Central Washington University vs Eastern Washington University: which has better ROI?
Central Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,904 in 5.6 years versus 5.8 years at Eastern Washington University, on median earnings of $61,580 vs $57,897 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Washington University | Eastern Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,476 | $13,886 |
| Total net cost | $73,904 | $55,544 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,580 | $57,897 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 5.6 yrs | 5.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $190,496 | $135,196 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University?
Eastern Washington University, at $13,886 a year after aid versus $18,476 — a gap of $4,590 a year, or $18,360 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 Eastern Washington University graduates earn more?
Central Washington University graduates report a median $61,580 ten years after entry, $3,683 more than the $57,897 at Eastern 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 Eastern Washington University?
Completers at both borrow a median $19,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
54% of students finish at Central Washington University, against 43% at Eastern 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.