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Economics at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $52,129/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (293,500 openings/yr)

ROI 18.0x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #54 of 351 Economics programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Economics graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$683K	$664K	$583K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	18.6x	18.0x	15.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.4x	6.2x	5.4x
Probability of Field Employment	66%	60%	41%
DegreeOutlook Score	75	74	70

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$36,768

Out-of-state: $107,084 (6.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,744

3.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$72,632

39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $52,129/yr, Economics graduates from Central Washington University land near the $53,966 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 18.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Economics career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

The median debt load of $14,744 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Central Washington University ranks #54 among 351 Economics programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 39% earnings increase from $52,129 to $72,632 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Central Washington University

With 90% of applicants admitted, Central Washington University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr

Economics teachers, postsecondary $119,980/yr

Economists $115,440/yr

View all 9 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Economics at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at Central Washington University?

At 74/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.

Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at Central Washington University?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is Central Washington University one of the best schools for Economics?

Among 351 Economics programs, Central Washington University's #54 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →