Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 represents a manageable starting point for a business economics graduate, though the full picture here requires some interpretation. Since this specific program lacks sufficient graduate data for public reporting, these figures come from national medians across similar bachelor's programs in business economics—meaning we're looking at what peer institutions typically produce rather than Central Washington's track record. The estimated $53,000 first-year salary aligns exactly with the national benchmark, while the projected $21,125 debt load sits slightly below the typical $22,250, suggesting comparable programs deliver reasonable outcomes.
The challenge is that business economics programs vary significantly in their industry connections, alumni networks, and regional employer relationships—factors that aren't captured in these estimates. Central Washington's location in Ellensburg, away from major Washington business centers like Seattle or Spokane, could limit immediate access to higher-paying corporate roles that graduates in more urban programs might secure. With only four Washington schools offering this major, you're looking at a relatively specialized credential where individual program reputation matters considerably.
The estimated numbers suggest financial viability if your student's outcomes mirror national norms, but without school-specific data, you're essentially betting on Central Washington performing at the median for this field. Request information on where recent graduates actually landed jobs and at what salaries—that concrete placement data will tell you far more than these national approximations can.
Where Central Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,192 | $53,219* | — | $21,125* | — | |
| $62,982 | $106,701* | — | —* | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604* | $92,873 | $17,332* | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212* | $122,309 | $27,000* | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796* | $101,741 | $23,240* | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227* | $97,349 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219* | — | $22,250* | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Central Washington University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 81 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.