Central Washington University: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

Central Washington University operates at 9 campuses across Washington State, serving diverse student populations through distinct locations. Each campus is strategically positioned to meet specific regional needs, from serving military personnel to supporting transfer students and providing access to higher education in rural communities.

1. Ellensburg (Main Campus): The flagship Ellensburg campus serves as CWU's primary residential and academic hub, offering the most comprehensive educational experience within the university system.

• The campus encompasses 380 acres with modern learning facilities, residence halls, and athletic facilities.
• Offers 135+ degree programs, representing the full spectrum of CWU's academic offerings.
• Maintains a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in the residential setting.

1. Des Moines: This campus’s proximity to Seattle's business and technology sector, along with access to regional economic opportunities. It is certified as an F-1 school by the Department of Homeland Security, enabling international student enrollment.
2. Joint Base Lewis-McChord: This base provides convenient access for the target population, including military personnel, veterans, and their families. It offers face-to-face, hybrid, and online courses to accommodate military schedules and deployments.
3. Lynnwood: The campus operates through a strategic partnership model, focusing on upper-division transfer students who have completed their first 2 years at community colleges and seek to finish their bachelor's degree locally.
4. Moses Lake: It is conveniently located, serving students in central Washington who need closer-to-home options. Offers academic programs and certificates tailored to the region's workforce needs.
5. Pierce County: The campus leverages existing educational infrastructure to expand CWU's presence in the Tacoma metropolitan area.
6. Sammamish: Represents a transitional model, shifting from physical presence to online program delivery as of June 30, 2025. Established partnerships with Microsoft and the YMCA, demonstrating industry connections.
7. Wenatchee: This campus is located in the agriculturally oriented and touristy Wenatchee Valley. It offers top facilities and academics.
8. Yakima: The campus emphasizes community engagement as a core component of its educational approach.

After exploring CWU campuses, let's examine the Central Washington University rankings as given in the US News report. 

Central Washington University might not be ranked in QS rankings or THE rankings. Still, it has consistently performed well in regional and program-specific rankings, ranking #143 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs, which reflects its strengths in career readiness and specialized fields. 

Here’s a quick overview of its notable rankings:

Ranking Category	Rankings
U.S. News & World Report Ranking	#35 in Regional Universities West
Veterans	#21 in Best Colleges for Veterans
Public Schools	#18 in the top public school and #42 in the best value schools
Forbes	#383 in Forbes Ranking
Online Program Ranking	#143 in  Best Online Bachelor's Programs #76 in  Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans #104 in  Best Online Bachelor's in Business Programs

While its overall rankings have remained relatively stable, CWU has gained recognition for its diversity, inclusion efforts, and support for veterans. 

Subject-specific rankings provide valuable insights into the performance of your chosen program. Let's explore the details to see how your field of study ranks.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2024/25

Central Washington University has established itself as a strong academic institution, excelling in key fields such as Master’s in Accounting, Bachelor’s in Commerce, and Master’s in Electronics Engineering. 

The university's programs have been recognized at regional and national levels, like Fine Arts at #210, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence and career-focused education.

Below is a summary of its subject-wise rankings:

Ranking Category	Ranking Body	Rank
Best Fine Arts Program	U.S News	#210
UG Business Program	Niche	#440
Accounting and Finance	Niche	#273
Information Technology	Niche	#120

CWU's consistent performance in rankings for programs like accounting and business reflects its academic excellence and outcomes-based education. Now, let's explore its Admission requirements. 

Central Washington University's acceptance rate hovers around 88%, reflecting its inclusive approach to higher education. An average of 8,796 applicants is seen annually, with around 8,306 enrollments further highlighting CWU’s commitment to providing opportunities for a diverse range of applicants to be part of the university's community.

As you move forward in your application journey, it's crucial to understand the specific Admission Requirements that will guide your next steps.

Admission Requirements

Understanding the admission process in advance can help you prepare your documents early and take the necessary admission tests (e.g., the SAT, ACT, TOEFL), as well as meet the required GPA standards, to increase your chances of admission.

Below is a breakdown of the admission requirements and upcoming deadlines for Central Washington University:

Academic Qualification

Academic criteria include a GPA score along with documents such as official transcripts, a statement of educational and professional objectives, and a letter of recommendation. Additionally, programs like an MBA may require a resume or portfolio.

Here are the academic requirements:

Criteria	Details
Minimum GPA	3.0 GPA or above
Academic Transcripts	Official transcripts from all universities attended, accompanied by a transcript evaluation
Statement of Educational and Professional Objectives.	A 500-word statement outlining your career goals and any relevant experiences that will help the admissions committee understand your aspirations and needs.
Recommendation Letters	Three recommendation letters, along with the contact information for three recommendation providers
Degree	Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (for PG programs)

Note: International students should apply earlier than the deadline to allow extra time for submitting transcripts and securing a visa appointment if admitted.

Language Proficiency

International applicants, including those from India, must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL tests. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver.

Refer to the table below to check the minimum test scores accepted by the university.

Test	Average Score Required
IELTS Academic	6.5
TOEFL iBT	79
Duolingo English Test	120

Note: Test requirements are waived for applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. university or a university where English is the primary language of instruction.

Competitive Exams 

The Central Washington University Graduate School does not require GRE or GMAT test scores. However, some programs may require additional test scores, so it's essential to verify with the specific program’s department for confirmation. 

Visa Requirements

International students outside the United States must complete the necessary steps to obtain the I-20 document and apply for an F-1 student visa, including payment of the required SEVIS fee, before the visa interview. For international students already in the U.S., they must submit immigration and financial documents, as well as transfer their SEVIS record to CWU, to receive a new I-20. 

Here are the visa requirements to study at CWU:

Document	Details
Valid Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
Proof of Funds	Bank account statements, affidavits, or scholarship letters showing financial support for at least one academic year.
Form I-20	Issued by CWU after admission and financial documents are approved. Required for the F-1 visa application.
Passport-size Photograph	Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements for filling out the DS-160 form.

Note: All international first-year students, the $400 (INR 34K) enrollment deposit must be received before the I-20 document can be issued. 

Let’s now take a look at the admission dates and deadlines for 2025 - 26.

The following are the priority application deadlines for both undergraduate (UG) and graduate (Grad) programs at Central Washington University (CWU) for the 2025 academic year. 

The graduate program for Fall 2025 has a rolling deadline, meaning you can submit your application anytime up until July 4, 2025:

Quarter	Deadline for UG	Deadline for Graduation
Fall	February 1, 2025 (closed)	July 4th, 2025 (rolling)
Winter	November 1, 2025 (rolling)	October 4th, 2024 (closed)
Spring	March 1, 2026 (open)	January 17th, 2025 (closed)
Summer	June 1, 2026 (open)	April 11th, 2025 (closed)

Note:

• Program-Specific Deadlines: Some departments (e.g., Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Master of Social Work) may have earlier deadlines.
• International Students: Allow 6–8 weeks for visa processing post-I-20 issuance.

Now that you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and application deadlines for studying at Central Washington University, let’s take a look at the different programs offered.

Central Washington University offers 135 accredited bachelor majors and 32 accredited  master’s degree programs, combining for 167 distinct degree programs at the undergraduate and Graduate levels. 

The most comprehensive courses are Business, Psychology, and Accounting. For graduate studies, popular offerings include Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Science in various fields, and Master of Professional Accountancy.

Here are some popular courses in different streams:

Stream	Programs
Engineering and Applied Science	Master of Science in Safety and Health Management Master of Science in Engineering Technology and Management
Computational & Information Science	Master of Science in Information Technology  Masters in Cybersecurity  Master of Science in Data Analytics
Education	Master of Education  Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Business	Master of Professional Accountancy
Psychology & Counseling	Master of Science in Psychology Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling Master of Science in Career and Technical Education
Family & Consumer Sciences	Master of Science in Child Development and Family Science) Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education
English & Humanities	Master of Arts in Literary Studies & Teaching Master of Arts in Writing
Aviation	Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

After reviewing some of the programs offered at CWU, let's examine the tuition fees for various courses.

Understanding the total cost, such as tuition, living expenses, travel, and insurance, helps you choose which universities fit your budget. 

The total cost of studying in US at CWU can be anywhere between $47,009.78 (INR 40.33L) for UG and $48,514.68 (INR 41.62L) for Graduation, which also includes living expenses like housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs of studying in the US.

Here is the breakdown of the cost:

Expense	Undergraduate (Annual)	Graduate (Annual)
Tuition	$25,340.1 (INR 21.73L)	$25,845 (INR 22.17L)
Mandatory Fees	$2,185.68 (INR 1.87L)	$2,185.68
Housing & Meals	$16,314 (INR 13.99)	$16,314.00
Health Insurance	$990 (INR 84K)	$990.00
Books & Supplies	$900 (INR 77K)	$900.00
Transportation	$2,280 (INR 1.95L)	$2,280.00

The following section explores the essential living expenses you will encounter as an international student at Central Washington University.

The total estimated cost of living in the US for Indian students is $23,599 (INR 2.23L). Beyond tuition fees, expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall cost of living. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. 

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at Central Washington University:

Purpose	Annual Cost ($)	Annual Cost (INR)
Living Expenses	$16,480	INR 14.13L
Course Materials, etc.	$900	INR 77,175
Loan Fees	$294	INR 25,211
Personal	$3,645	INR 3.12L
Transportation	$2,280	INR 1.95L
Total Other Costs	$23,599	INR 2.23L

Note: All INR (Indian Rupee) conversions are provided for reference only and are based on the current exchange rate.

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, CWU offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

Merit-based awards were granted to 51 full-time, first-year undergraduates, and 442 full-time undergraduates across all years who received non-need-based institutional scholarships. 

Additionally, the College of Education awards 13 dedicated scholarships annually, while specialized departmental scholarships, like the CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship, are distributed within STEM programs.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available, including fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students:

Internal Scholarships

In the 2023–2024 academic year, a total of 820 internal scholarships were awarded, benefiting 660 unique students, with some receiving multiple awards. The Wildcat Promise Scholarship, a need-based award, was received by 102 students, with total disbursements exceeding $462,441 (3.95 Cr). 
 

CWU offers a range of merit-based scholarships, each with specific eligibility and benefits detailed in the table below. 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility	Benefits
Wildcat Promise Scholarship	First-year WA high school graduates with 3.0–4.0 GPA and high financial need; must live on campus, maintain a 2.75 GPA	$5,000/(INR 4.27L) year (up to $20,000 (INR 17.11L) over 4 years)
Crimson Scholarship	First-year students with 3.0–4.0 GPA; full-time enrollment, campus residency for the first 2 years	$1,000 (INR 85K) –$10,000 (INR 8.5L)/year (up to $40,000 over 4 years)
Presidential Scholarship	First-year students with 3.8–4.0 GPA; automatic consideration; maintain 3.0 GPA for renewal	$2,000 (INR 1.7L) first year, $1,000 (INR 85K) second year
Trustee’s Scholarship	First-year students with 3.5–3.79 GPA; full-time enrollment	$1,500 (INR 1.28L) for first year only
Wellington Scholarship	First-year students with 3.0–3.49 GPA; full-time enrollment	$1,000 (INR 85K)  for first year only
Central Washington University International Student Scholarship	Non-resident students with a 2.7+ GPA (UG) or 3.4+ GPA (PG). Automatic consideration upon admission.	$10,900 (INR 9.33L) (undergraduate) or $11,350 (INR 9.71L) (graduate) annually

With a strong foundation in internal scholarships supporting a wide range of student needs, Central Washington University also recognizes external funding opportunities.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are funded by either the government or private foundations. Indian students planning to study at CWU can apply for scholarships such as the Fulbright scholarships and the Inlaks scholarships, which cover tuition fees and living expenses.

All the scholarships listed below are need and merit-based. Let’s take a look at some of the external scholarship options:

Scholarship Name	Award	Eligibility
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship	$5,000 (INR 4.27L) –$8,000 (INR 6.84L) for study abroad	Pell Grant recipients studying critical languages or in high-impact regions.
Microsoft Careers Scholarship Program	$10,000 (INR 8.5L –$20,000 (INR 17.11L)	STEM undergraduates (computer science, IT) with a 3.0+ GPA. Prioritizes underrepresented groups.
Boren Awards	Up to $20,000 (INR 17.11L) for yearlong programs	Students pursuing studies in national security-related fields (e.g., languages, regions critical to U.S. interests).
Gilman-McCain Scholarship	$5,000 (INR 4.27L) for study abroad	Dependents of active-duty military members pursuing 3+ week programs in Level 1/2 advisory countries.
D.W. Cummings Scholarship	English majors (UG or Grad), full-time, focusing on English language studies; application by March 1	Renewable award, amount varies; supports academic achievement in English.

Note: According to official CWU sources, the 2026–27 Scholarship Central application will open in October 2025, but the specific closing date for the application period is not published in university announcements.

 

Next, let’s explore the placement stats of CWU.

Central Washington University’s career counselling and placement support for students across all academic disciplines, emphasizing readiness and professional development. 

The office reports that 90% of CWU graduates secure employment or pursue further education within 6 months of graduation, with an average annual salary of $64,500 (55.33L) for new graduates.

• Construction Management graduates achieve a 79.8% placement rate within six months.
• The average annual salary for new CWU graduates is $64,500 (55.33L).
• Safety and Health Management students have 100% paid internship placement.
• Personalized resume reviews and mock interviews are available for all majors.
• Annual career fairs feature top employers like Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, and Costco.
• The Wildcat Career Network connects students to internships and job opportunities.
• Career advisors provide salary negotiation and job offer evaluation support.
• 90% of CWU graduates are employed or in further education within 6 months.
• Each college offers major-specific career advising and workshops.
• Field experience and Co-op programs offer hands-on, credit-bearing work experiences with partner organizations.

CWU's Wildcat Career Network (WCN) is an online job board for students, alumni, faculty, and staff, providing career services and and placement. 

Top Recruiters

Approximately 79.8% of new CWU graduates are employed within six months at leading companies. Central Washington University (CWU) has established strong partnerships with both regional and national employers across various industries. 

Below are the top recruiters actively hiring CWU graduates in roles like software engineering, construction management, and more.

• Amazon: Amazon offers opportunities in technology, logistics, and cloud computing. CWU graduates can pursue roles such as Software Engineers, Supply Chain Analysts, and Operations Managers.
• Boeing: Recognized for its leadership in aerospace and engineering, Boeing offers opportunities in mechanical engineering, safety analysis, and project management to CWU graduates.
• Microsoft, as a major player in the tech industry, hires CWU graduates for roles in IT, cybersecurity, and software development, particularly for those specializing in data science and technology.
• Costco: Costco offers roles in retail, supply chain management, and corporate leadership. Graduates from CWU can find opportunities in various fields, including business analysis, logistics coordination, and marketing specialization.
• Alaska Air Group: Alaska Air Group provides roles in aviation management, customer experience, and maintenance. CWU graduates often find career paths as aviation managers and customer experience specialists.
• Washington State Public Schools: Washington State Public Schools offer CWU graduates roles in education, school counseling, and curriculum development, with a strong focus on improving the educational system.

Now, let's look at internship and co-op opportunities available for students at Central Washington University.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

Central Washington University (CWU) offers robust internship and cooperative education (co-op) programs designed to bridge academic learning with real-world experience. 

Internships offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen industry while earning credits toward their degree across a range of disciplines, including STEM, business, education, and athletics. 

CWU ensures students graduate job-ready, with 40% of interns receiving full-time offers from host organizations.

Here are the key requirements for internship eligibility at Central Washington University:

• Good Academic Standing: Students must maintain a satisfactory academic record with no active registration holds
• Relevance to Major: The internship must be directly related to the student's field of study or career aspirations.
• Prerequisite Completion: Completion of necessary courses and acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge are mandatory.
• Credit Requirements for Internship:
  • For 290-Level Internships: Completion of at least 45 credits, including 15 credits at CWU.
  • For 490-Level Internships: Completion of a minimum of 90 total credit hours, with at least 10 credits in the declared major
• Evaluation Process: Internships are graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis, with evaluations from the student, employer, and faculty advisor.
• International Students: Must obtain work authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and complete the necessary approval process for an internship. As defined in the key difference between CPT and Optional Practical Training (OPT), CPT must be completed before graduation.

After reviewing the placement services offered by the university and its top recruiters, let's compare the student life at Central Washington University.

Central Washington University (CWU) fosters a vibrant campus culture that extends far beyond academics. With over 125+ student clubs and organizations, NCAA Division II athletics, and robust leadership programs, CWU ensures students develop holistically while building lifelong connections. 

As a graduate of one of the top universities in the Pacific Northwest, CWU students benefit from strong industry ties and abundant jobs in the USA across sectors.

Below are key aspects of student life at CWU:

• Intramurals: Over 500 students participate in leagues like basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The Wildcat Career Network tracks participation, with 90% of first-year students engaging in intramural or club sports.
• Music and Theatre: The Music Department hosts performances ranging from jazz ensembles to orchestral concerts. Theatre Arts stages annual productions like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Haunting at Central.
• Community Service Learning: Programs like Spring Day of Service and partnerships with the American Red Cross Blood Drive engage students in local and global initiatives. Over 2,000 service hours are logged yearly.
• Wildcat Leadership Academy: Offers certificates in leadership through workshops on conflict resolution, team-building, and ethical decision-making. LEAD programs like Cat Camp (outdoor leadership retreats) and Leadershape, a 6-day immersive leadership experience.
• Registered Student Organizations (RSOs): 125+ clubs cater to diverse interests, from the Nutrition Science Club to the Public Health and Pre-Nursing Club. The Equity and Services Council supports affinity groups like the Latinx Student Union.

Through extracurricular activities, CWU strives for holistic development in addition to academic excellence. Now, let's explore some of the notable alumni from CWU.

Central Washington University (CWU) has cultivated a global alumni network, with 111,207 alumni making an impact around the world.  

Out of which, 4,000+ alumni are actively engaged in donors and other local events. A wide range of careers is represented by their alumni network, which remains connected to the program through frequent job and internship opportunities.

The following table highlights notable alumni and their diverse career paths.

Alumni Name	Field/Work	Contribution
Jeff Charbonneau	Education	2013 National Teacher of the Year; STEM coordinator and advocate for science education
Andrea Klouse	Music & Arts	Renowned composer/conductor; founded the "Vivace!" Choral Program.
Fred Kohout	Technology/Executive	Chief Marketing Officer at Cray Inc
Mimi Healy	Biotechnology	CEO of Lasergen; pioneer in DNA sequencing and diagnostics
Mike Wells	Journalism	ESPN NFL Nation writer and pre-game analyst
William Seraile	History/Academia	Scholar of African American history, authored five books.
Christine Sleeter	Education	Professor Emerita and multicultural education advocate
Richard Wang	Tech Entrepreneurship	Led Coding Dojo to prominence; Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
MG Richard Appelhans	Military	Major General and 2023 Distinguished Alumnus
David Shoup	Literature/Education	Children’s author and mentor

After reviewing the distinguished alumni, let's compare Central Washington University with its competitors.

Comparing similar universities helps prospective students make informed decisions by evaluating tuition fees, top courses, and potential career outcomes. For example, CWU graduates have an average starting salary of $64,500 (INR 55.33L), which is higher than Wilmington graduates' average salary of $42,500 (INR 36.46L).

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of Central Washington University with similar ones like Wilmington University and University of Northern Iowa.

Parameters	Central Washington University	Wilmington University	University of Northern Iowa
US News & World Report Ranking 2025	#35 in Regional Universities West	#392–434 in National Universities	#11 in Regional Universities Midwest
Tuition Fees	UG: $25,340 (INR 21.73L)	UG:  $30,732 (INR 26.36L)	UG: $21,712 (INR 18.62L)
	PG: $25,845 (INR 22.16L)	PG: $15,366 (INR 13.18L)	PG: $19,815 - $23312 (INR 17L - 20L)
Number of Courses	UG: 135	UG: 95	UG: 160
	PG: 32	PG: 20+	PG: 40
Popular Courses	UG:  Construction Management Business Administration	UG:  BS in Business Management BS in Computer Science	UG:  Elementary Education Finance  Psychology
	PG:  MS in IT & Administrative Management Master of Professional Accountancy	PG:  Master of Business Administration (MBA) MS in Information Systems Technologies	PG:  MS in Social Work MBA in Business Analytics
Placement (Average)	$64,500/year (INR 55.33L)	$42,500 (INR 36.46L)	$52,812 (INR 45.60L)
Post-study Work Visa Opportunity	OPT available (12–36 months for STEM)	OPT eligible (standard USCIS guidelines)	12–36 months for STEM-designated programs (e.g., Business Analytics)
Scholarships	Wildcat Promise Scholarship	WilmU Scholarship	OAS-UNI Scholarships

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and popular courses with similar universities, let's look at campus life.

Central Washington University provides housing and residence hall facilities to first-year students. 

University Residence Halls 

Regardless of the hall itself, room costs differ based on the type of room. The following are the three types of rooms:

• Private/single Room: All single bedrooms, regardless of the style of bathroom
• Suite-Style: Shared bathroom and bedroom for all roommates or suitemates
• Combined/shared Room: A common bathroom and a shared bedroom

International Living Learning Community Housing

A living-learning community is intended to act as a link between a student's interests and aspirations and their experience living on campus, building a sense of community and enabling networking with other students who have the same interests. 

Bedding facilities

For students living on campus, the university will provide a basic bedding set upon arrival. The fee, which is about USD 60.00 (subject to change), will be charged automatically to the student's CWU account. 

 Included in the bedding set will be:

• 1 pillow
• 1 flat sheet
• 1 pillowcase
• 1 light blanket
• 1 fitted sheet

Central Washington University's tuition structure for international students reflects a significant differential compared to in-state rates, with non-resident annual tuition fees averaging $25,340 (INR 21.69L) to $25,845 (INR 22.12L), based on data for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

These figures represent full-time enrollment (10-18 credits per quarter) and exclude additional costs, like housing, health insurance, and course materials ($900/INR 77K) annually.

Program	Annual Tuition (Non-Resident)	Additional Fees
Masters	$25,845.00 (INR 22.16L)	Lab fees: $25–$50/course (STEM programs) Online course fee: $40/course
MBA	$21,700 (total program cost) (INR 18.61L)	Includes tuition and fees for the 12-month program No additional lab fees
Bachelors	$25,340.10 (INR 21.73L)	Recreation Center fee: $351/year

Note: There is a mandatory fee for all nonresident students: $2,185.68/year (INR 1.87L) that covers athletics, wellness, recreation center, etc.

Let us now take a look at the next section that breaks down the total estimated cost for international students, including housing, health insurance, and other essential expenditures.