Best Economics Schools in Washington

Washington has 11 colleges offering Economics programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 516 recent graduates. Graduates in Washington earn $44,291 on average within two years — 8% below the national average of $48,383. Lower cost of living or industry mix may explain the gap.

Schools in WA

$44,291

WA Avg. Earnings

$48,383

National Avg.

449

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Economics in Washington

Public Schools (6)

$43,544

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (5)

$45,188

avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $1,644 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Economics Schools in Washington, Ranked by Earnings

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

$39,369

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,008

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 90.2%

Whitman College

Walla Walla, WA · Private

$42,682

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,596

Graduates: 23

Acceptance: 50.0%

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA · Public

$51,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,591

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 42.5%

University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Tacoma, WA · Public

$51,035

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $49,591

Graduates: 74

Acceptance: 83.0%

University of Puget Sound

Tacoma, WA · Private

$41,565

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,980

Graduates: 55

Acceptance: 76.3%

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA · Private

$46,087

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,406

Graduates: 34

Acceptance: 76.0%

Washington State University

Pullman, WA · Public

$48,041

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $48,686

Graduates: 38

Acceptance: 85.4%

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA · Private

$38,289

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,789

Graduates: 51

Acceptance: 91.1%

Western Washington University

Bellingham, WA · Public

$39,214

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,176

Graduates: 88

Acceptance: 91.3%

#10

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public

$32,569

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,218

Graduates: 31

Acceptance: 91.8%

#11

Seattle University

Seattle, WA · Private

$57,318

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $53,959

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 76.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Economics in Washington?

Central Washington University ranks #1 for Economics in Washington with median graduate earnings of $39,369 within two years of graduation. There are 11 schools offering Economics programs in the state.

How much do Economics graduates earn in Washington?

Economics graduates in Washington earn an average of $44,291 within two years of graduation. This is 8% below the national average of $48,383 for this major.

What is the hardest Economics school to get into in Washington?

University of Washington-Seattle Campus is the most selective Economics program in Washington with an acceptance rate of 42.5%. The average acceptance rate across Economics programs in the state is 77.6%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Economics in Washington?

In Washington, private Economics programs produce average earnings of $45,188 vs $43,544 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 6 public and 5 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Washington

Computer Engineering $108,990 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $92,872 Computer Programming $76,998 Computer Science $72,683 Materials Engineering $70,680 Construction Management $70,430 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $69,987 Computer and Information Sciences, General $66,995

All colleges in Washington →

Economics in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.