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Quality Control at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians

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

Optimistic

Base Case

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 →