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Central Washington University

Ellensburg, Washington — 400 East University Way, 98926

Annual Tuition $9,192
Enrollment 8,081
Acceptance Rate 90.2%
Median Salary $61,580

Central Washington University is a leading Public institution located in Ellensburg, Washington. Established to provide high-quality education, Central Washington University offers a range of programs and is recognized for its commitment to student success and academic excellence in the United States region.

Central Washington University Quick Facts
Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
Location Ellensburg, Washington
Type Public
Total Enrollment 8,081 students
Median Salary $61,580

Central Washington University — Institution Overview

Institution Name Central Washington University
Location Ellensburg, Washington
Official Website https://www.cwu.edu/
Address 400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Institution Type Public
Total Students 8,081

Central Washington University Admissions Process

Acceptance Rate 90.2% Open Admission
Avg. SAT Score N/A
ACT Midpoint N/A

Central Washington University Tuition Fees and Costs

In-State Tuition $9,192
Out-of-State Tuition $26,771
Pell Grant Rate 31.1%
Median Debt (Completers) $19,500

The Real Cost

Average net price after aid, grouped by household income.

Net price after aid

Central Washington University cost by family income

These are the average out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships, based on U.S. Department of Education reporting.

Family income $0 - $30,000 $7,978/yr
Family income $30,001 - $48,000 $11,430/yr
Family income $48,001 - $75,000 $15,182/yr
Family income $75,001 - $110,000 $18,886/yr

Low-income families under $30k pay an average of $7,978 per year. This band often benefits most from Pell Grants and institutional aid.

Calculate your personal aid

Opens the official Federal Student Aid Estimator.

Major Spotlight

Top programs by early-career earnings from this institution.

Top 3 by early salary

Based on median earnings two years after graduation from Central Washington University, using U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data.

1

Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. salary after Central Washington University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $72,482 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable
4yr: $95,379
2

Construction Management. salary after Central Washington University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $71,168 median/yr
Median debt $26,999 at graduation
Salary/debt 264% ROI ratio
1yr: $81,666 4yr: $89,725
3

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. salary after Central Washington University

Bachelor's Degree
Strong earning
2yr salary $70,456 median/yr
Median debt Not published program debt data
Salary/debt Salary-led debt data unavailable

Salary data reflects U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reporting.

Central Washington University Acceptance Rate and Enrollment Statistics

90.2% Open Admission

Acceptance rate based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education data.

Total Students 8,081
Undergrad 7,594
Retention Rate 69% full-time
Full-Time Students 86.4%

Courses and Academic Programs at Central Washington University

10 programs
Program Name
Degree
Graduates
Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Bachelor's
Graduates 649
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Bachelor's
Graduates 626
Psychology, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 412
Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Bachelor's
Graduates 320
Accounting and Related Services.
Bachelor's
Graduates 282
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Bachelor's
Graduates 263
Social Sciences, General.
Bachelor's
Graduates 202
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management.
Bachelor's
Graduates 167
Marketing.
Bachelor's
Graduates 159
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.
Master's
Graduates 136
Showing top 10 of 116 programs by graduates

Career Opportunities and Alumni Network at Central Washington University

Median Salary (10 yrs after entry) $61,580 U.S. Dept. of Education
Median (6 yrs) $49,398
Graduation Rate 49.9% 4-year (150%)
4-Year Graduation Rate
Graduate Earnings Timeline — Central Washington University
Timeframe After Entry Median Earnings
6 Years After Entry $49,398
10 Years After Entry $61,580
Is Central Washington University Worth It? — ROI Analysis 2026
Average Net Price $14,715
Median Career Earnings (10 yrs) $61,580
3-Year Loan Repayment Rate 527100%

Campus Life and Student Facilities at Central Washington University

Total Students 8,081
Undergrad 7,594
Graduate 487
Retention Rate 69% full-time

Gender Breakdown

53%
47%
Women Men

Enrollment Type

Full-time 86.4%
Part-time
Full-time Part-time

Diversity & Ethnicity

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

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 23
🎓
First-Generation 40%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 61.2%
🎖️
Veterans 0.5%
💍
Married Students 8.7%
📅
Students Age 25+ 19.7%
🔄
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
Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1 students per faculty member

Scholarships and Grants at Central Washington University

Central Washington University participates in federal financial aid programs. The data below is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and reflects the most recently available award year. Students should contact the financial aid office directly for current scholarship opportunities, institutional grants, and merit-based awards.

Pell Grant Rate 31.1% of students
Federal Loan Rate 35.7% of students
Avg Net Price $14,715 after aid
Median Debt $19,500 completers

Average Net Price by Family Income

Income Bracket Net Price / Year

Student Debt Overview

Median Debt — Completers $19,500
Cumulative Debt — 25th Percentile $6,000
Cumulative Debt — 75th Percentile $25,000

Financial aid availability, grant amounts, and scholarship criteria change each award year. Contact Central Washington University's financial aid office or visit the official website for current deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Central Washington University Rankings and Accreditation

Institution Type Public
Geographic Region United States
Title IV Federal Aid Approval 12/1/1965
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.9%
Median Graduate Salary $61,580
Data Source U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard & IPEDS (2026)

Institutional accreditation status is maintained by regional and national accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Title IV approval (above) confirms Central Washington University meets eligibility requirements for federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and work-study.

Housing and Campus Location for Central Washington University

Frequently Asked Questions about Central Washington University

What is the acceptance rate at Central Washington University?

Central Washington University has an acceptance rate of 90.2%, making it an accessible institution with moderate admissions standards.

How much is tuition at Central Washington University?

Tuition at Central Washington University is $9,192 per year. Net price and financial aid options may reduce this cost significantly depending on individual circumstances.

What is the average salary for graduates of Central Washington University?

Graduates of Central Washington University earn a median salary of $61,580 per year, based on 2026 U.S. Department of Education earnings data.

Where is Central Washington University located?

Central Washington University is located at 400 East University Way, Ellensburg, Washington 98926. The campus is situated in the United States region of the United States.

Contact Facts

Data sourced from 2026 US Dept. of Ed

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