Central Washington University's published cost of attendance is $28,816. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $11,846, middle-income families pay around $16,022, and higher-income families pay approximately $26,719.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,816 |
| Tuition and Fees | $27,526 |
| Room and Board | $16,480 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$10,340 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,476 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,846 |
| $30–48k | $13,942 |
| $48–75k | $16,022 |
| $75–110k | $21,682 |
| $110k+ | $26,719 |
Central Washington University's published cost of attendance is $28,816. Net price by income band reflects the institution's public-tuition structure and need-based aid reach: low-income families pay approximately $11,846, middle-income families pay around $16,022, and higher-income families pay approximately $26,719. Azimuth ranks Central Washington University #460 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Central Washington University participates in federal need-based aid programs, including Pell Grants and Direct Loans, alongside state and institutional aid. The institution's aid structure prioritizes closing the gap between published cost and what families actually pay through grants and scholarships. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $22,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $63,444, median federal debt of $19,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. In a downside earnings scenario anchored on lower-earning program clusters, projected four-year earnings of $48,680 would tighten the relationship between debt service and income — a pattern worth exploring at the program level rather than the institutional average. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Central Washington University earn median 4-year earnings of $63,444, placing Central Washington University in the 63.5 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $3,175 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 70.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Central Washington University #629 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 257 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $73,036, ranked #106 nationally in its major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 246 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $59,659, ranked #12 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 181 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,530, ranked #103 nationally in its major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas reports 137 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $61,604, ranked #13 nationally in its major.
