Central Washington University vs. EWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA with Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than EWU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 10,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Eastern Washington University is in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Eastern Washington University 18:1.

Central Washington University vs. EWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or EWU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Washington University than Central Washington University ($14,767 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Washington University are 5.5% lower than at Central Washington University ($15,574 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 9.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $831 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6% higher at Central Washington University than at Eastern Washington University (about $1,567 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $25,959.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Washington University than at Central Washington University (86% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Washington University students is 13.4% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,001 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. EWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington University or EWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between EWU and Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 50 points higher than at EWU (990).
• Incoming Central Washington University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at EWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Eastern Washington University 880/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Eastern Washington University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; EWU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; EWU Sep 10, 2026.
• Accepted freshman EWU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.29) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• EWU has a higher acceptance rate (90.7%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 22.7% at EWU.

Central Washington University vs. EWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and EWU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Washington University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Eastern Washington University's (46%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than EWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $81 lower median loan debt than EWU graduates ($20,737 vs. $20,818).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EWU graduates ($214 vs. $215).
• More EWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.