Academic Comparison between Northwest University and CWU

Northwest University and Central Washington University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Northwest University is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Kirkland, 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.

  • Northwest University is a private (not-for-profit) and CWU is a public 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.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
Northwest University CWU
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Northwest Universityvs.Central Washington University
Kirkland, WashingtonLocationEllensburg, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$36,0352024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
95%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$22,181Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,562
88.05 %Acceptance Rates90.22 %
29.46 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)25.45 %
1,200SAT Score-
25ACT Score-
67 %Graduation Rate52 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
81 %Retention Rate68 %
1,014Student Population9,257
56Number of Faculties397
9 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial 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