Central Washington University vs. Walla Walla University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than Walla Walla University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 1,426 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Walla Walla University is in College Place, WA (Remote Town setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Walla Walla University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Walla Walla University 14:1.

Central Washington University vs. Walla Walla University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Walla Walla University? 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 Walla Walla University ($19,898 vs. $25,505).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Walla Walla University are 34.3% lower than at Central Washington University ($10,833 vs. $16,480).
• Walla Walla University is 263.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $24,810 more per year; $34,227.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.3% higher at Walla Walla University than at Central Washington University (about $6,701 more per year; $34,227.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Walla Walla University than at Central Washington University (99% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Walla Walla University students is 132.1% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($20,458 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Walla Walla University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Walla Walla University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Walla Walla University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).

Central Washington University vs. Walla Walla University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and Walla Walla University? 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 Walla Walla University's (49%).
• Graduates from Walla Walla University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,500 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $6,263 lower median loan debt than Walla Walla University graduates ($20,737 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Walla Walla University graduates ($214 vs. $279).
• More Walla Walla University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.