Location: Ellensburg, WA•In-State Tuition: $9,192•Out-of-State Tuition: $26,771•Admission Rate: 90%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$35,806
Est. from national median (42 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$25,250
Est. from national median (16 programs)

Analysis

The numbers tell a concerning story here. Peer programs with similar specialized marketing bachelor's degrees suggest roughly $36,000 in first-year earnings against an estimated $25,000 in debt—a manageable 0.71 ratio on paper, but the reality is less reassuring. Seattle Pacific University's graduates in this field report starting at $45,000, nearly $9,000 higher than what comparable national programs produce. That gap matters significantly when you're carrying student loans.

What makes this particularly tricky is that Washington's marketing job market appears stronger than average—the state median sits at $45,000 versus $36,000 nationally. Central Washington's open admission model (90% acceptance) serves a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, but if the estimated earnings hold true, graduates here would be underperforming the state's potential by about 20%. For a specialized degree that presumably offers focused career preparation, that's disappointing.

The core issue is uncertainty. With suppressed data forcing us to rely on national peer comparisons, parents can't see this specific program's actual track record. Given that the one Washington school with reported outcomes shows significantly stronger results, you'd want concrete evidence that Central Washington's program delivers comparable value before committing. The debt load isn't crushing, but the estimated earnings suggest graduates may struggle to leverage Washington's stronger marketing sector effectively.

Where Central Washington University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations bachelors's programs nationally

Central Washington University (estimated ±10%)Other specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (2 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Central Washington UniversityEllensburg$9,192$35,806*—$25,250*—
Seattle Pacific UniversitySeattle$38,814$44,823*—$22,000*0.49
National Median—$35,806*—$26,750*0.75
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with specialized sales, merchandising and marketing operations graduates

Marketing Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

$159,660/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Models

Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.

$89,990/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Buy and sell securities or commodities in investment and trading firms, or provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and market conditions.

$78,140/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Travel Agents

Plan and sell transportation and accommodations for customers. Determine destination, modes of transportation, travel dates, costs, and accommodations required. May also describe, plan, and arrange itineraries and sell tour packages. May assist in resolving clients' travel problems.

$48,450/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Parts Salespersons

Sell spare and replacement parts and equipment in repair shop or parts store.

$34,730/yrJobs growth:No formal educational credential

Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products

Buy merchandise or commodities, other than farm products, for resale to consumers at the wholesale or retail level, including both durable and nondurable goods. Analyze past buying trends, sales records, price, and quality of merchandise to determine value and yield. Select, order, and authorize payment for merchandise according to contractual agreements. May conduct meetings with sales personnel and introduce new products. May negotiate contracts. Includes assistant wholesale and retail buyers of nonfarm products.

Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers

Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.

First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of sales workers other than retail sales workers. May perform duties such as budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.

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 42 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.