Central Washington University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$36,768
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$14,398/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
2.6 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
683%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Central Washington University's in-state tuition costs $9,192. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $43,326. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $49,398, and after ten years, the median salary is $61,580. The median debt for graduates is $19,500.
Based on the provided data, the debt-to-income ratio for a graduate one year after graduation is approximately 45%. This is calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings.
Given the tuition cost and one-year earnings, the break-even point, which is the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$9,192
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
Median Earnings (5yr)
$49,398
Graduation Rate
51%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,774 | 1139% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $55,716 | 1027% |
| Psychology, General | $43,638 | 370% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $57,136 | 1104% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $53,330 | 897% |
| Accounting and Related Services | $79,864 | 2340% |
| Social Sciences, General | $51,280 | 786% |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $0 | N/A |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $56,601 | 1075% |
| Marketing | $0 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $38,098 | 69% |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $35,462 | -75% |
Peer Comparison
683%
20yr ROI
395%
20yr ROI
624%
20yr ROI
555%
20yr ROI
42%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.