NSU vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK 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 NSU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 6,751 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern State University is located in Tahlequah, OK (Remote Town setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Northeastern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern State University 16:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

NSU vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NSU 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 Northeastern State University than Central Washington University ($12,410 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northeastern State University are 32.5% lower than at Central Washington University ($11,120 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 20.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,607 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $7,810.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.2% higher at Central Washington University than at Northeastern State University (about $10,236 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $17,290.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at Northeastern State University (85% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northeastern State University students is 0.9% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($8,893 vs. $8,816).

NSU vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NSU 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 NSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Washington University (1040) is 40 points higher than at NSU (1000).
• Incoming NSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Central Washington University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern State University 866/1136; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern State University 18/23; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NSU - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NSU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than Central Washington University (90.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at NSU vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

NSU vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NSU 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 Northeastern State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northeastern State University graduates have a $2,737 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($18,000 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers, NSU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central Washington University graduates ($186 vs. $214).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU 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.