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Central Washington University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range910 to 1150

ACT Range21 to 25

Average GPA3.20

Acceptance Rate90.6%

With a 90.6% acceptance rate and very few students submitting scores, Central Washington gives you room to be selective about testing. Prioritize a solid GPA near or above 3.20, and submit scores only if they strengthen your file, roughly 1150 SAT or 25 ACT.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Central Washington University facts and stats

Quick Facts

Central Washington University enrolls about 10,033 undergraduate students in a small-town campus setting. Central Washington has a freshman retention rate of 70%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16.6:1.

Location

Ellensburg, WA

Undergrad Enrollment10,033

Freshman Retention70%

SettingSmall town

Student to Faculty Ratio16.6:1

Graduation RateN/A

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Central Washington?

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Key Central Washington University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

October 3

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

March 1

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

May 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Central Washington, take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year so you have time to decide whether scores strengthen your application. Use the summer before senior year for retakes, and because the Regular Decision deadline is October 3, treat the August SAT or September ACT as the last realistic testing opportunities for scores to arrive on time.

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What you'll actually pay

Central Washington is a public university with in-state tuition of $7,232 and out-of-state tuition of $25,340. About 58% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $3,357. Submit the FAFSA by the May 1 priority deadline to be considered for financial aid.

In-State Tuition$7,232

Out-of-State Tuition$25,340

Room and Board$16,480

Average Merit Award$3,357

Application Fee$60

Students on Aid58%

Average Aid Package$15,059

Average Debt at Grad$23,255

For students paying out-of-state rates, Central Washington’s tuition is $25,340, while in-state tuition is $7,232; room and board adds about $16,480. Financial aid is common, with 58% of students receiving aid and an average package of $15,059. The average merit award is $3,357, which can help reduce remaining costs. Graduates leave with an average debt of $23,255.