Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Central Washington University vary significantly by field of study, with particularly strong performance in education, technology, and professional service fields. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal data from the College Scorecard.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market and identify programs that align with your career and financial goals.
Analyzing 41 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for their national rankings, earnings performance, and enrollment size at Central Washington University.
recent graduates
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, national and state rankings, debt levels, and cohort sizes.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Central Washington University.
Technology programs deliver the highest earnings at Central Washington, with Computer Science graduates earning $93,387 and Hazardous Materials Information Systems earning $85,825. Computer Science ranks #74 nationally despite smaller cohorts, while the specialized technology program ranks #2 nationally.
These programs are ideal for students who can handle technical rigor and want to maximize long-term earning potential, though cohort sizes are smaller than business programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians. | — | $97,869★ |
These program rankings reflect post-graduation labor market outcomes, not academic prestige or program reputation. Earnings and debt data come from federal College Scorecard records tracking graduates 2-4 years after completion. Rankings compare programs nationally within each field based on graduate earnings, with value scores incorporating both earnings and debt levels. Significant variation exists even within the same institution because different fields lead to different career paths with varying compensation structures. Programs with smaller cohorts (under 30 graduates) may show more volatile year-to-year outcomes. Students should consider these outcomes alongside their interests, abilities, and long-term career goals when selecting majors.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
| — |
| 28 |
| Computer Science. | — | $95,368 | — | 60 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $84,871 | — | 19 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | — | $72,838 | $20,527 | 45 |
| Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians.Small sample | — | $72,482 | — | 8 |
Business programs serve Central Washington's largest enrollment with 334 graduates in Business Administration earning $57,774, while Accounting Technology graduates earn $60,593. Both programs rank in the top 5 statewide, though national rankings are more moderate.
The substantial cohort sizes provide strong peer networks and employer recognition. These programs work well for students seeking versatile career preparation with reliable earnings in the upper-middle income range.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management. | — | $97,651★ | $34,416 | 38 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | — | $74,442 | $18,453 | 102 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | — | $73,036 | $21,259 | 257 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods.Small sample | — | $44,170 | — | 8 |
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. leads health with 97K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.Small sample | — | $97,263★ | — | 18 |
| Public Health. | — | $62,435 | — | 33 |
Biological sciences programs show challenging financial outcomes, with Biology graduates earning $38,098 and Aerospace Physiology graduates earning $35,462, both carrying higher debt levels. Value scores below 15 indicate poor return on investment.
These programs may work for students planning graduate school or those prioritizing academic interest over immediate earnings, but require careful financial planning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry.Small sample | — | $75,905★ | — | 7 |
| Biology, General. | — | $56,154 | $27,954 | 36 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.Small sample | — | $53,987 | — | 18 |
| Physics.Small sample | — | $41,565 | — | 12 |
Social science programs show mixed outcomes, with Research Methodology ranking #9 nationally and delivering $51,280 in earnings, while Psychology graduates earn $43,638. Applied Sociology ranks #68 nationally with moderate earnings of $49,664.
These programs suit students interested in human services, research, or graduate school preparation, though earnings are generally lower than business or technology fields.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics.Small sample | — | $88,799★ | — | 8 |
| Political Science and Government. | — | $64,361 | — | 30 |
| Sociology. | — | $63,608 | $14,702 | 74 |
| Social Sciences, General. | — | $58,680 | — | 67 |
| Psychology, General. | — | $54,530 | $17,272 | 181 |
| Human Services, General. | — | $54,318 | — | 47 |
| Geography and Cartography.Small sample | — | $53,081 | — | 19 |
| Anthropology. | — | $44,089 | — | 33 |
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. leads communications with 67K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | — | $66,538★ | $33,938 | 21 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | — | $56,862 | — | 23 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication.Small sample | — | $50,318 | — | 9 |
Creative Writing represents the humanities with graduates earning $27,832, ranking #36 nationally but with low value scores. The small cohort of 47 graduates reflects limited enrollment demand.
This program suits students passionate about writing and literary pursuits who understand the financial tradeoffs involved, though alternative career planning may be necessary for financial stability.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music. | — | $51,008★ | — | 46 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.Small sample | — | $46,087 | — | 14 |
| History.Small sample | — | $45,990 | — | 19 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | — | $45,152 | — | 33 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | — | $43,101 | — | 13 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | — | $41,971 | — | 49 |
| Fine and Studio Arts.Small sample | — | $40,251 | $30,713 | 19 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | — | $33,800 | — | 25 |
Education programs at Central Washington rank among the nation's best, with Adult and Continuing Education ranking #7 nationally and Agricultural Teacher Education ranking #11. These programs deliver strong earnings between $55,000-$57,000 with exceptional value scores above 90, indicating outstanding return on investment.
The 313 total graduates across education specialties reflect substantial institutional commitment to teacher preparation. Education programs are best suited for students who prioritize meaningful work in service-oriented careers with solid middle-class earnings potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | — | $61,604★ | — | 137 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | — | $59,659 | — | 246 |
Corrections Administration stands out with a #28 national ranking and #1 state ranking, producing 143 graduates earning $53,330 with strong value scores of 85.9. The large cohort size indicates robust program demand and employer partnerships.
This program works well for students interested in public safety careers with solid earnings and job security, though growth potential may be more limited than private sector alternatives.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | — | $60,761 | $17,119 | 128 |
Air Transportation. leads other & interdisciplinary with 75K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transportation. | — | $74,997★ | — | 107 |
| Apparel and Textiles.Small sample | — | $65,815 | — | 15 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services.Small sample | — | $54,858 | — | 17 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness. | — | $47,979 | — | 97 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
