Idaho vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Idaho in Moscow, ID with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Idaho is larger than Central Washington University based on total student enrollment (12,286 students vs. 10,811 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Idaho is located in Moscow, ID (Rural Fringe setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Idaho 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 Idaho 18:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

Idaho vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Idaho 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 Idaho than Central Washington University ($15,111 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Idaho are 31.8% lower than at Central Washington University ($11,243 vs. $16,480).
• Central Washington University is 3.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Idaho (about $333 more per year; $9,417.00 vs. $9,084.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Idaho than at Central Washington University (about $794 more per year; $28,320.00 vs. $27,526.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Idaho than at Central Washington University (96% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Idaho students is 42.6% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($12,568 vs. $8,816).

Idaho vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Idaho 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 Idaho.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Idaho (1110) is 70 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming Idaho 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: University of Idaho 990/1230; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Idaho 20/26; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Idaho - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Idaho students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Idaho (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Idaho vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

Idaho vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Idaho 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 University of Idaho's (51%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Idaho graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $3,542 lower median loan debt than Idaho graduates ($20,737 vs. $24,279).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Idaho graduates ($214 vs. $251).
• More Idaho graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.