Central Washington University vs. Seattle U

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than Seattle U based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 7,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Seattle University is in Seattle, WA (Large City setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Seattle University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Seattle University 10:1.

Central Washington University vs. Seattle U Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Seattle U? 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 Seattle U ($19,898 vs. $36,948).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Seattle University are 4.7% lower than at Central Washington University ($15,702 vs. $16,480).
• Seattle University is 502.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $47,304 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.1% higher at Seattle U than at Central Washington University (about $29,195 more per year; $56,721.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Seattle University than at Central Washington University (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Seattle University students is 301% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($35,351 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Seattle U Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Seattle University (1320) is 280 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Seattle U students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Seattle University 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Seattle University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Seattle U - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Seattle U Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Seattle U students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Seattle U (76.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 13.6% at Seattle U.

Central Washington University vs. Seattle U Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and Seattle U? 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 University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Seattle University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,400 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,763 lower median loan debt than Seattle U graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Seattle U graduates ($214 vs. $253).
• More Seattle U graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.