Analysis
In Washington, where only two schools offer insurance degrees, Central Washington appears accessible but faces a data challenge—neither program reports actual graduate outcomes publicly. Based on national peer programs, insurance graduates typically earn around $56,000 in their first year, with debt loads near $22,400. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory, suggesting graduates could manage repayment on a standard ten-year timeline while meeting other expenses.
The real question is whether this specific program delivers the industry connections and credentials that matter in insurance hiring. Nationally, insurance programs vary dramatically—top performers place graduates earning above $63,600, while the field's technical nature means curriculum quality and industry relationships matter more than in many business majors. With a 90% admission rate, Central Washington offers easy entry, but without actual placement data, you're investing based on faith in the program's industry ties rather than proven outcomes.
For a field where professional designations and internships often matter as much as the degree itself, the lack of transparent outcomes data is problematic. If your child is serious about insurance, confirm that Central Washington provides paths to relevant certifications (CPCU, CLU) and maintains relationships with regional insurers. Otherwise, comparable earnings might be achievable through direct industry entry paired with professional credentialing, potentially avoiding the debt entirely.
Where Central Washington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Insurance 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 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796* | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752* | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523* | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080* | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131* | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.