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Central Washington University vs Gonzaga University: which has better ROI?

Public, Ellensburg WA · vs · Private nonprofit, Spokane WA

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

The verdict

Gonzaga University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $140,476 in 4.6 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $78,892 vs $61,580 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Washington UniversityGonzaga University
Net price / yr$18,476$35,119
Total net cost$73,904$140,476
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,580$78,892
Median debt$19,500$24,454
Payback5.6 yrs4.6 yrs
20-year net return$190,496$470,164

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

Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Gonzaga University?

Central Washington University, at $18,476 a year after aid versus $35,119 — a gap of $16,643 a year, or $66,572 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 Gonzaga University graduates earn more?

Gonzaga University graduates report a median $78,892 ten years after entry, $17,312 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 Gonzaga University?

Central Washington University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $24,454 at Gonzaga University, a difference of $4,954. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

86% of students finish at Gonzaga University, 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 Gonzaga University: frequently asked questions

Is Central Washington University or Gonzaga University a better value?
Gonzaga University. It clears its $140,476 net cost in about 4.6 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $78,892 vs $61,580 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Gonzaga University?
Central Washington University: $18,476/yr net price after aid versus $35,119/yr at Gonzaga University — a difference of $16,643 a year, or about $66,572 over four years.
Do Central Washington University or Gonzaga University graduates earn more?
Gonzaga University graduates earn a median $78,892 ten years after entry, versus $61,580 at Central Washington University — a $17,312 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.