Overview
Originally founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School, Central Washington University is a 4-year public institution. Central Washington is home to six colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 135 academic majors as well as an Honors College. In addition to classroom space, the CWU campus hosts the Sarah Spurgeon Art Gallery and Museum of Culture and Environment. For sports fans, Central Washington fields 13 men’s and women’s varsity teams known as the Wildcats.
Acceptance Rate:
93%
Average Net Price:
$16,441
Campus Setting:
Suburb or town
Average GPA
3.3
Average ACT Composite
19
Average SAT Composite
1062
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $9,192 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $26,771 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $16,314 |
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
Average Net Price By Family Income
Financial Aid: visit page
Financial Aid Email: [email protected]
Aid & Grants
0
100
71%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
34%
Average Aid Per Year
$9,294
34%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,082
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$4,360
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
48%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$5251
38%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$5,082
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$41,030,572
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$15,303,342
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
52%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$5,690
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,000
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$191
Students receiving federal loans
52%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$4,813
Average Other Loans Per Year
$14,213
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Public
- Not for Profit
- Coed
Need Aware
This school may consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
6409
Students Applied
83%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
727
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
Yes
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
No
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Important Deadlines
| Application Type | Application Deadline | Reply Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Regular Decision | March 1 | |
| Spring Regular Decision | March 1 |
Application Fee
$60
Fee waivers availableApplications Accepted
Admitted Student Stats
15%
Submitting ACT
69%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 19
Average SAT Composite: 1062
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.3
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By Household Income
Admissions Resources
For International Student Services: visit page
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
For Veteran Services: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Doctorate
Total Number of Students
9,257
Total Number of Undergrads
8,743
0
100
34%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
58%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
14:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- ROTC Air Force
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
219
Faculty Overview
0
100
61%
Faculty With Terminal Degree US National: 36%
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Suburb or town
US States Represented
41
Countries Represented
52
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
40%
Student Organizations
128
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
Yes
On Campus Women's Center
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
31%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
No
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
10%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Wildcats
School Colors
crimson and black
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
Great Northwest Athletic Conference
Total Male Athletes
245
Total Female Athletes
183
Intramural Sports
14
Sports Team (Men)
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Soccer
- Track and Field
Sports Team (Women)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Central Washington University Athletics: visit page
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
Yes
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
Yes
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$50,100
Top 5 Cities
Seattle
Yakima
Portland
Pasco
Spokane
Top 5 Employers
Central Washington University
Boeing
Microsoft
Amazon
Starbucks
Top 5 Sectors
Operations
Business Development
Education
Sales
Community and Social Services
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$13,000
Loan Default Rate
7%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$191
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingThe profs here are truly amazing and very understandable. They are very approachable and ready to help you study and learn. Also a wide variety of classes and foriegn languages you can choose from so make sure to keep an open mind!
Katherina from Tacoma, WA
Central Washington University has given me the most welcoming experience in my life. The school has handled all my problems with sincerely and professionally. I actively encourage people from all walks of life to become a Wild Cat
Austin from Henderson, NV
I have not been in a SINGLE class that I have not learned so much from! Every professor I have had make class fun, interesting, and extremely enjoyable! My grades have been higher than they have have here at CWU.
Taylor from Manchester, WA
The professors here are really knowledgable, and I'm learning a lot in all of my classes. In University 101 (a class everyone is required to take), I'm learning a lot about the school and other classes they offer. Not only that, but I'm also learning a lot about being an adult and about being responsible for myself.
Nikita from Saint Helens, OR
I'm a running start student here at Central and the staff is amazing. There are small classes so a student gets to know the professor, and the professor knows them by name. This school has a great music and teaching program.
Peyton from Ellensburg, WA
CWU is a pleasant surprise in a small town. It's a beautiful campus with quality classes and professors. Aside from the wind, it's an awesome school.
Noelle from Olympia, WA
Central Washington University has wonderful facilitators, advisers, and student programs. I have met so many wonderful people, in my courses, as well as in campus activities, and clubs. This college is student-centered, and provides students with equal opportunity, and motivation for success. :)
Amy from Ellensburg, WA
It is the best college I have every been to! I love it here! Highly recommended!
Valerie from Camas, WA
Close to home, and very outgoing. Stuff is so friendly and nice. And it had most of the stuff I was interested in. Love it!!
Norma from Buckley, WA
The staff at Central are very friendly and willing to work with their students. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained. The student aides and other student volunteers are very open and willing to talk with students or help them in any way they can.
Robyn from Walla Walla, WA
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