Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication at Central Washington University

Central Washington's communications program delivers something uncommon: strong upward momentum that transforms modest starting salaries into solid mid-career earnings. Graduates begin at $40,976—just above the national median but trailing Washington's state average by nearly $2,000. Here's what matters: by year four, earnings jump to $54,237, a 32% increase that outpaces typical career progression in this field. That growth trajectory suggests graduates are developing marketable skills that employers increasingly value.

The debt picture reinforces the accessibility angle. At $23,342, borrowing matches the state median and sits below the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57. For a school serving a substantial population of first-generation college students (31% receive Pell grants), that balance matters. The program ranks 40th percentile within Washington for starting salaries, putting it squarely in the middle of the state's seven programs—not elite, but competitive with Gonzaga and well-positioned for students who need affordable access.

The tradeoff is straightforward: you're choosing growth potential over immediate prestige. While Washington State and Northwest University place graduates into higher-paying first jobs, Central Washington's trajectory narrows that gap considerably by year four. For families prioritizing reasonable debt and strong employment outcomes over brand names, this represents solid value—particularly if your student is open to building their career through progression rather than starting at the top.