Central Washington University

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Town setting offering focused academic environment
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at CWU revolves around the SURC, the student union building where students gather between classes, grab food, and attend events. Greek life exists but does not dominate the social scene the way it might at larger universities. Instead, outdoor clubs and intramural sports draw significant participation. The surrounding landscape practically demands outdoor activity. Students hike, rock climb, and ski within easy driving distance. The Yakima River runs nearby for fishing and floating, and when snow falls in the Cascades, skiers head to Snoqualmie Pass just over an hour away. Housing options include traditional dorms, suite-style living, and university apartments for upperclassmen. Most freshmen end up in the older residence halls like Quigley or Moore, which have the classic dorm experience of shared bathrooms and community living. Off-campus housing in Ellensburg runs relatively cheap compared to cities, with many students renting houses with friends. The athletics program competes at NCAA Division II in the GNAC conference. Football games bring out solid crowds for a school this size, and the rivalry with Western Washington University adds intensity to certain matchups.

Location & Surroundings

Ellensburg occupies a unique geographic position in Washington state, sitting in the rain shadow of the Cascade Range where the wet western climate gives way to drier eastern conditions. This means significantly more sunshine than Seattle, along with genuine winters that bring snow and cold. Summer temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s, while January nights can drop well below freezing. The town itself functions as a service center for the surrounding agricultural region. Ranch land and farms extend in every direction, and the western aesthetic persists in local culture. The annual Ellensburg Rodeo, held every Labor Day weekend, ranks among the largest in the country and brings significant crowds to town. Downtown Ellensburg has maintained its historic character with brick buildings housing local shops, restaurants, and the occasional art gallery. Students appreciate the affordable dining options and the lack of chain-store dominance. Seattle lies about 100 miles west over Snoqualmie Pass, making weekend trips feasible but not trivially quick. The drive takes about two hours in good weather but can stretch considerably when winter storms close or slow the pass.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Tuition at CWU runs considerably lower than at Washington's flagship universities. In-state students pay roughly $8,000 per year for tuition and fees, while out-of-state rates climb to around $24,000. When you factor in room, board, books, and personal expenses, a year at CWU costs somewhere between $22,000 and $38,000 depending on residency and lifestyle choices. The university offers institutional scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, and financial need. The CWU Scholars program provides substantial awards to top applicants, and departmental scholarships reward excellence in specific fields. Work-study positions put money in students' pockets while building experience. Career outcomes vary significantly by major. Education graduates find jobs teaching in Washington schools, often staying in the state for their careers. Aviation graduates move into well-paying pilot positions, though the industry has its cyclical nature. Business and IT graduates compete in broader job markets where CWU's name recognition is strongest in the Pacific Northwest. The career services office helps with resume preparation, interview practice, and job fairs that bring regional employers to campus. Alumni connections matter here as they do everywhere, and CWU graduates tend to be loyal to their alma mater when hiring decisions arise.

Compare with Similar Universities