Washington State University combines open access admission with strong economic mobility outcomes. As an Opportunity Builder institution, WSU produces earnings $8,362 above peer institutions while maintaining manageable debt levels and serving substantial populations of first-generation and transfer students seeking career advancement.
With strong tier performance, driven by above-average long-term earnings relative to educational costs
In the above average tier, reflecting controlled borrowing and reasonable net prices
With excellent tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into career advancement
With excellent tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into career advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisWashington State University delivers well above average earnings outcomes while maintaining moderate debt levels and accessible admission standards. Graduates earn a median of $68,905 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally and significantly above the peer median of $60,543.
Earnings span from $43,186 at the 25th percentile to $97,582 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career trajectories across WSU's comprehensive program portfolio. The institution generates $3,320 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 69th percentile nationally on this value-added measure, indicating solid performance given student demographics and program mix.
Students seeking strong outcomes in STEM, business, and health fields at an accessible public research university. Well-suited for first-generation students (34.1%) and transfer students (33.4%) who want broad program access with above-average earnings potential.
Washington State University's Opportunity Builder profile reflects solid career outcomes achieved through high-access admission policies.
Washington State University maintains an open access admission policy with an 85.4% acceptance rate, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive offers of admission. This positions WSU well above the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, making it more accessible than typical public research universities.
The university's admission approach reflects its mission as a comprehensive public institution serving diverse student populations across Washington state and beyond. Students should expect admission decisions based primarily on meeting basic academic requirements rather than highly competitive selection processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Washington State University's published cost of attendance reaches $27,176 annually, consisting of $12,997 in-state tuition, $29,073 out-of-state tuition, $13,131 for room and board, and $762 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $14,401 representing $12,775 in financial aid savings from the sticker price.
This net price falls slightly above the peer median of $15,590, placing WSU in the moderate range for public research universities. The financial aid system demonstrates progressive pricing, with net costs ranging from $7,147 for the lowest-income families to $24,472 for the highest-income bracket, a spread of $17,325 that reflects substantial aid targeting toward students with the greatest financial need.
For Washington residents, the in-state tuition advantage provides additional affordability compared to out-of-state students, though financial aid helps moderate costs across all income levels. Students should expect meaningful financial aid that reduces actual costs well below published prices, particularly for families earning under $75,000 annually.
Computer Science.
165 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
113 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
294 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
35 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
57 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North Carolina A & T State University Similar quality tier (#153 ranked) | NC | 46% | $44,440 | #153 | Compare |
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
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This is the Washington State University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/washington-state-university/analysis.
Top-tier mobility performance with accessible admission
Washington State University ranks #154 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 93rd percentile placing it in the excellent tier. Located in Pullman, Washington, this large public research university maintains open access admission with an 85.4% acceptance rate while delivering strong post-graduation outcomes.
WSU enrolls 25.6% Pell-eligible students and 34.1% first-generation students, demonstrating commitment to educational access alongside solid career preparation. Graduates earn $68,905 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 85th percentile nationally and $8,362 above the peer median of $60,543.
With earnings beyond expectations of $3,320, WSU produces outcomes that exceed predictions based on student demographics. This combination of accessible admission, diverse student enrollment, and above-average earnings positions WSU as an Opportunity Builder institution that converts broad access into meaningful economic advancement for graduates across multiple career pathways.
This accessibility enables WSU to enroll substantial populations of first-generation students (34.1%) and transfer students (33.4%), creating a diverse learning environment where students from various academic backgrounds can succeed. For most academically prepared students, admission to WSU represents a realistic option rather than a reach school.
The high acceptance rate means students can focus on program fit, career outcomes, and financial considerations when evaluating WSU, rather than worrying about admission uncertainty. Students building college lists should consider WSU as a solid option that combines accessibility with strong post-graduation outcomes, particularly in STEM, business, and health fields where the university demonstrates particular strength.
Washington State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career phases. Median earnings rise from $53,510 six years after enrollment to $61,897 at eight years and $68,905 at ten years, representing robust 28.8% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 7,114 graduates, providing high confidence in reported earnings figures. Graduates earn $3,320 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing WSU at the 69th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics.
The earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with graduates in the 75th percentile earning $97,582 compared to $43,186 for those in the 25th percentile, a 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Low-income graduates achieve $53,400 in median earnings, indicating solid economic outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Approximately 23.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both immediate workforce entry and advanced education pathways. Debt levels remain reasonable at $19,500 median, supporting long-term financial sustainability.
Washington State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods ranks #6 nationally and #2 in Washington, producing 394 graduates with median earnings of $53,186 and an exceptional value score of 85.7.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology achieves #26 nationally and #1 in Washington state, graduating 178 students with earnings of $57,273. Computer Science, while ranking #86 nationally, produces strong earnings of $93,485 for 165 graduates.
Adult and Continuing Education ranks #14 nationally with a remarkable value score of 94.0, indicating exceptional outcomes relative to debt levels. Nursing programs demonstrate both scale and quality, with Adult Health Nursing graduating 345 students earning $76,963 annually.
Psychology represents WSU's largest program by enrollment with 415 graduates, reflecting strong student demand across diverse academic interests and career pathways.
Northern Arizona University Similar quality tier (#155 ranked) | AZ | 91% | $54,384 | #155 | Compare |
Texas Woman's University Similar quality tier (#156 ranked) | TX | 95% | $56,544 | #156 | Compare |
Illinois State University Similar quality tier (#149 ranked) | IL | 89% | $62,117 | #149 | Compare |
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Similar quality tier (#147 ranked) | NC | 90% | $48,160 | #147 | Compare |
