Return on Investment Analysis

Central Washington University ROI Analysis

Q: How long does it take to break even on a Central Washington University degree?

The estimated break-even point for a degree from Central Washington University is 2.6 years after graduation, based on the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Q: What is the total cost of attending Central Washington University?

The estimated 4-year in-state tuition cost at Central Washington University is $36,768 ($9,192 per year). 36% of students receive financial aid.

Q: What do Central Washington University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Central Washington University graduates 5 years after enrollment is $49,398. This is $14,398 above the national average for high school diploma holders.

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Central Washington University costs about $36,768 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $49,398 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 2.6 years (20-year ROI: 683%).

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	4yr Cost	Median Earnings (5yr)	Est. 20yr ROI
Business Administration, Management and Operations	$36,768	$57,774	1139%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas	$36,768	$55,716	1027%
Psychology, General	$36,768	$43,638	370%
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods	$36,768	$57,136	1104%
Criminal Justice and Corrections	$36,768	$53,330	897%
Accounting and Related Services	$36,768	$79,864	2340%
Social Sciences, General	$36,768	$51,280	786%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness	$36,768	$56,601	1075%
Biology, General	$36,768	$38,098	69%
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences	$36,768	$35,462	-75%
Computer and Information Sciences, General	$36,768	$63,604	1456%
Human Services, General	$36,768	$43,079	339%
Sociology	$36,768	$49,664	698%
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies	$36,768	$0	N/A
Music	$36,768	$31,205	N/A
Air Transportation	$36,768	$68,153	1703%
Film/Video and Photographic Arts	$36,768	$38,708	102%
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians	$36,768	$85,825	2665%
Political Science and Government	$36,768	$0	N/A
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians	$36,768	$74,230	2034%
Construction Management	$36,768	$89,725	2877%
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft	$36,768	$26,295	N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision	$36,768	$86,414	2697%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication	$36,768	$54,237	946%

Peer Comparison

Central Washington University Current

683%

20yr ROI

University of Mary Washington

395%

20yr ROI

The University of Texas at Tyler

624%

20yr ROI

Kansas State University

555%

20yr ROI

Whitworth University

42%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$36,768

Median Debt$19,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0

Net 4-Year Cost$36,768

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Central Washington University worth the cost?

Based on government data, Central Washington University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 683%. The total 4-year cost is $36,768 and graduates earn a median of $49,398 within 5 years.

How long does it take to break even on a Central Washington University degree?

What is the total cost of attending Central Washington University?

What do Central Washington University graduates earn?

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.

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