Est. Earnings (1yr)
$53,219
Est. from national median (81 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$21,125
Est. from national median (58 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg$9,192$53,219*—$21,125*—
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis$62,982$106,701*——*—
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles$13,747$83,604*$92,873$17,332*0.21
Villanova UniversityVillanova$64,701$82,212*$122,309$27,000*0.33
Lehigh UniversityBethlehem$62,180$81,796*$101,741$23,240*0.28
Brigham Young UniversityProvo$6,496$75,227*$97,349—*—
National Median—$53,219*—$22,250*0.42
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Management Analysts

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.

$101,190/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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.