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 ($40,407) than CWU ($27,526).
  • It is harder to admit to SPU than CWU.
  • CWU has more students with 10,811 students while SPU has 2,261 students.
  • SPU 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 SPU has 176 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)
$40,4072025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$9,417
Out-Of-State$27,526
97%% Receiving Financial Aid58%
$28,171Average Amount of Financial Aid$9,441
83.40 %Acceptance Rates90.62 %
15.75 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.03 %
-SAT Score-
-ACT Score-
62 %Graduation Rate54 %
25 %Transfer-out Rate-
72 %Retention Rate70 %
2,261Student Population10,811
176Number of Faculties426
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio15 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