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Public Health at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $42,137/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (179,000 openings/yr)

ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #29 of 213 Public Health programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$543K	$541K	$498K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.8x	14.7x	13.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.1x	5.1x	4.6x
Probability of Field Employment	55%	52%	36%
DegreeOutlook Score	58	58	55

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 (5.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,860

-60% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,326

5.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,484

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $42,137 at Central Washington University come in 8% above the national median of $38,916 for Public Health programs.

With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Public Health career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $42,137 far exceeding the $20,326 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Central Washington University ranks #29 among 213 Public Health programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 32% earnings increase from $42,137 to $55,484 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 8,081 students in Ellensburg, WA.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Physicists $166,290/yr

Medical and health services managers $117,960/yr

Health specialties teachers, postsecondary $105,620/yr

View all 13 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Public Health at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 58/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Public Health at Central Washington University?

At 58/100, Central Washington University's Public Health program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

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

The 48% 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 Public Health?

Among 213 Public Health programs, Central Washington University's #29 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 →