Public Institution

Central Washington University — Ellensburg, Washington

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Annual Tuition $9,192

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 90.2%

Open Admission

Enrollment 8,081

Active Students

Avg. Salary $61,580

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Ellensburg, Washington
Institution type Public
Accreditation Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Central Washington University stands as a pillar of higher education in Ellensburg, providing a robust academic foundation for 8,081 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Central Washington University offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Central Washington University. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
17.2%

Enrollment Share

Education
14.8%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
11.2%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
7.1%

Enrollment Share

Visual & Performing Arts
6.2%

Enrollment Share

Computer Science
6.1%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Central Washington University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Visual & Performing Arts College

The Visual & Performing Arts program at Central Washington University provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Computer Science College

The Computer Science department is a hub for cutting-edge research...

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What is the acceptance rate at Central Washington University?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 90.2%
Difficulty Low

Central Washington University maintains an acceptance rate of 90.2%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47%
Women Enrollment 53%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Central Washington University follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Central Washington University's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Central Washington University cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $9,192
Out-of-State Tuition $26,771

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 31.1%
Median Student Debt $19,500

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $9,192, graduates see a median starting salary of $61,580, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Washington.

What salary can Central Washington University graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $61,580

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 49.9%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $14,715
Median Salary (6yr) $49,398
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Central Washington University in Ellensburg?

8,081 Students

Gender Comparison

47% Men
53% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

69%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.6%
Pacific Islander
0.9%
Asian
4.1%
Black
5%
White
55.7%
Unknown
1.7%
Hispanic
21.8%
Two or More Races
8%
International
2.4%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 40%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 61.2%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 8.7%
🔄
Retention (Part-time) 52.1%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $63,170
Average Family Income $59,133
Median Family Income $42,459

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

52.7%
47.3%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Ellensburg Campus Environment

Located at 400 East University Way, Central Washington University offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Washington. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps

Common Questions about Central Washington University

Is Central Washington University a good college in Ellensburg, Washington?
Central Washington University is a recognized institution in Ellensburg with an enrollment of 8,081 students. It is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and offers a robust ROI for students in Washington based on Department of Education data.
Is Central Washington University worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Central Washington University offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $61,580. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Central Washington University cost for Washington residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Central Washington University is approximately $9,192. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $26,771. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Central Washington University after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Central Washington University for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 61.2% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Central Washington University good for Business & Marketing and Education programs?
Central Washington University is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Education programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Central Washington University?
Graduates of Central Washington University often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $61,580, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Central Washington University?
Central Washington University operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Central Washington University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Central Washington University follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Central Washington University graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Central Washington University earn a median salary of $61,580 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Central Washington University a good investment compared to other WA colleges?
Central Washington University stands out as a high-value investment in Washington. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Central Washington University located and what is the campus like?
Central Washington University is located at 400 East University Way in Ellensburg, WA. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 8,081 learners.
Who typically attends Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA?
The student body at Central Washington University is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 40% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
🏆

2026 Rankings: Washington

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Central Washington University with other leading institutions in Washington across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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