1891
Ellensburg, WA

About Central Washington University

Central Washington University develops students into lifelong learners through progressive and enlightened academic opportunities.  Degree-seeking students may take advantage of unique research and scholarship offerings, pushing them forward in the professional world.  Individuals are celebrated at CWU, in a diverse community of dynamic learners.  

Central Washington University online programs offer the chance for non-traditional students to earn degrees in a flexible and accessible format.  Online bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available with programs including education, business, healthcare, technology and more

Get online with CWU:

  • Completely online and blended programs available
  • Online learning assessment quiz
  • Affordable online tuition

Accreditation & Licensing

Central Washington University is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Post-master's certificate

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 19,638 ; Graduate: 823

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 14% ; Graduate: 35%

Graduation Rate:

54%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$61,580

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$19,500

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

58%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$9,441

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Central Washington University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature
Popular degree
Bachelor of Arts in English Professional & Creative Writing
Popular degree
Bachelor of Arts in French
Bachelor of Arts in History
Popular degree
Bachelor of Arts in Japanese
Popular degree
Bachelor of Arts in Russian
Certificate in Professional Writing
Master of Arts in English / Professional & Creative Writing
Master of Arts in English / Literary Studies & Teaching

Business

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / General Business
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Marketing Management
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Supply Chain Management
Master of Science in Sport & Athletic Administration

Computer Science & IT

Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management / Administrative Management
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management / Cybersecurity
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management / Data Driven Innovation
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management / Information Technology
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology & Administrative Management / Project Management
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Information Technology Management / Administrative Management
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Information Technology Management / Cybersecurity Management
Best Buy degree
Master of Science in Information Technology Management / Information Technology
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Science in Information Technology Management / Structures of Data Analytics for IT Managers

Education

Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Higher Education
Best Buy degree
Master of Education in School Administration
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Science Health & Physical Education
Popular degree
Master of Science in Family & Consumer Sciences Education (IDEA)

Healthcare

Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Master of Science in Safety & Health Management

Math & Science

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management

Psychology & Human Services

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Arts Psychology
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Arts Sociology
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies / Social Sciences
Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Social Services

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GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Central Washington University has real strengths, though class quality can vary. Professors are a key reason many students do well. Many instructors are engaged, supportive, and focused on daily learning. Classes often connect to real jobs, so students build skills they can use at work.

The online system is usually easy to use, and evening cohort options can fit busy adult schedules. Support is often strongest in the classroom with professors. Advising and degree planning may feel less consistent at times.

Overall, CWU can be a strong choice for students who want career-focused teaching and hands-on learning. Students who stay organized with credits, requirements, and timelines are likely to get more from the program.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Central Washington University

Is Central Washington University accredited?

Yes. Central Washington University is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

How many online programs does Central Washington University offer?

Central Washington University offers 36 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Central Washington University offer?

Central Washington University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Central Washington University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Central Washington University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Central Washington University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Central Washington University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Central Washington University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Central Washington University programs require?

Most listed programs require at least a 2.0 GPA, with requirements generally ranging from 2.0 to 3.0.

Is Central Washington University military friendly?

Central Washington University does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.

How can students request information from Central Washington University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Central Washington University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Statement of Purpose/Intent, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Central Washington University accept life experience credit?

Central Washington University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.

Are Central Washington University programs fully online or mixed?

Central Washington University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Central Washington University offer?

Central Washington University has online program options in areas such as Computer Science & IT, Art & Liberal Arts, Business, and Education; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Central Washington University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Are any admission tests required for Central Washington University programs?

One recurring admissions-test item is ACT/SAT, COMPASS. Students should confirm whether it applies to their specific program.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Central Washington University?

Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.

Do any Central Washington University programs have state authorization limitations?

Some programs show state or location restrictions, so students should confirm eligibility for their state before applying. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Central Washington University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Central Washington University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Central Washington University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

Featured Ranking Reports

Central Washington University is featured in 10 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Central Washington University is located in Washington

Washington at a Glance:

State flag of WA
Olympia
7,738,692
71,362 sq mi
6
21
34
$12,500.00

Top Incentives in Washington:

Top Career Pathways in Washington:

Software Development
  • Entry Level: Software Engineer ($95,000)
  • Mid Level: Senior Developer ($145,000)
  • Senior Level: Technical Director ($195,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Computer Science
  • Certifications: AWS, Azure
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced