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Central Washington University vs DigiPen Institute of Technology: which has better ROI?

Public, Ellensburg WA · vs · Private for-profit, Redmond WA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

DigiPen Institute of Technology has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $177,784 in 5.6 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $79,878 vs $61,580 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Washington UniversityDigiPen Institute of Technology
Net price / yr$18,476$44,446
Total net cost$73,904$177,784
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,580$79,878
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback5.6 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$190,496$452,576

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?

Central Washington University, at $18,476 a year after aid versus $44,446 — a gap of $25,970 a year, or $103,880 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn more?

DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates report a median $79,878 ten years after entry, $18,298 more than the $61,580 at Central Washington University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?

Central Washington University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at DigiPen Institute of Technology, a difference of $7,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at DigiPen Institute of Technology, against 54% at Central Washington University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Central Washington University vs DigiPen Institute of Technology: frequently asked questions

Is Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology a better value?
DigiPen Institute of Technology. It clears its $177,784 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $79,878 vs $61,580 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology?
Central Washington University: $18,476/yr net price after aid versus $44,446/yr at DigiPen Institute of Technology — a difference of $25,970 a year, or about $103,880 over four years.
Do Central Washington University or DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
DigiPen Institute of Technology graduates earn a median $79,878 ten years after entry, versus $61,580 at Central Washington University — a $18,298 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.