Central Washington University vs Gonzaga University
Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, WA. Gonzaga University is a private university in Spokane, WA. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants and Central Washington University about 91%, making Gonzaga University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,476 a year at Central Washington University after aid, and about $35,119 at Gonzaga University. About 87% of students graduate at Gonzaga University, compared with 52% at Central Washington University. Ten years after enrolling, Gonzaga University alumni earn a median of about $78,892, against $61,580 for Central Washington University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Spokane, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,833
5,198
Acceptance rate
91%
82%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.43–3.93
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1190–1380
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
27–31
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,476
$35,119
Full cost / yr
$28,816
$73,178
In-state tuition
$9,417
$55,480
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
$55,480
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,846
$20,833
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$23,112
$48k - $75k
$16,022
$25,106
$75k - $110k
$21,682
$33,949
Over $110k
$26,719
$42,668
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
87%
Freshman retention
70%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,398
$66,525
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,580
$78,892
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$24,454
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
14%
First-generation students
40%
13%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
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.
- Is Central Washington University or Gonzaga University harder to get into?
- Gonzaga University is harder to get into. It admits about 82% of applicants, compared with 91% 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.
- Which is cheaper, Central Washington University or Gonzaga University?
- Central Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,476 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $35,119 at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga University?
- Before aid, Central Washington University costs about $28,816 a year and Gonzaga University about $73,178. 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 Gonzaga University?
- Central Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,846 there, against about $20,833 at Gonzaga 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 Gonzaga University?
- Central Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 7,833 undergraduates against 5,198 at Gonzaga University.
- Does Central Washington University or Gonzaga University have a better graduation rate?
- Gonzaga University has the higher graduation rate, at about 87% against 52% at Central Washington University.
- Do graduates of Central Washington University or Gonzaga University earn more?
- Gonzaga University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $78,892 ten years after enrolling, against about $61,580 for Central Washington University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Central Washington University and Gonzaga University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Gonzaga University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
- What SAT scores do Central Washington University and Gonzaga University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Central Washington University and 1190–1380 at Gonzaga University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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