Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Eastern Washington University vary significantly by field of study, ranging from $84,822 for Artificial Intelligence graduates to $43,715 for Communication and Media Studies. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment—not prestige or reputation.
Use this page to compare how different majors perform in the labor market.
Analyzing 46 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out across earnings, national ranking, and enrollment size.
#58 nationally
$67K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Eastern Washington University.
This cluster represents Eastern Washington University's strongest earnings outcomes, with Artificial Intelligence leading at $84,822 and Applied Engineering Technologies at $70,789. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $69,502, though ranking lower nationally at #209.
Programs in this group demonstrate substantial variation in value scores, from exceptional performance in applied technologies to more challenging outcomes in traditional engineering. These programs are best suited for students prioritizing high earning potential and technical skill development.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #58 |
Program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and career outcomes based on federal College Scorecard data, not academic prestige or reputation measures. Different programs at the same institution produce varying outcomes due to labor market demand, required skills, career trajectories, and student preparation levels. Rankings compare programs nationally within each major category, helping students understand how specific programs perform relative to similar offerings elsewhere. Data includes graduates who completed programs within recent cohort periods, with cohort sizes indicating the number of students tracked for outcome measurement. Programs with fewer than 10 graduates are excluded from federal reporting requirements, ensuring reliable outcome data for listed programs.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| $84,822★ |
| — |
| 85 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering. | #183 | $77,350 | — | 46 |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | — | $76,599 | — | 6 |
| Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | #8 | $70,789 | — | 60 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.Small sample | #23 | $69,819 | — | 13 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #213 | $69,502 | — | 70 |
| Computer Graphics. | #17 | $36,430 | — | 58 |
Business programs show moderate to strong earnings outcomes, with Banking and Financial Support Services leading at $60,166, followed by Business Administration at $58,830 and Accounting Technology at $57,893. Value scores vary significantly within the group, from strong performance in Business Administration to lower scores in Digital Marketing.
The large enrollment in Business Administration (164 students) indicates strong student demand. This group serves students seeking versatile career preparation with solid earning potential across diverse business sectors.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information Resources Management. | #58 | $62,063★ | — | 32 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #137 | $60,166 | — | 69 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #133 | $58,830 | $22,786 | 164 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #195 | $57,893 | — | 82 |
| Digital Marketing. | #181 | $48,378 | — | 76 |
Dental Assisting stands out with exceptional value, ranking #3 nationally and delivering $67,077 in median earnings with a 90.9 value score. The program's small cohort of 50 graduates reflects specialized training leading to strong labor market outcomes.
This represents Eastern Washington University's most successful health program in terms of earnings and national ranking performance. Well-suited for students seeking direct entry into healthcare careers with strong earning potential and job security.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assisting/Assistant. | #3 | $67,077★ | — | 50 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator. | #46 | $50,149 | — | 25 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #110 | $48,175 | — | 27 |
| Animal-Assisted Therapy.Small sample | #20 | $47,541 | — | 13 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling.Small sample | #13 | $46,108 | — | 11 |
Scientific programs demonstrate diverse outcomes, with Aerospace Physiology and Medicine ranking #7 nationally and earning $51,518, while Biology General earns $45,817 with more modest national ranking. Behavioral Neuroscience shows strong value at #11 nationally with $47,713 earnings despite smaller cohort size.
Programs in this cluster often serve as preparation for graduate study, with outcomes reflecting both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways. Best suited for students pursuing research, healthcare, or specialized technical careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #84 | $58,242★ | — | 17 |
| Aerospace Physiology and Medicine. | #8 | $51,518 | $14,745 | 106 |
| Geochemistry and Petrology.Small sample | #64 | $49,598 | — | 11 |
| Biology, General. | #235 | $45,817 | — | 106 |
Social science programs show varied performance, with Criminology ranking #22 nationally and earning $48,878, while Psychology earns $45,250 with #111 national ranking. Forensic Social Work demonstrates competitive outcomes at $46,662 with strong value scores.
These programs typically prepare students for public service, graduate study, or applied social science careers. The cluster serves students prioritizing social impact and human services over maximum earning potential, though outcomes remain competitive.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | #24 | $48,878★ | — | 88 |
| International Relations and Affairs.Small sample | #60 | $48,551 | — | 12 |
| Behavioral Neuroscience. | #11 | $47,713 | — | 65 |
| Applied Economics.Small sample | #205 | $47,122 | — | 19 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #54 | $46,662 | — | 64 |
| Psychology, General. | #108 | $45,250 | $11,318 | 117 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #254 | $45,089 | — | 38 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | — | $42,682 | — | 6 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #267 | $30,409 | — | 26 |
Communication and Media Studies earns $43,715 with moderate value scores and #120 national ranking. The program's 97 graduates indicate solid student interest, though earnings lag behind technical and business programs.
Programs in this area prepare students for media, marketing, and communication careers where skills and portfolio matter significantly. Best suited for students prioritizing creative expression and communication skills over maximum earning potential.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #122 | $43,715★ | $11,571 | 97 |
| Broadcast Journalism.Small sample | — | $20,140 | — | 9 |
Limited representation in traditional humanities programs reflects Eastern Washington University's emphasis on professional and technical education. Programs in this cluster typically focus on communication skills, critical thinking, and cultural understanding while offering more modest earning potential.
Best suited for students pursuing careers in education, nonprofit work, or fields where humanistic skills complement technical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catalan Language and Literature. | #98 | $43,658★ | — | 21 |
| American History (United States). | #276 | $35,353 | — | 27 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #285 | $32,038 | — | 29 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #146 | $31,006 | — | 20 |
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production.Small sample | #71 | $30,128 | — | 18 |
| Brass Instruments.Small sample | #167 | $21,964 | — | 14 |
Agricultural Teacher Education demonstrates exceptional performance, ranking #17 nationally with $53,164 earnings and an outstanding 88.5 value score. The program's strong national standing reflects specialized training for agricultural education careers.
With 110 graduates, it represents substantial enrollment in teacher preparation. This program serves students committed to agricultural education and rural community development, combining subject matter expertise with pedagogical training.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed.Small sample | #15 | $54,887★ | — | 14 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #18 | $53,164 | — | 110 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #76 | $44,130 | — | 62 |
Environmental Science. leads agriculture & environment with 40K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Science.Small sample | #129 | $39,671 | — | 16 |
The Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program represents innovative programming, ranking #6 nationally with $45,524 earnings and strong value scores. This specialized program serves students with unique educational needs, demonstrating Eastern Washington University's commitment to inclusive education.
The program's exceptional national ranking reflects targeted support leading to positive career outcomes for participating students.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary (CTP) Program. | #6 | $45,524★ | $20,368 | 90 |
| Adult Development and Aging. | #67 | $35,680 | — | 47 |
| City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning.Small sample | #14 | $33,993 | — | 10 |
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management.Small sample | #35 | $29,685 | — | 12 |
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.
