Central Washington University vs. SPU

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than SPU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 2,261 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Seattle Pacific University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Seattle Pacific University 13:1.

Central Washington University vs. SPU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or SPU? 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 SPU ($19,898 vs. $25,232).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Washington University are 0.1% lower than at Seattle Pacific University ($16,480 vs. $16,491).
• Seattle Pacific University is 329.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $30,990 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at SPU than at Central Washington University (about $12,881 more per year; $40,407.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle Pacific University than at Central Washington University (99% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle Pacific University students is 258% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($31,558 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. SPU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle Pacific University (1190) is 150 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming SPU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Seattle Pacific University 1050/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Seattle Pacific University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; SPU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; SPU Jul 11, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SPU students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than SPU (83.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 15.8% at SPU.

Central Washington University vs. SPU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Seattle Pacific University's six-year graduation rate (74%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Seattle Pacific University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,400 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $4,866 lower median loan debt than SPU graduates ($20,737 vs. $25,603).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SPU graduates ($214 vs. $264).
• More SPU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (82% 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.