Central Washington University vs Western Washington Unive...

Q: How do graduation rates compare between Central Washington University and Western Washington University?

Central Washington University has a graduation rate of 51% compared to 66% at Western Washington University.

Q: Which school has higher earnings, Central Washington University or Western Washington University?

Central Washington University graduates earn more, with median 5-year earnings of $49,398 compared to $45,272 at Western Washington University.

Central Washington University

Western Washington University

Key Metrics Compared

Official Data

Metric	Central Washington University	Western Washington University	Winner
Acceptance Rate	90%	91%	Central Washington University
Graduation Rate	51%	66%	Western Washington University
Avg Earnings (5yr)	$49,398	$45,272	Central Washington University
Median Debt	$19,500	$18,500	Western Washington University
Tuition (In-State)	$9,192	$9,286	Central Washington University
Retention Rate	69%	80%	Western Washington University
Financial Aid	36%	28%	Central Washington University

Comparison Analysis

Central Washington University graduates earn more, with average earnings of $49,398 compared to Western Washington University's $45,272. However, Western Washington University has a higher graduation rate of 65.5% versus Central Washington University's 51%. Both schools have similar tuition costs, with Central Washington University at $9,192 and Western Washington University at $9,286. Acceptance rates are also comparable, with Central Washington University at 90.2% and Western Washington University at 91.3%.

Western Washington University has a higher graduation rate, indicating students are more likely to complete their degrees. Central Washington University graduates earn more, which may be a significant factor for some students. The tuition costs are nearly identical, and both schools have high acceptance rates.

The overall value proposition depends on individual priorities. Students prioritizing higher earnings might favor Central Washington University, while those prioritizing degree completion may prefer Western Washington University.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

Shared Programs

Shared Major	Central Washington University Earnings	Western Washington University Earnings	Difference
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$49,791	$53,402	7% favor Western Washington University
Psychology, General	$36,964	$32,306	14% favor Central Washington University
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$49,791	$75,467	52% favor Western Washington University
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$59,067	$30,899	91% favor Central Washington University
Natural Resources Conservation and Research	$29,725	$30,899	4% favor Western Washington University
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$47,359	$53,133	12% favor Western Washington University
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$47,359	$63,702	35% favor Western Washington University
Accounting and Related Services	$55,215	$60,048	9% favor Western Washington University
Marketing	$0	$43,375	—
Sociology	$36,466	$33,039	10% favor Central Washington University

Quick Facts