Central Washington University vs. Whitworth University

Comparable Facts

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

Central Washington University is larger than Whitworth University based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 2,314 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting); Whitworth University is in Spokane, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Whitworth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Washington University 15:1; Whitworth University 11:1.

Central Washington University vs. Whitworth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central Washington University or Whitworth 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 Whitworth University ($19,898 vs. $27,605).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Whitworth University are 13.2% lower than at Central Washington University ($14,300 vs. $16,480).
• Whitworth University is 461.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $43,463 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.1% higher at Whitworth University than at Central Washington University (about $25,354 more per year; $52,880.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Whitworth University than at Central Washington University (97% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Whitworth University students is 365.1% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($41,007 vs. $8,816).

Central Washington University vs. Whitworth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Whitworth University (1210) is 170 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Whitworth University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 930/1150; Whitworth University 1090/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Washington University 17/24; Whitworth University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central Washington University - Test-free; Whitworth University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027; Whitworth University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Whitworth University students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Whitworth University (89.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20% at Central Washington University vs. 13.9% at Whitworth University.

Central Washington University vs. Whitworth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central Washington University and Whitworth 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).

• Whitworth University's six-year graduation rate (80%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Whitworth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $46,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $5,263 lower median loan debt than Whitworth University graduates ($20,737 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Whitworth University graduates ($214 vs. $268).
• More Whitworth University 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.