Campus Identity
Central Washington University is a mid-size public university in Ellensburg, WA. Approximately 7,833 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 21 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
At a Glance
Central Washington University is a mid-size public university in Ellensburg, WA. Approximately 7,833 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Ski resorts are within 21 miles of campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
This school does not require standardized test scores for admission. SAT and ACT submissions are optional.
Campus Lifestyle
Athletics
NCAA D2
Great Northwest Athletic
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Town setting
Beach Access
169 miles
Westport, WA
Weather
Cold Climate
44°F avg school-year
Ski Town
Washington
Washington
Washington
Nearest Beach
Westport, WA
Ocean access within 168.9 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Ellensburg, WA
Station: ELLENSBURG BOWERS FIELD · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
Annual costs for the 2023–24 academic year. Source: IPEDS/NCES 2024.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $6,656 | $23,184 |
| Fees | $2,029 | $2,029 |
| Room & Board | $17,224 | $17,224 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $25,909 | $42,437 |
These are sticker prices. Your actual cost may be much lower with financial aid.
Calculate Your Net PriceFields of Study
189 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Central Washington University located?
Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA. The main campus address is 400 East University Way, Ellensburg, WA. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Central Washington University?
Central Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%, making it accessible. Out of 8,919 applicants, 8,082 were admitted in the most recent year. 7,833 students enrolled.
How much does it cost to attend Central Washington University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, Central Washington University charges $6,656/year for in-state students and $23,184/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($17,224/year), the total estimated cost for out-of-state students is approximately $25,213/year. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce this cost — use Central Washington University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the application fee for Central Washington University?
The undergraduate application fee at Central Washington University is $60. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.
Does Central Washington University have college sports?
Yes — Central Washington University competes at the NCAA D2 level in the Great Northwest Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships and competitive sports programs while balancing academics and athletics.
Is Central Washington University the right fit for me?
Whether Central Washington University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (91% admit rate), cost ($23,184/year out-of-state), campus culture in Ellensburg, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Central Washington University against similar schools side-by-side.
Data sourced from IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Central Washington University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Ellensburg, WA
- Size
- 10,000–19,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D2
- Conference
- Great Northwest Athletic
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 44°F avg
- App Fee
- $60
- On Campus Safety Score
- 44/100
- Nearest Airport
- Yakima, WA (YKM) · 30 mialso EAT (32 mi), MWH (59 mi)
Location
Ellensburg, WA