Academic Comparison between CWU and Northwest University

Central Washington University and Northwest University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CWU is a four-year, public school located in Ellensburg, WA and Northwest University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Kirkland, 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 Northwest University is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Northwest University has more expensive tuition & fees ($36,035) than CWU ($26,771).
  • It is harder to admit to Northwest University than CWU.
  • CWU has more students with 9,257 students while Northwest University has 1,014 students.
  • Northwest University has a lower number of students per faculty with 9 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 397 faculties while Northwest University has 56 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Northwest University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationKirkland, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
2024 Tuition & Fees$36,035
69%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$8,562Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,181
90.22 %Acceptance Rates88.05 %
25.45 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)29.46 %
-SAT Score1,200
-ACT Score25
52 %Graduation Rate67 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
68 %Retention Rate81 %
9,257Student Population1,014
397Number of Faculties56
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio9 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services