by our College Data Analytics TeamIs CWU worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
CWU is ranked #1,081 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of D. Within Washington, it ranks #40 of 65 for value.
These CWU majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Teacher Education | #1 of 7 |
| Apparel & Textile Marketing Management | #2 of 10 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #2 of 8 |
| Hospitality / Tourism | #5 of 17 |
| Retail and Sales | #5 of 9 |
| Occupational Safety & Health Technology/Technician | #6 of 17 |
| Industrial Technology | #6 of 17 |
| Economics | #7 of 19 |
| Quality Control Technology | #8 of 20 |
| Keyboard Instruments | #8 of 63 |
Below is the detailed CWU value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Central Washington University is ranked #10 out of #68 in Washington for quality and #40 out of #65 for Washington value.
Live in-state? You may qualify for a reduced price. Check the CWU financial aid page to be sure.
Central Washington University is ranked #1,081 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Central Washington University is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at CWU costs about $21,471. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $85,882 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $28,802 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $18,476 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $21,471 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $85,882 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about CWU net price and the factors that affect it.
The price you actually pay depends on your circumstances — most students do not pay the full sticker price.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a CWU degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $115,208 | — | — |
| All Students | $85,882 | #1,081 | D |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $73,904 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $115,208 | — | — |
| All Students | $85,882 | #40 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $73,904 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at CWU shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $7,978 |
| $30K–$48K | $11,430 |
| $48K–$75K | $15,182 |
| $75K–$110K | $18,886 |
| Over $110K | $22,366 |
About 71% of CWU undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $9,441 per year. Get more details on the CWU financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average CWU cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.