Academic Comparison between NCAD and CWU

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

  • NCAD is a private (for-profit) and CWU is a public 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

Northwest College of Art & Designvs.Central Washington University
Tacoma, WashingtonLocationEllensburg, Washington
Four-year, Private (for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Bachelor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
School of art, music, and designCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$18,1002024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
86%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$13,574Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,562
75.82 %Acceptance Rates90.00 %
47.41 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.01 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
56 %Graduation Rate52 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
53 %Retention Rate68 %
119Student Population9,257
-Number of Faculties397
29 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
-Special Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare