Academic Comparison between SPU and CWU

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

  • SPU is a private (not-for-profit) and CWU is a public 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

Seattle Pacific Universityvs.Central Washington University
Seattle, WashingtonLocationEllensburg, Washington
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Doctoral / Research UniversityCarnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
$38,8142024 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,192
Out-Of-State$26,771
95%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$23,247Average Amount of Financial Aid$8,562
90.98 %Acceptance Rates90.00 %
15.00 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)21.01 %
1,200SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
65 %Graduation Rate52 %
24 %Transfer-out Rate-
79 %Retention Rate68 %
3,118Student Population9,257
211Number of Faculties397
12 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio14 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, 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