Linfield vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Linfield University in McMinnville, OR 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 Linfield based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 1,709 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Linfield vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Linfield 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 Central Washington University than Linfield ($19,898 vs. $29,936).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Linfield University are 11.2% lower than at Central Washington University ($14,640 vs. $16,480).
• Linfield University is 440% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $41,433 more per year; $50,850.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.7% higher at Linfield than at Central Washington University (about $23,324 more per year; $50,850.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Linfield University than at Central Washington University (100% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Linfield University students is 310.1% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($36,156 vs. $8,816).

Linfield vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Linfield 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 Linfield.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Linfield University (1130) is 90 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Linfield 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: Linfield University 1050/1210; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Linfield University 20/27; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Linfield - Test-free; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Linfield Feb 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Linfield students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Linfield (85.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17% at Linfield vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Linfield vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Linfield 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).

• Linfield University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Central Washington University's (56%).
• Graduates from Linfield University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,400 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $4,263 lower median loan debt than Linfield graduates ($20,737 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Linfield graduates ($214 vs. $258).
• More Linfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.