Economics at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's economics program trails most alternatives both within Washington state and nationally, though the small graduating class size makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. At $37,368 one year out, graduates earn about $14,000 less than the typical Washington economics graduate and rank in just the 5th percentile nationally. Even after four years, median earnings of $47,122 remain below what graduates from Central Washington or UW-Seattle earn right after graduation.

The debt load of $21,809 is manageable in absolute terms—roughly equal to the state median—but the weak initial earnings create a tougher financial picture. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, graduates are shouldering a higher relative burden than most economics majors. The 26% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests career trajectories do improve, but that still leaves graduates playing catch-up compared to peers who started higher.

Given the small sample size (fewer than 30 graduates tracked), these numbers could shift dramatically with a different cohort. But even accounting for statistical noise, the significant gap between this program and other Washington state economics programs—including Central Washington, another regional public university—warrants serious consideration. Unless there are compelling location or financial reasons to attend EWU specifically, families should carefully compare this program against other in-state options that consistently produce stronger early-career outcomes.