RU vs. Central Washington University

Comparable Facts

Compare Radford University in Radford, VA with Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Washington University is larger than RU based on total student enrollment (10,811 students vs. 7,812 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Central Washington University is in Ellensburg, WA (Distant Town setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Washington University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Central Washington University 15:1.

RU vs. Central Washington University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU 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 Radford University than Central Washington University ($16,749 vs. $19,898).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Radford University are 24.1% lower than at Central Washington University ($12,504 vs. $16,480).
• Radford University is 33.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central Washington University (about $3,131 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $9,417.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.4% higher at Central Washington University than at Radford University (about $1,893 more per year; $27,526.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Radford University than at Central Washington University (94% vs. 85%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 34.6% larger than aid received by Central Washington University students ($11,870 vs. $8,816).

RU vs. Central Washington University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU 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 RU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 10 points higher than at Central Washington University (1040).
• Incoming RU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Central Washington University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 940/1160; Central Washington University 930/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26; Central Washington University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; Central Washington University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Central Washington University Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman RU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Central Washington University (3.08).
• Central Washington University has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at RU vs. 20% at Central Washington University.

RU vs. Central Washington University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU 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).

• The graduation rate at RU is the same as at Central Washington University (56% vs. 56%).
• Graduates from Central Washington University earn a median of about $400 more per year than RU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have a $2,263 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($20,737 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Central Washington University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($214 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central Washington University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.