Human Resources Management and Services at Central Washington University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.50 puts Central Washington's HR program in reasonable territory—based on national patterns for similar bachelor's programs, graduates would need to allocate about half their first year's salary to eliminate $25,000 in debt. That's manageable, though HR starting salaries don't leave much room for error. The estimated $50,000 first-year earnings align with the national median for HR bachelor's programs, suggesting this degree performs neither better nor worse than typical outcomes elsewhere.

The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here. With only four HR programs in Washington and none reporting actual graduate data, it's impossible to know whether Central Washington's specific outcomes match, exceed, or fall short of these peer-program benchmarks. HR roles vary widely—from recruiting coordinators making $40,000 to corporate HR specialists starting near $60,000—and the school's 90% admission rate and location in a smaller city may influence which employers recruit here.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest a workable proposition if your student lands typical HR work. But recognize you're betting on approximations. If possible, contact the career services office to learn where recent HR graduates actually landed jobs and at what salaries. The difference between a $45,000 starting salary and a $55,000 one completely changes whether $25,000 in debt feels reasonable or burdensome.