Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Central Washington University

A $16,300 debt load represents roughly half a year's earnings—a manageable starting point by most standards, particularly when the state's debt median for this field sits considerably higher at nearly $23,000. But the broader question for parents is what this interdisciplinary bachelor's degree sets up financially. Based on comparable programs across Washington, first-year earnings around $35,400 land right at the state median, suggesting neither standout advantage nor significant disadvantage compared to peers.

The challenge becomes clearer when you look at what else Washington offers in this field. Programs at Whitworth and Washington State University show first-year earnings in the $40,000-$44,000 range, raising the question of whether Central Washington's value lies elsewhere—perhaps in its 90% admission rate and access for the 31% of students receiving Pell grants. For families prioritizing affordability and broad access, the lower debt paired with median earnings could work. But if maximizing early career earning potential matters most, the estimates suggest other Washington programs might deliver better returns.

The real limitation here is uncertainty. With both earnings and debt derived from similar programs rather than Central Washington's actual outcomes, you're making a decision with incomplete information about this specific degree's track record. If you're serious about this program, contact the school directly for their placement data and typical career paths—it's the only way to know if their graduates beat or lag these state-based estimates.