Central Washington University vs. Gonzaga

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than Gonzaga based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 7,470 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Gonzaga University is in Spokane, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Gonzaga University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Gonzaga University 12:1.

Central Washington University vs. Gonzaga Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Gonzaga? 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 Central Washington University than Gonzaga ($19,898 vs. $40,117).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gonzaga University are 4.6% lower than at Central Washington University ($15,730 vs. $16,480).
• Gonzaga University is 489.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $46,063 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.6% higher at Gonzaga than at Central Washington University (about $27,954 more per year; $55,480.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gonzaga University than at Central Washington University (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gonzaga University students is 278.7% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($33,390 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Gonzaga Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central Washington University or Gonzaga? 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 Gonzaga and Central Washington University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gonzaga University (1290) is 250 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Gonzaga students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Gonzaga University 1190/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Gonzaga University 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Gonzaga - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Gonzaga Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Gonzaga students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Gonzaga (81.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 17.5% at Gonzaga.

Central Washington University vs. Gonzaga Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and Gonzaga? 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).

• Gonzaga University's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Gonzaga University earn a median of about $13,800 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($61,600 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $5,657 lower median loan debt than Gonzaga graduates ($20,737 vs. $26,394).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $58 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Gonzaga graduates ($214 vs. $272).
• More Gonzaga graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.