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Central Washington University

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Town · 7,833 students
4
Year
Public
Town
Medium (3k–10k)
Accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
About

Located in the scenic, sunny Kittitas Valley, Central Washington University (CWU) is highly regarded for its hands-on learning environment and its historical strength as a premier institution for teacher preparation. Prospective students are drawn to standout programs like the acclaimed department of aviation—which features its own flight training fleet—as well as highly respected degrees in music, business, and geology. The campus culture is welcoming and close-knit, offering a vibrant residential experience where students easily connect through outdoor recreation in the nearby Cascade Mountains, NCAA Division II athletics, and over 120 student organizations. What truly sets CWU apart is its dedication to undergraduate mentorship, boasting small class sizes taught directly by professors rather than teaching assistants, and exceptional support systems designed for first-generation college students.


Wikipedia:Central Washington University (CWU) is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington, United States. It was founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School.

Location
Ellensburg, WA, 98926 · Town campus
Nearest airport from college
SEA · Seattle
89 mi away
Cost
In-state COA
$28,816
Out-of-state COA
$46,925
Avg net price
$18,476
Room & board
$16,480
In-state tuition
$9,417
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
Books & supplies
$900/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$11,846
$30–48k
$13,942
$48–75k
$16,022
$75–110k
$21,682
$110k+
$26,719
Admissions
Admit rate
91%
Test policy
Not required

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Essay Requirements

Central Washington University accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
4-yr on-time completion
36%
1st-yr retention
70%
Transfer-out rate
0%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
57%
Transferred
13%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
30%
Median earnings (6yr)
$49,398
Median earnings (10yr)
$61,580
Median debt
$19,500
Monthly loan payment
$207
Debt range (25th–75th)
$6,000$25,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$32,500
Student Body
Men 47%Women 53%
15
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
28%
First-generation
40%
Median family income
$42,459
Independent students
30%
Veterans
1%
Avg age at entry
23.0
Part-time students
13%
Race & ethnicity
White
56%
Hispanic
23%
Black
5%
Asian
4%
Two or more
8%
Non-resident
2%
AI/AN
1%
NH/PI
1%
Unknown
1%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$49,398
10 years after entry
$61,580
Psychology, General274
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods211
Business Administration, Management and Operations191
Criminal Justice and Corrections140
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas116
Accounting and Related Services115
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness96
Computer Science77
Sociology74
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies67
Air Transportation67
Computer and Information Sciences, General53
Social Sciences, General50
Human Services, General43
Design and Applied Arts39
Public Health33
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$60M
Classification
Master's (Large)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions
Full-time faculty
65%
Avg faculty salary
$10,124/mo
Instructional spend/student
$11,278
Federal loan rate
31%

Wondering if Central Washington University is the right fit for you?

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