Central Washington University
400 East University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, United States
Central Washington University (CWU) is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington, known for combining strong liberal arts foundations with career-focused programs across fields like business, education, psychology, and science. Its academic approach emphasizes real-world learning, small class sizes, and faculty mentorship, appealing to students who value both hands-on experience and academic breadth. The campus in a historic small town offers a relaxed yet engaged environment with active student life, clubs, athletics, and community events rooted in the Wildcat spirit. CWU’s career services and internship connections support students toward meaningful post-graduation outcomes.
- Offers more than 135 accredited undergraduate majors and 32 graduate programs spanning arts, sciences, business, and education.
- CWU is home to a diverse student community with learners from over 60 countries and many cultural/student clubs.
- The university uses a quarter system, and academic support emphasizes applied learning and career readiness.
- Campus vibe blends a close-knit Wildcat culture with outdoor activities and events in a scenic rural setting.
- CWU participates in NCAA Division II athletics as the Wildcats.
- Notable alumni include individuals in fields such as sports, arts, and public service (specific globally famous names vary by field).
Undergraduate deadlines: CWU generally operates rolling admissions with priority/regular deadlines for fall and winter quarters; exact dates vary each year and should be checked on the admissions site. (Specific dates for 2026/2027 not found in current public sources.)
• International applicants often need to submit applications earlier than domestic deadlines to allow enough time for visa processing; for example, early fall quarter begins in late September/early October with recommended submission many months prior.
Graduate deadlines: Vary by program and quarter; prospective students should consult respective department timelines.
(If specific term deadlines are needed, providing the desired year or quarter will allow precise dates.)
• Undergraduate (international): Applicants typically must have completed secondary education equivalent to U.S. high school. English proficiency through tests like TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo is usually required; specific score minimums vary by program and year (check CWU’s International Admissions). SAT/ACT may be optional or not required. Transcripts generally need evaluation to U.S. equivalency, and visa-related financial documentation is necessary for I-20 issuance.
• Graduate (international): A recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent is expected. Many programs specify minimum GPA requirements (often around a U.S. “B” average or equivalent), and English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) are typically required unless waived under specific conditions. Standardized tests like GRE/GMAT are sometimes required or optional depending on the graduate program; check individual program pages for exact criteria.
| Program Level | Annual Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $27,500.00 - $28,300.00 |
| Graduate | $28,000.00 - $28,800.00 |
• Undergraduate (international): Applicants typically must have completed secondary education equivalent to U.S. high school. English proficiency through tests like TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo is usually required; specific score minimums vary by program and year (check CWU’s International Admissions). SAT/ACT may be optional or not required. Transcripts generally need evaluation to U.S. equivalency, and visa-related financial documentation is necessary for I-20 issuance.
• Graduate (international): A recognized bachelor’s degree or equivalent is expected. Many programs specify minimum GPA requirements (often around a U.S. “B” average or equivalent), and English proficiency tests (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) are typically required unless waived under specific conditions. Standardized tests like GRE/GMAT are sometimes required or optional depending on the graduate program; check individual program pages for exact criteria.
| Level | Web Page | Download |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | View Programs | — |
| Graduate | View Programs | — |