Central Washington University Admissions

SAT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid, Graduation Rate & More

Central Washington University
Central Washington University. Bobak / Wikimedia Commons
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated September 14, 2017

Central Washington University Admissions Overview:

CWU is not a highly selective university; 80% of those who apply each year are accepted. Students interested in Central Washington need to submit scores from either the SAT or ACT--either test is acceptable. In addition, prospective students should submit high school transcripts and a completed online application. Students are not required to submit a writing sample, personal statement, or letters of recommendation.

Those interested in Central Washington should check out the school's website for more information about the admissions process, and are encouraged to visit the camps or contact the admissions office with any questions.

Will You Get In?

Calculate Your Chances of Getting In with this free tool from Cappex

Admissions Data (2016):

Central Washington University Description:

Central Washington University is a public university that grants bachelor's and master's degrees. The university is located in Ellensburg, Washington, a small historic city situated just east of the Cascade Mountains.

The area is ideal for students who enjoy outdoor activities. Seattle is a two-hour drive to the west and Spokane is three hours to the east. The university also has six off-site centers located throughout Washington State. Students can choose from over 100 majors and numerous pre-professional programs.

Business and education are both extremely popular among undergraduates. On the athletic front, the CWU Wildcats compete in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference. Popular sports include football, soccer, basketball, and track and field.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 11,971 (11,119 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 49% Male / 51% Female
  • 85% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $7,719 (in-state); $21,522 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $1,002 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $10,175
  • Other Expenses: $3,012
  • Total Cost: $21,908 (in-state); $35,711 (out-of-state)

Central Washington University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 80%
    • Loans: 61%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $7,749
    • Loans: $5,664

Academic Programs:

Graduation and Retention Rates:

  • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 76%
  • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 27%
  • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 52%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

  • Men's Sports: Football, Track and Field, Cross Country, Basketball, Baseball
  • Women's Sports: Softball, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track and Field, Basketball, Soccer

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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