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Central Washington University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Central Washington University accepts 91% of applicants. It is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington, with about 7,833 undergraduates. The sticker price is $26,469 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $21,201.

91%Acceptance rate

940–1160Middle 50% SAT

17–24Middle 50% ACT

$21,201Average cost after aid / year

51%Graduation rate

$53,596Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Central Washington University?

Most Washington residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Central Washington University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1050, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPA	Washington resident	Out-of-state
2.5	61% Target	32% Target
2.7	75% Target	47% Target
3.0	88% Likely	69% Target
3.3	95% Likely	85% Likely
3.5	97% Likely	91% Likely
3.7	97% Likely	95% Likely
3.9	97% Likely	95% Likely
4.0	97% Likely	95% Likely

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Central Washington University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $26,469 a year for state residents including room and board.

Family income	In-state	Out-of-state
Under $50k	$15,400	$31,300
$50k – $100k	$18,000	$33,900
$100k – $150k	$24,500	$40,400
$150k – $250k	$26,469	$45,176
Over $250k	$26,469	$45,176

Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.

Outcomes

51%Finish their degree

70%Return for second year

$53,596Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Central Washington University

What is the acceptance rate at Central Washington University?

Central Washington University admits 91% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Central Washington University?

Most Washington residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 2.9 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Central Washington University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 940–1160 on the SAT and 17–24 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Central Washington University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $26,469 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $21,201 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $15,400 in-state.

What is the graduation rate at Central Washington University?

51% of students finish their degree, and 70% return for a second year.

Colleges similar to Central Washington University

Washington State UniversityPullman, WA · admits 87%
University of WashingtonSeattle, WA · admits 39%
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI · admits 91%
Portland State UniversityPortland, OR · admits 91%
Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX · admits 90%
Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC · admits 90%