Central Washington University
CWU
Ellensburg, Washington 98926
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for business — excellent value
Central Washington University is a public institution in Ellensburg with particular strength in business and psychology.
A mid-sized campus of 8.1K undergraduates with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio. The town location creates a classic college-town feel.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $61,580 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $14,715.
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •" WSNS opened on September 6, 1891, with its first classes held at the Washington Public School in Ellensburg.
- •In 1893, the school's first building was constructed and named Barge Hall, in honor of the first WSNS principal, Benjamin Franklin Barge.
- •Barge Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
- •In 1937, the Washington Legislature authorized a name change to Central Washington College of Education.
- •In 1961, reflecting that the curriculum had expanded into new areas of study in addition to teacher education, the school's name was changed to Central Washington State College.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Deadline Calendar
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.8%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,000
Programs (171)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
69%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
52
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from WA state average