Central Washington University

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Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    400
  • Nationalities
    66
  • Total programs
    177

Study abroad at Central Washington University

Central Washington University (CWU) is a four-year public university located in the friendly city of Ellensburg. The University delivers practical and professional learning experiences so students can excel in a global marketplace.

Studying at CWU means you’ll have over 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees at your fingertips. The spectrum of programs on offer is vast, but some of the most popular study areas include business, engineering, biology, psychology, and music.

The University’s 380-acre campus is one of the most picturesque in the Pacific Northwest. As well as impressive educational and recreational facilities, the campus features plenty of green space and outdoor scenery.

CWU is proudly known as the home of the Wildcats. The 13 athletics teams compete in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference in sports like football, basketball, and volleyball. Don’t worry if you’re not a sports fan, there are another 125 student clubs and organizations to keep you busy.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at Central Washington University

  • Affordability

    CWU is ranked as one of the west’s top 35 affordable schools (Washington Monthly College Guide, 2019)

  • Tailored learning experience

    The University had average class sizes of 25 and a student-staff ratio of 19:1

  • Scholarship opportunities

    The University awards over $55 million annually in student scholarships

  • Celebrating diversity

    CWU has been awarded the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award for the fifth time in six years (INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine, 2019)

Location

Central Washington University

400 E University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, United States

Central Washington University's main campus is located in Ellensburg, Washington. Ellensburg is at the heart of Washington State, nestled in the Kittitas Valley.

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Fees and funding

Funding

International Student Scholarship

Available for incoming/new undergraduate and graduate international students.

  • Undergraduate

    The award is up to USD$11,260 based on merit. Minimum GPA Requirement 2.70

  • Graduate

    The award is up to USD$11,700 based on merit. Minimum GPA Requirement 3.40

No separate application is required. Qualified students will be notified via email of scholarship award within 2-3 weeks after they are officially admitted by CWU.

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    US$25,341 per year

  • Graduate tuition

    US$25,845 per year

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Visa requirements for Central Washington University

Many international students will require a visa to study in the US, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

USA student visa requirements

Life at Central Washington University

You’ll be welcomed with open arms into CWU’s already international student community. The University is buzzing with diversity, and 54 nationalities are represented on campus.

CWU’s extensive network of support services will help you to feel at home in no time. Staff at the International Office can support you with all manner of practical, academic, and emotional concerns. They provide guidance with everything from visas and passports to housing and employment.

As well as a series of welcome events and orientation activities, you’ll also be invited on excursions to Washington’s famous tourist attractions. These trips will help you learn more about your new home and American culture more generally.

On top of all this, you’ll have access to specialist immigration services and a designated prayer area.

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Student reviews for Central Washington University

Overall rating

4
21 reviews
  • Overall experience
    4.2
  • Academic
    4.1
  • University social
    3.7
  • Accommodation
    3.9
  • University facilities
    3.9
Ngan Nguyen
vn flag
Studied Accounting at Central Washington University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    2
Tell us about Central Washington University

Because of Covid-19, my CWU-Des Moines campus is closed, and I have to study online at home and communicate to CWU staffs through emailing. Therefore, It's hard for me to describe my experience about CWU.

Christine Felts
ca flag
Studied Accounting at Central Washington University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Central Washington University

As a mature student they are very welcoming and try to meet needs different from the youth students

Kei Ichimoto
jp flag
Studied Marketing Management at Central Washington University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    4
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about Central Washington University

Classes are substantial. The professor will also respond politely to your questions. As an international student, I am satisfied with the good student support of International Staff.

Anjan Pariyar
us flag
Studied Cyber Security at Central Washington University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    5
  • University social
    5
  • Accommodation
    5
  • University facilities
    5
Tell us about Central Washington University

I am really proud to say I graduated from Central Washington University. I stayed in Kirkland, WA which was great a place to live in. The communities are really great and they are helpful. All the international office team help me a lot about the classes, how to use resources to succeed in my degree. I got a chance to go in Lynwood location campus. Everything so perfect. It is a great University for international Student like me I have made a lot of friends. I really like to study in group which is a best way of transferring knowledge.

Qing Gao
cn flag
Studied Communication at Central Washington University
Overall Experience
  • Academic
    4
  • University social
    3
  • Accommodation
    4
  • University facilities
    3
Tell us about Central Washington University

The university overall is a good place to study in. But due to the COVID, I have not yet had chance to back to campus at this moment. The staff there are mostly nice, but some of them may not be interested in helping students, so they may delay my request and never provide me with updates.

What Central Washington University says

  • Headshot of Kimberly Valenti
    Kimberly Valenti
    Kimberly Valenti says:

    CWU is an affordable, safe, and quality institution with multiple campus locations throughout Washington State, with our main campus in the small, friendly town of Ellensburg. We are located at the base of the Cascade Mountains and only 90 km from the city of Seattle. CWU’s commitment to individual attention, student engagement, and real-world experience makes learning exciting and relevant.

    CWU is a great value with scholarships available specifically for international students, both undergraduate and graduate students, in award amounts up to 50% reduction in tuition and fees.

    CWU provides full support and resources for our international students, including advising, immigration services, advocacy, education abroad program management, career services, designated prayer area, and special excursions to Washington attractions.

    Students engage in research with faculty, participate in internships, make a difference in their community, and go on to work with prestigious companies worldwide, including Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Google, Mövenpick, and more.