Central Washington University
Ellensburg, United States • Founded 1891 • World Rank #4131
Updated Jun 2026
Overview
Founded in 1891, the Central Washington University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Ellensburg (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Washington.
This institution also has branch campuses in Des Moines, Lynnwood, Pierce County, Kent, Moses Lake, Wenatchee and Yakima. Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Central Washington University (CWU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Central Washington University (CWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 132-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. CWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Central Washington University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Key statistics on Central Washington University's student population, faculty size, and external recognition. International vs domestic student split is often missing from these figures but matters for campus culture.
Academic Structures
Central Washington University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 5 items
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Business
- College of Education and Professional Studies
- College of the Sciences
- William O. Douglas Honors College
Programs Offered
Below: Central Washington University's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
189 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States
Bachelor's Degree 113 programmes
Showing 10 of 113.
Master's Degree 46 programmes
Showing 10 of 46.
Professional Doctorate 1 programme
Certificate 18 programmes
Showing 10 of 18.
Postgraduate Certificate 11 programmes
Showing 10 of 11.
How to apply to Central Washington University
Five steps that capture how most applications to Central Washington University flow, from research through submission to follow-up correspondence.
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1
Research programmes at Central Washington University
Use the programme finder to browse Central Washington University's 189 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Programme-level requirements at Central Washington University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Lodge your application
Central Washington University processes applications through www.cwu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (509) 963 1111. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Central Washington University
Quick reference for Central Washington University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
In what year was Central Washington University established?
Central Washington University was founded in 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
In which city is Central Washington University?
Central Washington University is based in Ellensburg, United States.
Is Central Washington University a public or private institution?
Central Washington University is a public institution.
How many students study at Central Washington University?
Central Washington University has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
Where does Central Washington University stand in university rankings?
It ranks #4131 globally and #434 in United States.
How is Central Washington University organised academically?
Central Washington University is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Central Washington University accredited?
Yes, Central Washington University is recognised by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Central Washington University online?
Central Washington University's official website is www.cwu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Central Washington University overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Coordination on academic calendars among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members eases exchange programme logistics. Aligned terms reduce timing friction when moving between Central Washington University and other members.
Faculties at nearby universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near Central Washington University, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Cohort intake size shapes class culture meaningfully in Education & Teaching. Some the United States institutions accept a few dozen, others hundreds — the difference affects peer-learning depth and faculty access.
Universities Compared with Central Washington University
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Central Washington University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
Studying in United States: guides and resources
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