
400 East University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926, USA


Central Washington University provides a diverse athletics program that competes primarily at the NCAA Division II level. The university fields a broad array of men's and women's varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, cross country, softball, and volleyball, among others. This variety allows students with different athletic interests and talents to participate in competitive sports while pursuing their academic goals.
The university supports a spirited community atmosphere through its athletic teams, which are known as the Wildcats. Student-athletes benefit from access to numerous training facilities and resources aimed at enhancing their performance and experience. Additionally, Central Washington emphasizes the balance between athletics and academics, encouraging participants to excel in both areas.
For prospective students interested in athletics, the institution offers opportunities to compete at a high level without the intense time commitment often associated with Division I sports, making it a viable option for those who want to continue their athletic involvement while focusing on their studies. Beyond varsity sports, the university also provides club sports and recreational activities to accommodate a wide range of interests and skill levels.
Central Washington University offers a variety of student organizations catering to diverse interests. Among these are cultural and advocacy groups like Brother 2 Brother and Alpha Kappa Si, as well as interest-based organizations such as the Cosplay club and the Society of Human Resource Management.
Central Washington University enrolls a diverse student population with a strong representation of in-state students, who make up 93% of the body. This proportion places the university among the top 20% nationally for in-state enrollment rates. Out-of-state students comprise a much smaller segment, accounting for just 6% of attendees, which is notably low compared to other institutions.
Most students at Central Washington University are from within the United States, with domestic enrollment standing at 99%, reflecting a strong national presence and ranking the university in the top 30% for this metric. International students represent a smaller share, around 1%, which is an average figure and places the university in the lower third nationally in terms of foreign student representation.
The annual incoming classes are moderately sized, with 1,568 freshmen and 797 transfer students enrolling each year. Together, these groups total approximately 2,365 new students, a level that ranks in the top 35% compared to peer institutions, signaling steady but not overwhelming growth in enrollment numbers.
Age distribution among students varies widely. The bulk of undergraduates are traditional-age students, with 2,431 aged 18 to 19 and 2,421 aged 20 to 21. Beyond this, a smaller but significant number of students are older, including 718 between 25 and 29 and 249 between 40 and 49. Graduate students tend to be slightly older on average, with notable populations in the 22 to 24 age group (162 students) and continuing up through mature age groups, including 33 students aged 50 to 64 and a few older than 65.
Regarding racial and ethnic composition, Central Washington University displays a moderately diverse community. Hispanic students represent a sizable segment at 1,777, placing the university in the upper 40% nationally for this group. White students form the largest single racial group with 4,279, ranking the institution within the top 35% for white enrollment. The university also enrolls smaller populations of African American students (364), Asian students (331), Native American students (40), and Pacific Islanders (70), all figures reflecting average national standings. Of particular note, the university has a comparatively high percentage of students who identify as belonging to two or more races, totaling 636 and placing it in the top 20% nationwide for this category. Students who did not report or identify race account for a minor proportion of the population.
Student life at Central Washington University offers a variety of cultural and artistic opportunities, including campus theater productions, radio, television, band, and chorus groups. These activities provide students with numerous ways to engage outside the classroom and explore creative interests.
Health and wellness support is available through services such as an on-campus health clinic, psychological counseling, and a veterans affairs office, ensuring that diverse student needs are addressed. However, the university does not provide legal services or have a dedicated women's center.
The campus community consists of over 10,500 students with a student-faculty ratio of 16 to 1, which suggests relatively accessible faculty engagement. The international student presence is notable, with representation from 52 countries, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
Central Washington University offers students access to three libraries, including the main James E. Brooks Library. The university's library system ranks high compared to peers, placing in the top 30% for the total number of libraries available. Students benefit from an average range of additional library facilities, situating the university in the top 35% for other library access.
The collections are substantial, with over 550,000 physical books, positioning Central Washington University in the top 45% of similar institutions. The digital offerings include nearly 690,000 eBooks, which ranks the university in the top half nationally. However, the number of active subscriptions-7,840-and digital subscriptions-77,952-are more modest, each falling below the 50th percentile among peer schools.
With 492 available databases, the university's resources remain average but lean toward the lower side compared to other institutions. Students can take advantage of 101 weekly service hours, which provide ample opportunities for study and research support.
Facilities include study rooms, staffed and trained personnel, and established operating hours. Both physical and digital access are facilitated, though there is no all-day access option. Importantly, students also have privileges to shared collections, enhancing the scope of available materials beyond the campus holdings.
Total enrollment
10527Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1514Member of Athletic Associations
Data not availableTotal staff
394 full time, 212 part timeVeterans affair office
YesMain library name
James E. Brooks LibraryNumber of libraries on campus
3Reservable study rooms in library
Yes24h access
NoPhysical facilities
YesAccess to digital/electronic resources
YesStaff trained to provide and interpret library materials
YesEstablished library hours
YesAccess to library collections that are shared with other institutions
Yes