Central Washington University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Ellensburg, WA
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#5 Best Public Universities in Washington

Central Washington University Admission Overview

Central Washington University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Central Washington University admitted 90.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.08 GPA (B). Central Washington University is test-free. SAT and ACT are not used for admission. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Central Washington University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

90.6%

Admission Standards

Very Easy

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Central Washington University

Acceptance Rate

The Central Washington University acceptance rate is 90.6%. Last year, 8,082 of 8,919 applicants were admitted. That is the 16th lowest acceptance rate in Washington.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Central Washington University and can you get accepted?

Central Washington University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Central Washington University typically attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.08. 20% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Central Washington University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.08

Typical High School Grades

B

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.08

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Central Washington University typically have around a 3.08 GPA (B) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have about average high school grades. Central Washington University is test-free, so GPA is the main academic number in the file.

The school ranks #18 in Washington for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.1 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Central Washington University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 1.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 11.0% Good
3.50 to 3.74 14.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 16.0% Avg +
3.00 to 3.24 17.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 28.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 11.0% Reach
1.00 to 1.99 1.0% Reach
less than 1.00 1.0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Central Washington University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

930-1150

Freshmen who sent SAT

82%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 470
  • Math 460
  • Composite 930
SAT 25th percentile scores for Central Washington University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 580
  • Math 570
  • Composite 1150
SAT 75th percentile scores for Central Washington University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Central Washington University typically score around a 1040 SAT (middle 50% 930–1150) out of 1600. These figures are from the last year SAT scores were reported, not a cutoff. SAT is not used for admission, even if you send it. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 47th percentile nationally. Central Washington University ranks #17 in the state of Washington for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 930 to 1150

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

View other colleges which accept students in the 1040 SAT score range.

SAT scores are from the last year they were reported to IPEDS. They are not used for admission.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Central Washington University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

17-24

Freshmen reporting ACT

21%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 15
  • Math 16
  • Composite 17
ACT 25th percentile scores for Central Washington University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 23
  • Math 24
  • Composite 24
ACT 75th percentile scores for Central Washington University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Central Washington University typically have around a 20 ACT (mid-50 17–24) on the 36 scale. These numbers come from the last year ACT scores were reported, not a minimum for admission. ACT is not considered, even if you submit it. That average sits near the 51st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Central Washington University places #14 among colleges in Washington for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 17 to 24

1 9 18 27 36

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 20.0 ACT score range.

ACT figures reflect the last year they were reported to IPEDS. They are not used in admission.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

Compare your GPA with last year's enrolled class and this school's acceptance rate. SAT and ACT are not used.

Open the Central Washington University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Central Washington University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 5,021 3,824 8,919
Accepted 4,598 3,413 8,082
Acceptance Rate 92% 89% 91%
Enrolled 846 746 1,619
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 18% 22% 20%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Central Washington University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Central Washington University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Required to be considered for admission
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Mar 1, 2027

Days left to Apply

182

Applicants have 182 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Mar 1, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Central Washington University is $60.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Central Washington University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences No

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Central Washington University is test-free for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 90.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.08 GPA (about an B average). Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Central Washington University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=234827.

GPA calculator: Central Washington University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026