Academic Comparison between CWU and SPU

Central Washington University and Seattle Pacific University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CWU is a four-year, public school located in Ellensburg, WA and SPU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Seattle, 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 SPU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • SPU has more expensive tuition & fees ($38,814) than CWU ($26,771).
  • It is harder to admit to CWU than SPU.
  • CWU has more students with 9,257 students while SPU has 3,118 students.
  • SPU has a lower number of students per faculty with 12 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 14 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 397 faculties while SPU has 211 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Seattle Pacific University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationSeattle, 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 ClassificationDoctoral / Research University
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
2024 Tuition & Fees$38,814
69%% Receiving Financial Aid95%
$8,562Average Amount of Financial Aid$23,247
90.00 %Acceptance Rates90.98 %
21.01 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)15.00 %
-SAT Score1,200
-ACT Score23
52 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate24 %
68 %Retention Rate79 %
9,257Student Population3,118
397Number of Faculties211
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio12 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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