Central Washington University vs. Washington State

Comparable Facts

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

Washington State University is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (25,685 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Central Washington University vs. Washington State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Washington State? 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 Washington State University than Central Washington University ($18,171 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington State University are 17.3% lower than at Central Washington University ($13,622 vs. $16,480).
• Washington State University is 42.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $3,974 more per year; $13,391.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.8% higher at Washington State than at Central Washington University (about $2,424 more per year; $29,950.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Washington State University (85% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington State University students is 23.5% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($10,886 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Washington State Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington State University (1120) is 80 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Washington State students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Washington State University 1020/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Washington State University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Washington State - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Washington State Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Washington State students have a 0.42 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Washington State (86.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 19.7% at Washington State.

Central Washington University vs. Washington State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Washington State University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Washington State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,400 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington State University graduates have a $308 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($20,429 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers, Washington State graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central Washington University graduates ($211 vs. $214).
• More Washington State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.