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

Public, Bellingham WA · vs · Public, Ellensburg WA

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

The verdict

Central Washington University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,904 in 5.6 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $61,580 vs $62,569 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureWestern Washington UniversityCentral Washington University
Net price / yr$21,193$18,476
Total net cost$84,772$73,904
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,569$61,580
Median debt$18,500$19,500
Payback6 yrs5.6 yrs
20-year net return$199,408$190,496

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

Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or Central Washington University?

Central Washington University, at $18,476 a year after aid versus $21,193 — a gap of $2,717 a year, or $10,868 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Western Washington University or Central Washington University graduates earn more?

Western Washington University graduates report a median $62,569 ten years after entry, $989 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, Western Washington University or Central Washington University?

Western Washington University: its completers carry a median $18,500 in federal loans versus $19,500 at Central Washington University, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at Western Washington 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.

Western Washington University vs Central Washington University: frequently asked questions

Is Western Washington University or Central Washington University a better value?
Central Washington University. It clears its $73,904 net cost in about 5.6 years versus 6 years at Western Washington University, on median earnings of $61,580 vs $62,569 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Western Washington University or Central Washington University?
Central Washington University: $18,476/yr net price after aid versus $21,193/yr at Western Washington University — a difference of $2,717 a year, or about $10,868 over four years.
Do Western Washington University or Central Washington University graduates earn more?
Western Washington University graduates earn a median $62,569 ten years after entry, versus $61,580 at Central Washington University — a $989 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.