Academic Comparison between CWU and Highline

Central Washington University and Highline College are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, public and located in Washington

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.

  • Both schools are four-year, public schools.
  • CWU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,526) than Highline ($5,332).
  • CWU has more students with 10,811 students while Highline has 5,592 students.
  • Highline has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while CWU's ratio is 15 to 1.
  • CWU has more full-time faculties with 426 faculties while Highline has 154 full-time faculties.
Which school is more in your mind and would you like to go to?
CWU Highline
Vote to see the other's choices.

Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Highline College
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationDes Moines, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedBachelor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationAssociate's - Private For-profit 4-year Primarily Associate's
In-State$9,417
Out-Of-State$27,526
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$4,772
Out-Of-State$5,332
58%% Receiving Financial Aid36%
$9,441Average Amount of Financial Aid$6,234
90.62 %Acceptance Rates-
20.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)-
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
54 %Graduation Rate35 %
-Transfer-out Rate20 %
70 %Retention Rate-
10,811Student Population5,592
426Number of Faculties154
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services