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 |
Located in Ellensburg, Washington, approximately 100 miles east of Seattle in the Kittitas Valley, Central Washington University occupies a 380-acre campus nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Basin. The university, established in 1891 as a teachers' college, now operates as a comprehensive public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs across four academic colleges. CWU maintains a strong focus in education, business, and science programs, with notable offerings in aviation, music, geology, and law and justice. The main campus features a mix of historic brick buildings and modern facilities, including recently constructed science and technology centers, while most first-year students reside in one of the university's residence halls spread throughout campus. The university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Wildcats, with particular recognition in rugby and volleyball programs.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Central Washington University is rated within the lower 46% 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 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#667 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#225 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Washington
#4 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 | $2,171 |
| Room and Board | $16,314 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,032 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,438 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $2,171 |
| Room and Board | $16,314 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,032 |
| Total One Year Cost | $48,017 |
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% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Central Washington University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
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, 2025