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Central Washington University vs Great Northern University

Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, WA, and Great Northern University is a private university in Spokane, WA. Central Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 100% at Great Northern University. Central Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,476 a year against $21,029 at Great Northern University.

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA · Public

Great Northern University

Spokane, WA · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Spokane, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,833
48
Acceptance rate
91%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,476
$21,029
Full cost / yr
$28,816
$28,405
In-state tuition
$9,417
$18,300
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
$18,300
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,846
$19,898
$30k - $48k
$13,942
Not reported
$48k - $75k
$16,022
$22,160
$75k - $110k
$21,682
Not reported
Over $110k
$26,719
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
Not reported
Freshman retention
70%
100%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,398
Not reported
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,580
Not reported
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
Not reported
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
42%
First-generation students
40%
Not reported
International students
2%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Great Northern University harder to get into?
Central Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 100% at Great Northern 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 Great Northern University?
Central Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,476 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,029 at Great Northern 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 Great Northern University?
Before aid, Great Northern University costs about $28,405 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 Great Northern University?
Central Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,846 there, against about $19,898 at Great Northern 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 Great Northern University?
Central Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 7,833 undergraduates against 48 at Great Northern University.
Do Central Washington University and Great Northern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Central Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Great Northern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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