Central Washington University

School Overview

Situated in Ellensburg, WA, Central Washington University is a well-regarded institution of higher education. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, it is ranked #46 among Regional Universities West (tie). It is also recognized as #24 in Top Public Schools. The school serves approximately 10,033 undergraduate students. With an acceptance rate of 91%, Central Washington University is accessible. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.2. A 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides an environment conducive to individualized academic attention. About 44% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, fostering an intimate learning environment. Top fields of study at Central Washington University include Business and Management (18%), Education (14%), and Psychology (11%). Those who major in Business and Management can expect a median salary of $65,927. The average net price for students receiving financial aid is $16,768. Central Washington University achieves a four-year graduation rate of 38%. Central Washington University is committed to academic excellence and preparing students for success in their chosen fields through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience.