis on professional preparation and community engagement in rural Washington state.
Central Washington University admits 90.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Central Washington in the Open Access category, with admission rates above 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates Central Washington is more accessible than typical similar institutions by 5.6 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that most students who meet basic eligibility requirements can expect admission, though academic preparation remains important for success once enrolled.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Central Washington University's published cost of attendance reaches $25,148 per year, including $9,192 in in-state tuition, $16,314 for room and board, and $900 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $26,771.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $14,715, representing financial aid savings of $10,433. This net price exceeds the peer median of $14,093 by $622, indicating costs slightly above typical similar institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and net price demonstrates the university's commitment to making education affordable through financial aid. For Washington state residents, the in-state tuition advantage provides significant value compared to out-of-state alternatives.
The university's financial aid approach reduces the published cost by more than 40% on average, though students should expect some variation based on family income and financial circumstances. Central Washington's pricing structure reflects typical public university patterns, with meaningful financial aid support that brings actual costs well below published figures.
Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, and complete the FAFSA early to maximize aid eligibility. The $900 books and supplies budget represents a reasonable estimate for academic materials, though actual costs may vary by program and student purchasing choices.
Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.
10 graduates
Computer Science.
45 graduates
Construction Management, General.
34 graduates
Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
36 graduates
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
35 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Kentucky University Similar quality tier (#226 ranked) | KY | 78% | $45,795 | #226 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Central Washington University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/central-washington-university/analysis.
Top-25 nationally for earnings beyond expectations
Central Washington University ranks #224 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with performance at the 86.3rd percentile. Located in Ellensburg, Washington, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission standards with a 90.2% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
Central Washington enrolls 31.1% Pell-eligible students and 40.0% first-generation students, positioning it well above typical public institutions on access measures. The university serves a significant transfer population, with 37.4% of students transferring from other institutions.
Graduates earn $11,296 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 87.0th percentile nationally for earnings uplift. Median earnings reach $61,580 ten years after enrollment, placing Central Washington at the 74th percentile for long-term earnings.
This combination of open admission, above-average access, and strong economic outcomes places Central Washington firmly within the Opportunity Builders quadrant, where institutions provide broad educational access while delivering outcomes that support career advancement.
The university's open access mission reflects its commitment to serving diverse student populations, including first-generation college students, transfer students, and working adults. Students should view Central Washington as an accessible option while focusing their application energy on demonstrating readiness for college-level work and articulating their academic and career goals.
The university evaluates applicants holistically, considering factors beyond test scores and GPA. Prospective students should prepare complete applications that showcase their potential for success rather than worrying about meeting highly competitive admission thresholds.
This accessibility creates opportunities for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions but are prepared to engage seriously with their education.
Central Washington graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time and strong performance relative to expectations. Median earnings rise from $49,398 six years after enrollment to $55,463 at eight years and $61,580 at ten years, representing 24.7% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 4,186 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. The university generates $11,296 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Central Washington at the 87.0th percentile for earnings uplift and earning top-25 recognition on this measure.
Low-income graduates earn $47,900, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings span from $38,275 at the 25th percentile to $84,664 at the 75th percentile, indicating differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 22.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, with high confidence in this estimate, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Central Washington offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking. Adult and Continuing Education stands out with a #7 national ranking and #1 ranking in Washington state, producing 207 graduates with median earnings of $57,136 and an exceptional value score of 97.2.
Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology ranks #2 nationally and #1 in Washington, graduating 36 students with median earnings of $85,825 and a strong value score of 87.5. Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Washington state, with 106 graduates earning $55,716.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 334 students annually with median earnings of $57,774 and ranking #111 nationally. Computer Science graduates earn the highest median salary at $93,387, ranking #74 nationally and #3 in Washington state.
These programs demonstrate Central Washington's strength in professional preparation and specialized technical fields.
Central Connecticut State University Similar quality tier (#228 ranked) | CT | 76% | $58,562 | #228 | Compare |
Rowan University Similar quality tier (#232 ranked) | NJ | 78% | $59,988 | #232 | Compare |
William & Mary Similar quality tier (#233 ranked) | VA | 33% | $73,490 | #233 | Compare |
University Of West Florida Similar quality tier (#234 ranked) | FL | 57% | $49,137 | #234 | Compare |
