Washington State University vs Central Washington University: which has better ROI?
Washington State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $59,884 in 2.9 years versus 5.6 years at Central Washington University, on median earnings of $68,905 vs $61,580 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Washington State University | Central Washington University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,971 | $18,476 |
| Total net cost | $59,884 | $73,904 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $68,905 | $61,580 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 2.9 yrs | 5.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $351,016 | $190,496 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Washington State University or Central Washington University?
Washington State University, at $14,971 a year after aid versus $18,476 — a gap of $3,505 a year, or $14,020 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Washington State University or Central Washington University graduates earn more?
Washington State University graduates report a median $68,905 ten years after entry, $7,325 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, Washington State University or Central 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?
61% of students finish at Washington State 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.