Central Washington University vs Western Washington University
Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, WA, and Western Washington University is a public university in Bellingham, WA. Central Washington University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 91% of applicants against 93% at Western Washington University. Central Washington University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,476 a year against $21,193 at Western Washington University. About 65% of students graduate at Western Washington University, compared with 52% at Central Washington University. Ten years after enrolling, Western Washington University alumni earn a median of about $62,569, against $61,580 for Central Washington University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Ellensburg, WA
Bellingham, WA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,833
13,544
Acceptance rate
91%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1150
1150–1390
ACT (middle 50%)
17–24
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,476
$21,193
Full cost / yr
$28,816
$30,359
In-state tuition
$9,417
$9,582
Out-of-state tuition
$27,526
$28,707
Application fee
$60
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,846
$12,915
$30k - $48k
$13,942
$14,147
$48k - $75k
$16,022
$17,539
$75k - $110k
$21,682
$24,301
Over $110k
$26,719
$27,984
Outcomes
Graduation rate
52%
65%
Freshman retention
70%
79%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,398
$45,272
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,580
$62,569
Median debt at graduation
$19,500
$18,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
28%
21%
First-generation students
40%
27%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 31
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 Western Washington University harder to get into?
- Central Washington University is harder to get into. It admits about 91% of applicants, compared with 93% at Western 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 Western Washington University?
- Central Washington University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,476 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,193 at Western 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 Western Washington University?
- Before aid, Central Washington University costs about $28,816 a year and Western Washington University about $30,359. 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 Western Washington University?
- Central Washington University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,846 there, against about $12,915 at Western 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 Western Washington University?
- Western Washington University is the larger of the two, with about 13,544 undergraduates against 7,833 at Central Washington University.
- Does Central Washington University or Western Washington University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Washington University has the higher graduation rate, at about 65% against 52% at Central Washington University.
- Do graduates of Central Washington University or Western Washington University earn more?
- Western Washington University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,569 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 Western Washington University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Central Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Washington University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Central Washington University and Western Washington University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1150 at Central Washington University and 1150–1390 at Western Washington University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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