Central Washington University vs Seattle Pacific University
Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, WA, and Seattle Pacific University is a private university in Seattle, WA. Seattle Pacific University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 91% at Central Washington University. Central Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,476 a year against $24,488 at Seattle Pacific University. About 62% of students graduate at Seattle Pacific University, compared with 52% at Central Washington University. Ten years after enrolling, Seattle Pacific University alumni earn a median of about $64,506, against $61,580 for Central Washington University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Seattle, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,833
1,762
Acceptance rate
91%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1050–1320
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
20–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,476
$24,488
Full cost / yr
$28,816
$56,826
In-state tuition
$9,417
$40,407
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
$40,407
Application fee
$60
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,846
$20,735
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$18,559
$48k - $75k
$16,022
$19,332
$75k - $110k
$21,682
$27,976
Over $110k
$26,719
$29,819
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
62%
Freshman retention
70%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,398
$51,496
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,580
$64,506
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$24,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
35%
First-generation students
40%
23%
International students
2%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15
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 Seattle Pacific University harder to get into?
- Seattle Pacific University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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 Seattle Pacific University?
- Central Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,476 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,488 at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University?
- Before aid, Central Washington University costs about $28,816 a year and Seattle Pacific University about $56,826. 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 Seattle Pacific University?
- Central Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,846 there, against about $20,735 at Seattle Pacific 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 Seattle Pacific University?
- Central Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 7,833 undergraduates against 1,762 at Seattle Pacific University.
- Does Central Washington University or Seattle Pacific University have a better graduation rate?
- Seattle Pacific University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 52% at Central Washington University.
- Do graduates of Central Washington University or Seattle Pacific University earn more?
- Seattle Pacific University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,506 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 Seattle Pacific University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Seattle Pacific University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Washington University and Seattle Pacific University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Central Washington University and 1050–1320 at Seattle Pacific University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Central Washington University vs Gonzaga UniversityCentral Washington University vs University of Washington-Bothell CampusCentral Washington University vs Eastern Washington UniversitySeattle Pacific University vs Whitman CollegeSeattle Pacific University vs Walla Walla UniversitySeattle Pacific University vs University of Puget Sound
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