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. 

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. 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. 

6. Pierce County: The campus leverages existing educational infrastructure to expand CWU's presence in the Tacoma metropolitan area. 

7. 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. 

8. Wenatchee: This campus is located in the agriculturally oriented and touristy Wenatchee Valley. It offers top facilities and academics.

9. Yakima: The campus emphasizes community engagement as a core component of its educational approach. 

Central Washington University maintains strong regional recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings, reflecting its focus on teaching quality, affordability, and public value in the western United States. In the 2026 rankings, CWU ranks #46 (tie) among Regional Universities West, placing it in the top 40% regionally with consistent performance in public schools and value categories.​ 

Central Washington University Rankings 2025/26: 

Top Course-wise Rankings 2025–26 

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. CWU's programs emphasize practical training with AACSB business accreditation and high placement rates (95%+). Information Technology stands out regionally for administrative and cybersecurity tracks.​ 

For more information, check out upGrad's Central Washington University Ranking Page. 

Central Washington University offers 135+ undergraduate majors, 50+ minors, and 32 graduate programs across seven colleges, emphasizing career-focused education in business, education, IT, aviation, and sciences. Flexible delivery includes online/hybrid options, with AACSB-accredited business programs and strong teacher preparation. International students benefit from affordable tuition (~$27K out-of-state), 90% acceptance, and 95%+ job placement rates.​ 

Popular programs include BS Information Technology, BS Aviation, MBA (new 2025), MS Accountancy, and MA Education. Test-optional admissions and rolling deadlines support diverse applicants seeking high-ROI degrees. 

Undergraduate Programs 

CWU undergraduate programs prioritize hands-on learning, internships, and professional certification pathways in high-demand fields. 

Note: Amounts approximate; vary by exchange rates.​ 

Postgraduate Programs 

CWU graduate programs focus on leadership, licensure (CPA, principal cert), and industry skills with assistantships available. 

Note: Amounts approximate; vary by exchange rates. 

For more information, check out upGrad's Central Washington University Course Page. 

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:

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.

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.

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:

For more information, check out upGrad's Central Washington University Admission Page. 

Central Washington University operates on a rolling admissions process throughout the year with quarterly start dates. Priority application deadlines are set to encourage early submission for better chances of scholarship consideration, housing allocation, and timely course registration. International applicants are advised to apply well in advance to allow sufficient time for visa processing and documentation. 

Application Deadlines (Undergraduate and Graduate) :

Additional Notes: 

• Graduate programs often have rolling admissions with priority deadlines 2-3 months before quarter start. 
• Early application is essential for scholarship and assistantship consideration. 
• International students should begin the process early to accommodate visa procedures. 

Central Washington University offers affordable cost of studying and living compared to many U.S. public universities, making it a value-driven choice, especially for in-state and international students seeking career-focused education. Tuition rates vary based on residency status and program level, with additional expenses for housing, meals, and personal costs. 

Tuition and Fees Overview:  

Additional Costs:  

Ellensburg offers a low-cost college town lifestyle with a total cost of living of $17,200–$21,900 annually (~₹15.4–19.6 lakhs), positioning CWU among the most affordable Regional West universities. Costs sourced from official CWU Cost of Attendance and housing pages.​ 

On-Campus Housing 

Modern residence halls/apartments include utilities, WiFi, and laundry. Shared rooms are recommended for savings. 

Meal Plan 

Campus dining halls with flex meals, dietary accommodations available. 

Books & Supplies 

Textbooks, lab materials, digital resources. Rent used books to save. 

Transportation 

Free campus shuttles, bike paths, and local bus service. 

Personal Expenses 

Health insurance, phone, entertainment, clothing, misc. 

Total Estimated Living Costs: $17.2K–$21.9K (~₹15.4–19.6L). Off-campus shared housing reduces to ~$12K/year. 

For the academic year 2025–2026, Central Washington University awarded 820 internal scholarships benefiting 660 students, disbursing over $462,441 (₹3.95 crores). Merit-based awards supported 51 full-time first-year and 442 full-time undergraduates. The College of Education offers 13 dedicated scholarships annually, while STEM programs distribute specialized awards like the CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship.​ 

Internal Scholarships 2025–2026 

In the 2025–2026 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. 

External Scholarships 2025–2026 

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 look at some of the external scholarship options: 

Central Washington University boasts 90% of graduates employed or in further education within 6 months, with an average starting salary of $64,500 (~₹57.4 lakhs). The First Destination Survey tracks outcomes, showing 98% placement for College of Business graduates in 2023-24 (79% full-time). Top employers include Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft.​ 

Niche reports 95% employed 1-year post-graduation and 92% after 5 years, reflecting strong career services support.​ 

Placement Statistics 2025-2026:

Top Employers & Industries 

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. 

Central Washington University fosters a vibrant, inclusive campus community with 125+ student organizations, NCAA Division II athletics, and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio supports personalized engagement in a safe, rural setting surrounded by the Cascade Mountains. Niche grades CWU A- for student life, highlighting strong party scene (A) and athletics (A-).​ 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. 

Campus Activities & Organizations 

Over 125 clubs span Greek life, cultural groups, honors societies, and professional chapters. SURC hosts concerts, cultural events, and fitness programs. 

Athletics & Recreation 

NCAA Division II Wildcats compete in 14 sports. SURC features a gym, climbing wall, and indoor track; Outdoor Pursuits offers hiking, kayaking. 

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.

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

Central Washington University competes effectively with fellow Washington public regional universities, Western Washington University (WWU), and Eastern Washington University (EWU) in affordability and accessibility, while WWU leads in selectivity and graduation rates. All three serve the Pacific Northwest with strong value rankings.​