Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Ellensburg, Washington |
| Online | cwu.edu |
| School Type | Public 4 Year |
| Setting | Distant Town |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Central Washington University (CWU) is a public university located in Ellensburg, Washington, approximately a two-hour drive from Seattle. Established in 1891, the university sits on a 380-acre campus featuring a blend of modern and historic architecture, including the iconic Barge Hall with its distinctive late-19th-century brick design. CWU offers a diverse range of academic programs with particular strength in education, geosciences, and aviation management. With a moderately selective admissions process, the university opens its doors to a wide range of students while maintaining a focus on academic achievement. Central Washington University provides on-campus housing to accommodate its student body, fostering an inclusive, residential college experience. While CWU competes in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference, it is particularly recognized for its achievements in rugby.
In the most recent statistical year 6,409 prospective students applied, and 5,992 were granted admission. Of those admitted 1,410 enrolled in the school. 7,803 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 1,454 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $6,816 plus fees of $2,029. Central Washington University is ranked 610 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Central Washington University is rated within the lower 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Central Washington University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#610 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#198 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#13 in Best Colleges in Washington
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Washington
#46 in Best Value Colleges in Washington
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1150 |
| ACT | 17/24 |
| GPA | 3.08 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Mar 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Washington Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $2,029 |
| Room and Board | $13,645 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,922 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,312 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $2,029 |
| Room and Board | $13,645 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,922 |
| Total One Year Cost | $43,377 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 29% |
| Education | 16% |
| Social Sciences | 14% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 7% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 4% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Central Washington University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234827 IPEDS survey data for Central Washington University.
Current students may use the Central Washington University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024