Academic Comparison between CWU and Western Washington

Central Washington University and Western Washington University 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.
  • Western Washington has more expensive tuition & fees ($28,707) than CWU ($27,526).
  • It is harder to admit to CWU than Western Washington.
  • Western Washington has more students with 14,710 students while CWU has 10,811 students.
  • CWU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while Western Washington's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • Western Washington has more full-time faculties with 686 faculties while CWU has 426 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Central Washington Universityvs.Western Washington University
Ellensburg, WashingtonLocationBellingham, Washington
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (larger programs)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (larger programs)
In-State$9,417
Out-Of-State$27,526
2025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,582
Out-Of-State$28,707
58%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$9,441Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,066
90.62 %Acceptance Rates93.25 %
20.03 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.94 %
-SAT Score1,280
-ACT Score28
54 %Graduation Rate65 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
70 %Retention Rate79 %
10,811Student Population14,710
426Number of Faculties686
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio18 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, Placement services, On-campus daycare