Economicsat Central Washington University
Graduates earn $52,129/yr in their first year — about 3.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $664K; scenarios range from $583K to $683K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Central Washington University
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.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Central Washington University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How Central Washington University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Central Washington University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Central Washington University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Central Washington University
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.