Central Washington University
At a Glance
Central Washington University is a mid-size public university in Ellensburg, WA. Approximately 7,833 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Wanapum Lake is about 24 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 21 miles of campus. Greek life is active on 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.
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Campus Identity
Central Washington University is a mid-size public university in Ellensburg, WA. Approximately 7,833 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 91% acceptance rate. Wanapum Lake is about 24 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 21 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 44/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Follow Along
Campus Lifestyle
Central Washington University is a 10,000–19,999, small-town school with NCAA D2 athletics and a greek life dominant Greek scene. The campus is 90 miles from Dash Point State Park Beach, WA and 21 miles from Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort.
Athletics
NCAA D2
Great Northwest Athletic
School Size & Setting
10,000–19,999
Town setting
Beach Access
90 miles
Dash Point State Park Beach, WA
Weather
Cold Climate
44°F avg school-year
Greek Life at Central Washington University
At Central Washington University, 42% of men are in a fraternity and 58% of women are in a sorority. That is among the highest participation in the country, and Greek life sets the social calendar for a large share of campus. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.
42%
Men in fraternities
58%
Women in sororities
Greek Life Dominant
Greek life scale
Ski Town
Central Washington University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, 21 miles away with 7 lifts and 2,000 skiable acres. All are within 48 miles of campus.
Washington
Washington
Washington
Nearest Beach
Students at Central Washington University are 90 miles from Dash Point State Park Beach, WA.
Dash Point State Park Beach, WA
Ocean access within 90.2 miles
Nearby Lake
Wanapum Lake is 24 miles from campus, giving Central Washington University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Wanapum Lake
Lake access within 23.8 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg has a cool climate, with winters averaging 30°F in Dec and summers peaking around 72°F in Jul.
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
Central Washington University in WA earns a composite safety score of 44/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
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
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $9,417 | $27,526 |
| Fees | $2,029 | $2,029 |
| Room & Board | $17,224 | $17,224 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $28,670 | $46,779 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields 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 enrolled.
How many students attend Central Washington University?
Central Washington University enrolls 7,833 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend Central Washington University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Central Washington University charges $9,417/year for in-state students and $27,526/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($17,224/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $25,213/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,476/year — what students actually pay. 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.
What NCAA division is Central Washington University in?
Central Washington University competes in NCAA Division II, part of the Great Northwest Athletic. Division II programs offer athletic scholarships while keeping a closer balance between athletics and academics.
What percentage of students at Central Washington University are in Greek life?
At Central Washington University, 42% of men are in a fraternity and 58% of women are in a sorority. That is among the highest participation in the country, and Greek life shapes the social calendar for much of campus. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.
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), avg net price ($18,476/year after aid), campus culture in Ellensburg, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Central Washington University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: 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)