About Central Washington University

Founded in 1891, Central Washington University. is a Public college. Located in Washington, which is a city setting in Washington, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 11,119 full time undergraduate students, and 852 full time graduate students.

The Central Washington University Academic calendar runs on a Quarter basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 18:1. There are 467 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Central Washington University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate79%
Application Deadline
Application Fee50
SAT Range960-1150
ACT Range18-24

Admissions at CWU are considered Less Selective, with ,73% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 26 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

0% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 0% were in the top quarter, and 0% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Central Washington University.

8%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
51%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
26%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
35%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
61%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
11%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
64%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
69%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
5%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
54%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
27%
“We only party on weekends”
15%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
23%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
8%
“We”re apathetic”
36%
“We know about current events and vote”
51%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
4%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
12%
“We save it for the classroom”
15%
“Sometimes, but not often”
47%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
26%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
4%
“I only go out in groups”
35%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
61%
“I feel extremely safe”
6%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
44%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
11%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
53%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
22%
“We”re a very artistic group”
3%
“Haven”t met them”
1%
“Available in class”
64%
“They keep regular office hours”
32%
“They”re always available”
69%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
26%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
5%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
4%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
54%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
27%
“We only party on weekends”
15%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
8%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
23%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    208 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    163 Students rated off-campus housing 3.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    228 Students rated campus food 3.5 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    236 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    236 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    235 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    236 Students rated local services 4 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    236 Students rated academics 4 stars. 36 % gave the school a 5.0.

Central Washington University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Central Washington University?

95 Students rated Central Washington University

SonSierra - 10/02/2024

Central wasn't even near the top of my list when I first applied to colleges and universities. I even attended a different school for my first year. When I started looking into other schools again, Central stood out as one of my best in-state options.

Mikayla - 06/04/2024

I think Central Washington University is a great school overall. The tour guides were very helpful and answered any questions that came up. The campus felt like a safe place and I immediately knew this was the school for me. I will be attending this Fall and I am so excited to start my next journey as a Wildcat.

Clarel - 03/31/2024

My opinion of Central is pretty good, the only thing that I wished for is that the town in Ellensburg had more grocery stores to go to but I get it because it's such a small town. The main entrance of the surc at Central is nice and wide and there's the statue of the college's mascot, a wildcat. I have been going to Central for around 3 years and still really like walking around and going into different buildings there, I find new things to look at.

Hunter - 03/16/2024

CWU is very open minded and has a lively campus. I loved being a Running Start student there and felt welcomed by other students and staff. Clubs and activities were amazing and fun to do on days off. I made many friends and had a better experience there than at my own high school.

Central Washington University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Central Washington University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Central Washington University is 79%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Out of my college experience i have gotten the chance to live on my own and learn how to make good decisions without having my parents around. I have learned to become more independent and less of a procrastinator. I have also learned the importance of schooling and from going to Central I have become more focused on my studies.

    Read all 357 answers

  3. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about CWU is the community. Many of the campus dorms support a program called Living Learning Communities in which the resident students are allowed to interact as if they were all neighbors and companions. The campus itself in my opinion gives off a friendly atmosphere that promotes casual relationships with just about everyone. The town too has a small but close feel that allows students and civilians to feel comfortable.

    Read all 73 answers

  4. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates are typically upperclassmen who are as interested in geology as I am. They have become my good friends and offer help if I am not understanding something in any of my classes.

    Read all 71 answers

  5. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    I attend the campus in Des Moines, WA. It is an off-campus location, so for me I would say the worst thing would be that we do not have direct access to all the social events and work out rooms like the students do that attend the Ellensburg campus. Another issue for me is that I attend school at night and there is no way to microwave my dinner so I eat a lot of sandwichs. Otherwise I really enjoy my program that I attend at CWU.

    Read all 69 answers

  6. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    My school is in a medium sized city, which still provides the hometown feel as well as the city life. Its not too far from a major city, such as Seattle or Spokane. The school, offers great class sizes which provide the one-on-one attention you may need in college.

    Read all 58 answers

  7. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Central Washington University is a small-personal school that will help me achive my goals and reach my vision of The American Dream.

    Read all 58 answers

  8. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    Central Washington University was best known in Washington state as a very good college to attend if one wanted to persue a teaching degree.

    Read all 51 answers

  9. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I personally wish that I would have known more people before coming to school. Being a shy person it was very difficult to make friends at first and loneliness was at times overwhelming. I also wish I had known that if I had just gotten involved more with sports and volunteering I would've been able to make the friends that I have much quicker. Once I put myself out there meeting people was easy.

    Read all 49 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    The kind of person who should attend this school is someone who likes small towns and being outside. Also someone who is looking for more of a personal college experience.

    Read all 47 answers

  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    I think students who don't care about their education and who are just here to party shouldn't attend this school. We have so many opportunities and those who take advantage of them will succeed and have many opportunities after they graduate. The university is very strict with drug and alcohol rules and don't allow any exceptions to those rules. Campus police are out in full force throughout the year and will take action if necessary. It is a very fun and safe environment and I think it is important to keep that throughout the coming years.

    Read all 42 answers

  12. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    I most brag about all the help that is offered and the small class sizes. There are tons of people who are willing to help you , as well as different programs. Professors have office hours everyday and if they have a TA or GA they have office hours too. With the exception of one class i have never had a class size bigger than 35 .

    Read all 41 answers

  13. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The only thing I can think of that frustrates me at Central Washington University is that some of the professors are from other countries and are very hard to understand most of the time. Although I do not question their intellectual level, their ability to teach successfully is greatly decreased because they have very heavy accents, which isnt at all their faults. I do not have anything against these professors and still strive to do my best in their classes. It's just that the learning experience is slightly more frustrating and it's harder to understand some concepts.

    Read all 36 answers

  14. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Central is definitely a party school but, if you're like me then you don't drink and there are other things to do than drink. It's really not too hard to find your group and figure out what you're going to do on weekends.

    Read all 4 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    I am not sure

    Read all 4 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    I am a freshman so I am not in my major yet but, other than this, my general requirements are alright. Depending on the class, it could be very easy or very difficult.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    They are here to take your money. The professors are wonderful, but administration is here to make you miserable, take every penny you've got and leave you confused and stressed. What ever you do, DONT sign an annual residence contract unless you are SURE you want to be in the dorms. They will not let you leave once you are in.

    Read all 2 answers

  18. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    yes

    Read all 1 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Didn't have anywhere else to go

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

51%

female

49%

male

11,119

Total Undergrad Enrollment

852

Total Grad Students

7%

Out-Of-State

93%

In-State

N/A

International

Organizations

138

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

23%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
1%
% Asian/Pacific Islander
4%
% Black or African-American
4%
% Hispanic/Latino
14%
% White or Caucasian
56%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

89% of students attending Central Washington University receive some sort of financial aid. 39% were awarded federal grants. While 60% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$21,522

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,002

Books and Supplies

$10,175

Room and Board

32,699

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,693
$30 - $48K
$10,095
$48 - $75K
$14,386
$75 - $110K
$18,987
$110K & UP
$20,199

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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