Quality Control & Safety Technology at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
74
Optimistic
74
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $77,500/yr (21% vs median)
AI Risk High (39% exposed)
Job Market Large (95,600 openings/yr)
ROI 19.9x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 21 Quality Control programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Quality Control & Safety Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $750K $733K $654K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 20.4x 19.9x 17.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.0x 6.8x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 55% 52% 40%
DegreeOutlook Score 74 74 72

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 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$58,860
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,333
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,822
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $77,500 at Central Washington University come in 21% above the national median of $63,917 for Quality Control & Safety Technology programs.

With a 19.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Quality Control & Safety Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $77,500 far exceeding the $25,333 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #2 of 21 programs, this Quality Control & Safety Technology program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

The limited growth from $77,500 to $92,822 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Central Washington University

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

See all programs and financial aid at Central Washington University →

Top Career Paths

Occupational health and safety specialists $83,910/yr
Industrial engineering technologists and technicians $64,790/yr
Environmental engineering technologists and technicians $58,890/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Quality Control & Safety Technology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central Washington University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 74/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Quality Control & Safety Technology 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 Quality Control & Safety Technology at Central Washington University?
The 39% 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →