Central Washington University Ranking 2025-2026

Washington, USA

Download Brochure

205

No of Courses

#35

Rank(US News)

Public

University Type

Central Washington University Ranking 2025-2026 highlights CWU as a top regional university with a #46 ranking in Regional Universities West and #24 among Top Public Schools West by U.S. News. It boasts a rare 4.5-star rating in Money's 2025 Best Colleges list, underscoring its affordability with a net price around $18K (₹1.62 million) and solid graduation rates. Niche ranks Central Washington University’s Information Technology program #126 in the U.S., alongside strong performances in business and education.

EduRank lists CWU in the top 400 nationally for liberal arts and environmental sciences, reflecting substantial research output. With an acceptance rate near 85%, a student–faculty ratio of 20:1, and AACSB and CAEP accreditations, CWU blends quality teaching with career-focused programs. It is also #1 in Ellensburg and offers graduates median salaries exceeding $60K (₹5.4 million), making it a robust choice for career-oriented students seeking value-driven U.S. education.

Central Washington University in Major Rankings

Central Washington University maintains a solid presence in regional U.S. rankings, emphasizing teaching quality, affordability, and public value in the western United States. It performs well among Regional Universities West but does not appear in the top global research rankings, with strengths in student outcomes and applied programs.

In U.S. News & World Report 2026, Central Washington University ranks #46 (tie) in Regional Universities West (out of 118), #24 in Top Public Schools (Regional West), and #44 in Best Value Schools (West), highlighting a top 40% regional standing. Additional strengths include the Veterans and Social Mobility categories.

Central Washington University Ranking Trends:

Ranking Body / Category	2024	2025	2026
U.S. News: Regional Universities (West)	#37	#35	#46 (tie)
U.S. News: Top Public Schools (Regional West)	#18	#18	#24
U.S. News: Best Value Schools (West)	#42	#42	#44

Performance Overview:

National/Regional Recognition: Top third in Regional Universities West; leading public options balancing quality and cost.
Subject Strengths: Business (UG #370-440), education, IT per U.S. News/Niche; AACSB/CAEP accredited.
Value and Outcomes Focus: 4.5 Money rating; 95%+ placement in applied fields prioritizing ROI over research.

Ranking is just one parameter in choosing a university. Discover how Central Washington University can support your academic goals and career growth. Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s experts to explore programs, opportunities, and pathways tailored to you.

Subject-Wise Ranking of Central Washington University

Central Washington University is recognized for its practical, career-oriented programs, particularly in education, business, information technology, and social sciences. While it does not feature prominently in major global rankings like QS World Ranking or THE (Times Higher Education), CWU performs well in national subject rankings from Niche, U.S. News, and EduRank, emphasizing teaching quality and applied skills.

Niche Subject-Wise Rankings 2025

Niche evaluates universities based on program quality, student outcomes, and reputation. CWU excels in several applied and professional subjects:

Subject Area	Niche Ranking (U.S.)	Notes
Information Technology	#126/329	Strong practical training and career prep
Accounting & Finance	#321 (top tier)	Focus on real-world skills and outcomes
Business & Management	Top 500	Emphasis on employability and internships
Education (Elementary)	Top 400	High demand programs with strong placement
Criminal Justice/Law & Justice	Recognized	Interdisciplinary approach with solid rep

Note: 2026 Niche subject-wise rankings are partially available; data will be updated once published.

EduRank / Research Impact

According to EduRank, CWU faculty show solid publication and citation output, strongest in liberal arts, environmental science, and computer science:

Subject Area	EduRank Ranking (U.S.)	Notes
Liberal Arts & Social Sciences	Top 400	2,794 publications; broad strengths
Environmental Science	Top 450	2,064 pubs; practical research focus
Biology	Top 500	1,931 publications in life sciences
Computer Science	Top 550	AI/ML and tech-related outputs
Business	Top 600	1,022 pubs in management/economics

Note: 2026 EduRank data is not yet released.

Key Takeaways

CWU’s strengths shine in Information Technology, Accounting, Business, and Education, with applied learning driving career success.
Subject rankings from Niche and EduRank prioritize practical value and student outcomes over pure research metrics.
For Indian and international students, these indicate strong professional programs with U.S. job market relevance in tech, business, and education.

Ranking Methodology:

Niche: Assesses academics, satisfaction, faculty access, campus life, and careers via surveys/data. CWU shines with a 20:1 ratio and IT/business outcomes.
EduRank: Measures publications, citations across 100+ subjects. CWU is strong in liberal arts (2,794 pubs) and environmental science.
Money: Evaluates quality, affordability, graduation, and alumni earnings. CWU's 4.5 stars reflect low costs, high ROI.

Miscellaneous Rankings of Central Washington University

Apart from its overall and subject-specific rankings, Central Washington University (CWU) is recognized in several miscellaneous categories that reflect aspects of student experience, value, and visibility beyond traditional rankings. These rankings provide prospective students with a broader perspective on the university's strengths in affordability, regional impact, and educational quality.

Category	Ranking / Score	Notes
Money “Best Colleges in America”	4.5-star rating (2025)	One of only two Washington state schools with this high rating, based on education quality, affordability, and student outcomes.
Meta ranking	~#470 in U.S.; #1 in Ellensburg	Aggregates results from over 100 global and national league tables, showing CWU’s strong local position and mid-tier national standing.
UniRank (U.S. / Global position)	Mid-tier U.S. public university; around 1000+ globally	Reflects moderate global recognition typical of regional public universities.

Achievements and Recognitions of Central Washington University

Central Washington University has garnered significant achievements across academics, student competitions, faculty research, and institutional honors, underscoring its focus on teaching excellence, career preparation, and regional impact. These recognitions from national publications, accreditation bodies, and competitions highlight CWU's steady rise as a top public regional university in the West.

1. Major Institutional Rankings and Awards

Achievement Category	Year/Ranking Details	Significance/Notes
Money "Best Colleges in America"	4.5-star rating (2025)	One of only two Washington state schools at this elite level; evaluated on education quality (35%), affordability (30%), outcomes (25%), and graduation rates (10%).
U.S. News & World Report	#35 Regional Universities West; #18 Top Public Schools West (2025)	Improved from #42 in 2023; also #42 Best Value Schools West, top performer in Veterans and Social Mobility categories.
Niche Rankings (2026)	Top 500+ nationally in multiple categories	Strong in Information Technology (#126/329), Accounting, and student life; based on surveys and data analytics.

2. Program Accreditations and Academic Excellence

Accrediting Body / Program	Status/Year	Notes
AACSB International (College of Business)	Fully accredited (renewed 2023)	Gold standard for business schools; only 6% of worldwide programs hold this.
CAEP (College of Education & Professional Studies)	Nationally accredited	Validates teacher preparation programs; high pass rates on certification exams.
ABET (Engineering & Technology)	Accredited for select programs	Ensures rigorous standards in computing and engineering tech degrees.

3. Student Competition and Research Achievements

COMAP Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM/ICM): CWU math modeling teams consistently rank among the world's best, earning "Outstanding" or "Meritorious" status in recent international competitions against top global universities.
National Student Success Metrics: Above-average graduation rates (58% in 6 years) and strong ROI per Money; alumni median earnings exceed state averages in business/IT fields.
Faculty Research Output: 10,000+ publications tracked by EduRank; top 500 U.S. in Biology (1,931 pubs), Environmental Science (2,064 pubs), and Liberal Arts.

H3: 4. Diversity, Community, and Regional Impact

Veterans Support Excellence: U.S. News "Best Colleges for Veterans" (top 20 West); robust GI Bill support and veteran services.
Social Mobility Leader: Top performer in U.S. News category, reflecting success with first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
Regional Economic Engine: #1 university in Ellensburg; contributes $300M+ annually to Central Washington economy via students/alumni.

Central Washington University: Ranking vs Acceptance Rate

Central Washington University demonstrates consistent accessibility with 90%+ acceptance rates despite moderate ranking fluctuations, reflecting a focus on qualified applicants (3.0+ GPA guaranteed entry) over prestige. This high acceptance supports regional top-50 status while prioritizing enrollment growth and outcomes. Also, graduate program admission requirements for studying in the USA, specifically at CWU, are a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Ranking vs Acceptance Rate Trends:

CWU maintains a stable 85-90% acceptance across ranking changes, far above the U.S. average (56%), making it accessible for career-focused students seeking value-driven education.

Year	U.S. News Regional West	Acceptance Rate
2024	#37	90%
2025	#35	90.5%
2026	#46 (tie)	90%

Hence, CWU rankings 2026 secure #46 Regional West (U.S. News) with #44 Best Value, powering AACSB business, IT #120 (Niche), and 90% employment at below-average tuition. Against WWU (#10) and EWU (#72), CWU delivers unmatched ROI through 17:1 advising and employer-trusted outcomes in aviation/education. Elite regional performance, zero prestige tax.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply to Central Washington University as a first-year student?

People often wonder about the step-by-step process since it varies by GPA. If your high school GPA is 3.0+, you get guaranteed admission after submitting transcripts and core classes, no essay needed. Below that, add a personal statement, and they'll review everything holistically. Deadlines roll quarterly, so check the portal early to avoid rushes.

What's the acceptance rate like for international students?

Folks from India ask this a lot, especially with visa worries. It's around 85% overall, but internationals need a 3.0 GPA equivalent, English scores like TOEFL/IELTS, and $75 fee. Submit bank statements too for I-20, expect 4-6 weeks for decisions. A holistic review helps if scores dip a bit.

Are SAT or ACT scores required anymore?

Parents freak out over test-optional policies post-COVID. CWU's test-optional now, but submitting 1020-1230 SAT or 17-23 ACT boosts chances, especially under 3.0 GPA. They look at the middle 50% ranges for context, but essays and extracurriculars weigh heavily too. No pressure if tests aren't your thing.

How much do tuition and living costs run for undergrads?

Budget-conscious families want real numbers beyond rankings. In-state tuition's about $9K/year, out-of-state $26K, plus $12K room/board. Indians factor $30K+ total first year with fees, scholarships cut it down via merit or need. The net price calculator on the site gives personalized estimates.

What scholarships are available for Indian students?

Everyone googles funding options first. CWU offers merit awards up to $10K/year for 3.5+ GPA, plus department-specific awards like business/IT. International Excellence Scholarship auto-considers apps, no separate form. Deadlines match admissions, so apply early fall for fall entry.

Can I work on campus as an international student?

F-1 visa holders always ask about part-time gigs. Yes, up to 20 hours/week during term on campus, no CPT needed. Jobs like library/residence life pay $12-15/hour, helping with expenses. Off-campus students need OPT post-first year, but campus spots fill fast.

What's the campus vibe like in Ellensburg?

Prospective students curious about the social scene beyond academics. Small-town feel (pop 20K) with big outdoor access, hiking, skiing nearby. 10K students mean tight-knit clubs, D2 sports excitement, and Greek life optional. Winters are snowy but dorms cozy; summers are festival packed

How's the support for first-gen or low-income students?

Many from similar backgrounds want to know about equity. CWU ranks high in social mobility, free tutoring, TRIO programs, food pantry on-site. First-gen center helps with advising; Pell grants cover most for qualifiers. Grads beat averages in earnings quickly.

What popular majors should I consider for jobs?

Career-focused kids ask for ROI picks. Beyond blog subjects, aviation, paramedicine, wine business are hot, with high placement 95%+. IT and accounting lead to $60K+ starts. Internships are mandatory in many, linking directly to WA employers.

Is housing guaranteed for freshmen?

Incoming worry about dorm drama. Yes, for first-years, priority halls with meal plans $12K/year. Options like suites or honors housing, upperclassmen lotteries. Off-campus is cheap in town, but campus perks like proximity win out.

How do I transfer credits from my Indian college?

Transfer students stress over credit loss. CWU evaluates case-by-case via transcript service; most 4-year credits transfer if 2.0+. Max 90 quarter credits; use the transfer equivalency tool online first. Advisors help seamless switch mid-degree.

Explore Your Options

Other Universities

Calculators

Masters Courses

Bachelors Courses

Home
Study Abroad
Study in USA
Universities
Central Washington University
Central Washington University Ranking 2025-2026