Colorado Mesa vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than Colorado Mesa based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 9,785 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Colorado Mesa University is located in Grand Junction, CO (Small City setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Colorado Mesa University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Colorado Mesa University 18:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Colorado Mesa vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Colorado Mesa or Central Washington 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 Colorado Mesa University than Central Washington University ($15,590 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Colorado Mesa University are 25.9% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,209 vs. $16,480).
• Colorado Mesa University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $510 more per year; $9,927.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Central Washington University than at Colorado Mesa University (about $2,402 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $25,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Colorado Mesa University (85% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Washington University students is 6.4% larger than aid received by Colorado Mesa University students ($8,816 vs. $8,285).

Colorado Mesa vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Colorado Mesa University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Colorado Mesa students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 930/1160; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Colorado Mesa University 18/24; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Colorado Mesa - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Colorado Mesa students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.28) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Colorado Mesa (82%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.1% at Colorado Mesa vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Colorado Mesa vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Colorado Mesa and Central Washington 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 Colorado Mesa University's (25%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Colorado Mesa graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $1,013 lower median loan debt than Colorado Mesa graduates ($20,737 vs. $21,750).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Colorado Mesa graduates ($214 vs. $224).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Colorado Mesa students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 48%)

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.