Academic Comparison between CWU and Washington State

Central Washington University and Washington State University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Washington

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • Washington State has more expensive tuition & fees ($29,073) than CWU ($26,771).
  • It is harder to admit to Washington State than CWU.
  • Washington State has more students with 27,539 students while CWU has 9,257 students.
  • CWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 14 to 1 while Washington State's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • Washington State has more full-time faculties with 1,330 faculties while CWU has 397 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CWU Washington State
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Washington State University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationPullman, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
2024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$12,997
Out-Of-State$29,073
69%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$8,562Average Amount of Financial Aid$11,881
90.22 %Acceptance Rates85.36 %
25.45 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)19.02 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
52 %Graduation Rate62 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
68 %Retention Rate81 %
9,257Student Population27,539
397Number of Faculties1,330
14 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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, On-campus daycare