Central Washington University

Ellensburg, United States of America

Central Washington University was established in 1891. It is a well-established public university in Ellensburg, Washington, USA. Its goal is to educate future elementary and junior high teachers. Central Washington University nurtures culturally sustaining practices that expand access and success to all students.
Add to compare

Frequently Asked Questions

CWU's primary residential campus is in Ellensburg, Washington, approximately 100 miles east of Seattle.
CWU is particularly strong in Aviation, Engineering Technology, Education, Business (especially Accounting & Supply Chain), Geology, Music, and Paramedicine. It emphasizes hands-on learning and professional preparation.
CWU is a public, comprehensive university offering bachelor's and master's degrees, plus some doctoral programs, primarily focused on undergraduate education
CWU primarily uses a GPA-based admission for WA residents (generally 2.5+ HS GPA). Test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional for most programs. Out-of-state/international requirements may differ slightly; check the admissions website.
CWU has rolling admission, but priority deadlines exist for scholarships (typically Feb 1st for fall) and housing. Apply by April 1st for fall and November 1st for winter quarter for best consideration.
Yes. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 college GPA and must have completed college-level English and Math. Some programs require higher GPAs or specific prerequisites.
CWU has its own University Police Department (UPD) providing 24/7 patrols. Ellensburg is generally considered a safe college town. UPD offers safety escorts, emergency phones, and proactive safety programs.
Resources include: UPD (emergency & non-emergency), Counseling Services, Title IX Office (harassment/discrimination), Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), online reporting systems, and safety apps (like Rave Guardian).
Yes. UPD officers patrol campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They offer Safe Walk escorts at night upon request. Well-lit pathways and emergency phones are also present.
: Yes, CWU offers a variety of fully online undergraduate and graduate programs through CWU Online, as well as hybrid options. Popular online majors include Business, IT, and Social Sciences.
CWU boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio (typically 18:1). While introductory lectures might be larger (50-100), upper-division and major-specific courses are often much smaller (15-30 students), fostering interaction.
Absolutely! CWU emphasizes experiential learning. This includes labs (science, tech), studios (art, music), clinicals (health), student teaching (education), internships, co-ops, field research (geology, anthropology), and capstone projects across most majors.
CWU offers merit-based scholarships (like Presidential, Dean's) based on GPA, talent-based scholarships (Music, Art, Athletics), and departmental scholarships. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is also crucial for WA STEM/Business students. Apply via the CWU Scholarship Application by Feb 1st.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) as early as possible after October 1st each year. Use CWU's school code: 003771.
Yes. Federal and State Work-Study programs provide part-time jobs for eligible students with financial need, both on and off-campus. Apply via FAFSA/WASFA and look for jobs on the Student Employment website.
Ellensburg (pop. ~22,000) is a charming, historic college town in the Kittitas Valley. It offers a friendly community vibe, local shops/restaurants, access to outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, skiing), and experiences four distinct seasons (hot summers, cold/snowy winters).
Housing is guaranteed for all incoming first-year students who apply by the priority deadline (typically May 1st for fall). Transfer and returning students have housing options but should apply early.
Ellensburg has numerous apartments, duplexes, and houses for rent within walking distance or a short bus ride from campus. The CWU Off-Campus Housing Resource Center assists students in finding options. Costs are generally lower than major cities but vary.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the US for up to 12 months directly related to their major field of study. You apply during your final semester. STEM majors may qualify for a 24-month extension.
The Center for International Studies and Programs (CISP) provides dedicated advising, OPT workshops, application review assistance, and guidance on maintaining status during OPT.
OPT is temporary employment authorization. To work long-term, you generally need employer sponsorship for a work visa (like H-1B). Success depends on finding an employer willing and able to sponsor you. CISP can provide resources on this transition.

University Of Central Washington University Application Statistics

11462
10964
498
442
26
80 %
$ 21151
$ 11115
$ 2904
2.6
35
80 %
1150
24
6

University Of Central Washington University Application Statistics

11462
10964
498
442
26
80 %
$ 21151
$ 11115
$ 2904
2.6
35
80 %
1150
24
6

We also can help you with following Services

Connect With Central Washington University

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts