UHCL vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Houston Clear Lake in Houston, TX 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 UHCL based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 8,137 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Houston Clear Lake is located in Houston, TX (Large Suburban setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Houston Clear Lake is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Houston Clear Lake 15:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

UHCL vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UHCL 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 University of Houston Clear Lake than Central Washington University ($14,059 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Houston Clear Lake are 23.3% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,642 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 21.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than UHCL (about $1,647 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $7,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.4% higher at Central Washington University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (about $6,412 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $21,114.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Washington University than at University of Houston Clear Lake (85% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Houston Clear Lake students is 43.3% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($12,630 vs. $8,816).

UHCL vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UHCL 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 UHCL.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Houston Clear Lake (1060) is 20 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming UHCL students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 970/1150; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Houston Clear Lake 20/25; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UHCL - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: UHCL Jun 1, 2027; Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UHCL students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than UHCL (90.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.2% at UHCL vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

UHCL vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UHCL 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).

• Graduates from University of Houston Clear Lake earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Central Washington University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $47,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Houston Clear Lake graduates have a $3,587 lower median loan debt than Central Washington University graduates ($17,150 vs. $20,737).
• Among borrowers, UHCL graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central Washington University graduates ($177 vs. $214).
• More Central Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UHCL students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 56%)

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.