Academic Comparison between CWU and NCAD

Central Washington University and Northwest College of Art & Design are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CWU is a four-year, public school located in Ellensburg, WA and NCAD is a four-year, private (for-profit) school located in Tacoma, WA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • CWU is a public and NCAD is a private (for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($26,771) than NCAD ($18,100).
  • It is harder to admit to NCAD than CWU.
  • CWU has more students with 9,257 students while NCAD has 119 students.
  • CWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while NCAD's ratio is 29 to 1.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Northwest College of Art & Design
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationTacoma, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationSchool of art, music, and design
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
2024 Tuition & Fees$18,100
69%% Receiving Financial Aid86%
$8,562Average Amount of Financial Aid$13,574
90.00 %Acceptance Rates75.82 %
21.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)47.41 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
52 %Graduation Rate56 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
68 %Retention Rate53 %
9,257Student Population119
397Number of Faculties-
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio29 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning Opportunities-
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services