EWU vs. Western Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA with Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Washington University is larger than EWU based on total student enrollment (14,710 students vs. 10,492 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Washington University is located in Cheney, WA (Town Fringe setting); Western Washington University is in Bellingham, WA (Small City setting).
• Eastern Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Washington University 18:1; Western Washington University 18:1.

EWU vs. Western Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EWU or Western 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 Eastern Washington University than Western Washington University ($14,767 vs. $24,338).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Washington University are 1.1% lower than at Western Washington University ($15,574 vs. $15,747).
• Western Washington University is 11.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than EWU (about $996 more per year; $9,582.00 vs. $8,586.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Western Washington University than at Eastern Washington University (about $2,748 more per year; $28,707.00 vs. $25,959.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Washington University than at Eastern Washington University (93% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Washington University students is 44.9% larger than aid received by Western Washington University students ($10,001 vs. $6,902).

EWU vs. Western Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EWU or Western 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 Western Washington University and EWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Washington University (1270) is 280 points higher than at EWU (990).
• Incoming Western Washington University students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 19 at EWU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Washington University 880/1090; Western Washington University 1150/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Washington University 16/23; Western Washington University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EWU - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); Western Washington University - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: EWU Sep 10, 2026; Western Washington University Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Western Washington University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at EWU (3.29).
• Western Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (93.2%) than EWU (90.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at EWU vs. 22.9% at Western Washington University.

EWU vs. Western Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EWU and Western 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).

• Western Washington University's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Eastern Washington University's (46%).
• Graduates from Western Washington University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than EWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have a $1,405 lower median loan debt than EWU graduates ($19,413 vs. $20,818).
• Among borrowers, Western Washington University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EWU graduates ($200 vs. $215).
• More Western Washington University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EWU students, three years after graduation. (71% 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.