Skip to content

Central Washington University vs Eastern Washington University

Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, WA, and Eastern Washington University is a public university in Cheney, WA. Both admit about 91% of applicants. Eastern Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,886 a year against $18,476 at Central Washington University. About 52% of students graduate at Central Washington University, compared with 45% at Eastern Washington University. Ten years after enrolling, Central Washington University alumni earn a median of about $61,580, against $57,897 for Eastern Washington University.

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Cheney, WA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
7,833
6,222
Acceptance rate
91%
91%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.15–3.65
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
880–1090
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
16–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,476
$13,886
Full cost / yr
$28,816
$24,478
In-state tuition
$9,417
$8,586
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
$25,959
Application fee
$60
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,846
$9,547
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$10,204
$48k - $75k
$16,022
$12,292
$75k - $110k
$21,682
$17,596
Over $110k
$26,719
$22,279
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
45%
Freshman retention
70%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,398
$46,469
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,580
$57,897
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
35%
First-generation students
40%
36%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 91% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University?
Eastern Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,886 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,476 at Central Washington University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University?
Before aid, Eastern Washington University costs about $24,478 a year and Central Washington University about $28,816. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University?
Eastern Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,547 there, against about $11,846 at Central Washington University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University?
Central Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 7,833 undergraduates against 6,222 at Eastern Washington University.
Does Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University have a better graduation rate?
Central Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 45% at Eastern Washington University.
Do graduates of Central Washington University or Eastern Washington University earn more?
Central Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,580 ten years after enrolling, against about $57,897 for Eastern Washington University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Eastern Washington University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Central Washington University and 880–1090 at Eastern Washington University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school