Campus Vibe
College town
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.
Established
1891
Motto
Docendo Discimus
Mascot
Wellington P. Wildcat
Type
Public university
Division
Division II
90%Acceptance
—SAT Avg
8,081Students
17:1Student:Faculty
50%Grad Rate
$61,580Earnings 10yr
$14,715Net Price
News & Alerts
program2026-03-15
Central Washington University Launches New Data Science Minor
Admissions
Acceptance Rate90.2%
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Tuition (in-state)$9,192
Tuition (out-of-state)$26,771
Room & Board$16,314
Books & Supplies$900
Total Cost of Attendance$25,148
Average Net Price$14,715
Median Debt at Graduation$19,500
Monthly Payment (10yr)$207
Net Price by Family Income
$0–30K$7,978
$30–48K$11,430
$48–75K$15,182
$75–110K$18,886
$110K+$22,366
Financial Intel
Avg Net Price
$14,715
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
6400.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
52
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Programs (171)
Student Body
Undergrads
8,081
Gender Split
53% / 47%
Women / Men
First Generation
40%
Pell Grant Recipients
31%
Race & Ethnicity
White 56%
Black 5%
Hispanic 22%
Asian 4%
Two+ 8%
Int'l 2%
Outcomes
4-Year Graduation Rate49.9%
Freshman Retention69.0%
Median Earnings After Graduation
6 Years$49,398
8 Years$55,463
10 Years$61,580
10-Year Earnings by Gender
Women
$43,300
Men
$58,100
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
115High
Estimated from WA state average
Climate (School Year)
Snowfall: 60"Sunny days: 250Rainy days: 75
Nearest Cities
Seattlepop. 740K
94 mi(163 min)
Portlandpop. 650K
145 mi(251 min)
Salt Lake Citypop. 200K
609 mi(1056 min)