Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Central Washington University is a public institution in Ellensburg, Washington with 8,081 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $9,192 compared with a Washington nursing-school average of $12,913. The school reports a graduation rate of 49.9%, median earnings of $61,580, and median federal debt of $19,500.
$9,192 is lower than the state average of $12,913.
49.9% is higher than the state average of 45.3%.
$61,580 is higher than the state average of $48,006.
About Central Washington University
| Location | Ellensburg, Washington |
| Institution Type | Public |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.cwu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $9,192 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $26,771 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,081 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90.2% |
| Graduation Rate | 49.9% |
| Retention Rate | 69.0% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $61,580 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $206 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 31.1% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 35.7% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.3 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
31.1% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 35.7% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is less common than at many institutions in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Central Washington University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $36,768, while the reported median debt is $19,500 with an estimated monthly payment of $206. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (55.7%), followed by Hispanic students (21.8%) and Black students (5.0%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($61,580) divided by median debt ($19,500)