Central Washington University (CWU) is a public comprehensive university located in Ellensburg, Washington, founded in 1891. Serving over 10,500 students, CWU offers more than 135 undergraduate programs and numerous graduate degrees across colleges covering arts and humanities, business, education and professional studies, and the sciences. The university is particularly well-regarded for its aviation, education, and engineering technology programs. CWU operates several satellite learning centers across Washington State, expanding access to higher education throughout the region. As an NCAA Division II institution competing in the GNAC, CWU athletics foster school spirit and community engagement. The campus blends traditional brick architecture with modern facilities in the high desert of central Washington, offering outdoor recreation access to the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River plateau.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
—
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$$27,526
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $27,526
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
