Academic Comparison between CWU and Great Northern

Central Washington University and Great Northern University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. CWU is a four-year, public school located in Ellensburg, WA and Great Northern is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Spokane, 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.

  • CWU is a public and Great Northern is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,526) than Great Northern ($18,300).
  • It is harder to admit to CWU than Great Northern.
  • CWU has more students with 10,811 students while Great Northern has 48 students.
  • Great Northern has a lower number of students per faculty with 3 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 426 faculties while Great Northern has 6 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Great Northern University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationSpokane, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie Classification
In-State$9,417
Out-Of-State$27,526
2025 Tuition & Fees$18,300
58%% Receiving Financial Aid50%
$9,441Average Amount of Financial Aid$5,125
90.62 %Acceptance Rates100.00 %
20.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)91.67 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
54 %Graduation Rate50 %
-Transfer-out Rate50 %
70 %Retention Rate100 %
10,811Student Population48
426Number of Faculties6
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio3 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesWeekend/Evening College
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services