Central Washington University

What are the graduation rates for students at Central Washington University?

Central Washington University has an overall graduation rate of 50%, which is considered average but places the institution in the lower 40th percentile nationally. Male students graduate at a slightly lower rate of 46%, while female students graduate at a rate of 53%, reflecting a modest gender gap favoring women. Both male and female graduation rates remain within the bottom 40% and 35% percentile ranges, respectively.

The university's four-year graduation rate is notably low at 32%, ranking in the bottom 30th percentile and indicating that less than one-third of students complete their undergraduate programs within this timeframe. However, the six-year graduation rate improves to 50%, demonstrating that half of the students finish their degrees within six years, though this rate remains average and in the lower 40th national percentile.

Retention rates at Central Washington University stand at 69%, which is classified as average but still ranks in the bottom 35% percentile. This suggests that a significant proportion of students do return for their second year, yet retention could be strengthened to improve overall graduation outcomes.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Central Washington University?

Graduates from Central Washington University experience a wide range of early career earnings depending on their field of study. Those pursuing degrees in technology and engineering-related areas tend to have some of the highest earning potential. For instance, graduates with a degree in Construction Management report an average early salary of $73,538, while those with a background in Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians earn around $68,024. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians follow with earnings near $59,580, and Computer Science majors see average earnings of $63,052.

Programs in computer and information sciences also offer competitive earnings, with general Computer and Information Sciences graduates averaging $47,098, while specialization in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication produces an average income of about $39,441. Business-related fields such as Accounting and Related Services report an average starting salary of $47,780, and Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earn roughly $44,355.

Students interested in healthcare-related professions can expect solid early salaries as well. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions graduates earn an average of $68,738, marking one of the highest median incomes across available degrees. Meanwhile, Public Health graduates begin with approximately $31,199, and Nutrition Sciences majors see earnings around $30,834.

The education field demonstrates consistent but more moderate early earnings. Special Education and Teaching graduates earn about $47,108, while those studying Teacher Education and Professional Development in specific levels and methods make near $47,716. Degrees focusing on specific subject areas in education report salaries close to $44,714.

Natural sciences graduates studying fields such as Chemistry and Geological and Earth Sciences report average early career incomes of $35,240 and $36,804, respectively. Psychology majors start near $30,225, and Biology graduates approximate $28,926 in earnings.

Graduates in communication-related disciplines can expect varying results. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication degrees stand out as more lucrative within this cohort with earnings near $39,441. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn about $35,097, and Radio, Television, and Digital Communication majors report starting salaries around $26,320.

Careers in social sciences present a broad spectrum of income. Economics graduates begin with an average salary of $38,008, Political Science and Government yields about $37,000, and Social Sciences General degrees show $36,440. Sociology majors earn moderately at $34,577, while Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates receive $39,307 on average.

Art and the performing arts typically offer lower initial earnings. Music graduates earn around $31,645, Film/Video and Photographic Arts majors start near $26,633, and Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft shows early salaries averaging approximately $22,474. Apparel and Textiles graduates earn moderately at $37,843.

Other fields such as Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services report starting incomes of about $25,320, and disciplines like Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies average $26,542. These figures illustrate the variation in earning potential across different areas of study at Central Washington University and highlight certain fields offering stronger financial prospects for recent graduates.