Central Washington University (CWU, CWU) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

For students looking for a college experience in the Pacific Northwest, Central Washington University offers a good range of academic programs in a rural setting. Located in a small town in Washington state, the pioneer spirit remains an integral part of the character of the university. In addition to the main campus, the university also has University Centers at eight other locations, offering a variety of programs to students in those communities.

The university was founded in 1891 as the Washington State Normal School. The campus was located in Ellensburg as a consolation prize to the city, which lost its attempt to be the state capital of Washington state.

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Information Summary

Ranks 19th in Washington and 1074th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	79.4
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$23,201
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	24 / 1160
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	21 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	69% / 63%
Enrollment Total (all students)	12,342

Academics

Academic paths include 150 undergraduate degrees and 27 master

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Admissions are selective. CWU has an admissions index which weighs information submitted by applicants. The index takes into consideration GPA and ACT and SAT scores. New students who score below a certain level on the index may have to submit an essay and meet other requirements for admission.

The deadline to submit an application for fall quarter is April 1, winter quarter is Nov. 1, spring quarter is March 1 and summer quarter is June 1. Transfer students typically must submit ACT and SAT scores and their college transcripts. Students with less than a 2.5 GPA may undergo a comprehensive transfer application review.

Financial Aid

Students are eligible for federal grants and student loans. There are also a number of grants and scholarships offered by the state of Washington, the university and other organizations that students may be eligible for.

For example, the university offers a Heacock Family Scholarship for Women in Technology that awards $1,000 to female students majoring in mechanical engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or industrial education. The university also partners with Scholarship America in the Dollars for Scholars Program, which matches up to $250 of a student’s award from the Dollars for Scholars program.

The university also offers a merit tuition program to students with a demonstrable financial need who score a 45 or higher on the admission index and who have a 3.5 high school GPA. The program awards up to $2,700 per term and students must maintain a 2.5 GPA per term to keep the scholarship.

The university’s Web site has an exhaustive list of the scholarship opportunities provided by the school and outside sources, including information on how to apply for the scholarships. The office of financial aid also stands ready to help students find other grants and scholarships they may be eligible for.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4466th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Washington.

Students

About a third of the university

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The athletic department fields teams in men

Traditions

The yearly rodeo in Ellensburg has become something of a university tradition, with the university cooperating closely with the city of Ellenburg. Tickets are often tough to come by, as the event is extremely popular with the residents of Ellenburg and students at the university.

Local Community

Given their location in a small town, students don

Alumni

Notable alumni include Roland Wheeler, inventor of the Bowflex; Craig T. Nelson, actor in the TV series Coach; astronaut Dorothy M. Metcalf-Linderburger; and NFL quarterback Jon Kitna.

Central Washington University