Central Washington University
About Central Washington University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington. It offers programs in education, business, aviation, and the sciences. The campus is located in a small college town in the Kittitas Valley east of the Cascades.
Founded
1891
Location
Ellensburg, Washington
Students
8,327
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
90.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
53.6%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$9,417
Out-of-state: $27,526
Avg Net Price
$18,476
After financial aid
SAT Average
1030
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$61,580
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$60
Early
Jan 31
Regular
Rolling
Central Washington University accepts the majority of applicants at 90.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1030/ 1600
Average: 1030 out of 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70.1%
4-Year Grad
32%
6-Year Grad
54%
Teaching Quality
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
65.3%
$/Student
$11.3K
Class Size
Medium
The 32% graduation rate is below average, but 70.1% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$9,417
In-State
$27,526
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$16,480
Books & Supplies
$900
Total Cost of Attendance
$28,816
After Financial Aid
$18,476
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$11,846
Receive Grants
28.3%
Take Loans
31.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $28,816/yr for in-state students, including $16,480 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $18,476. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $27,526.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Central Washington University fund their education.
While in School
28.3%
Get Grants
Free money
31.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$42,459
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,500
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$207/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,500. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Central Washington University.
Gender
53.5%
Female
47%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
7,833
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
494
Graduates
40%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
19.7%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 47% men). 40% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Distant
Campus Quick Facts
7,833
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Quarter calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Central Washington University fields 8 varsity teams with 455 student athletes, about 6% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Great Northwest
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
8
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
455
6% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
54% / 46%
247
Men
208
Women
5
Men's Teams
6
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Central Washington Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$61,580
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Psychology, General
$37K
274 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$47K
211 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$50K
191 grads
1yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$44K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$49K
116 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$55K
115 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $49K at six years, $45K at eight, and $62K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Washington University
What is the acceptance rate at Central Washington University?▾
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How much do Central Washington University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.