Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians at Central Washington University

Central Washington University's Quality Control and Safety Technologies program launches graduates into strong-paying careers, with first-year earnings of $77,500—nearly $11,000 above the national median for this field. That advantage compounds over time, with salaries climbing to $85,825 by year four. For context, this program outperforms 95% of similar bachelor's programs nationwide, a remarkable position given CWU's 90% admission rate and accessible price point.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $25,833, graduates carry exactly the national median debt for this program, but their higher earnings create a notably favorable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio. That means debt represents just one-third of first-year salary—a comfortable cushion that allows graduates to pay down loans while building their careers. The 11% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests these positions offer genuine advancement potential rather than quick plateaus.

One caveat: CWU is currently the only Washington school offering this bachelor's program, making state-level comparisons impossible. The moderate sample size also warrants some caution. However, the combination of above-average earnings, manageable debt, and steady salary growth makes this a program worth serious consideration for students interested in manufacturing, safety, or quality assurance careers. You're paying typical debt for this field while accessing exceptional earning potential.