CWU Ranks Top 10 Percent in Nation for Gender Diversity

Where men once attended college in proportions far higher than women—58 percent to 42 percent in the 1970s—the ratio has now almost flipped.

While national trends have seen lower male enrollment for the last three decades, Central Washington University is being acknowledged for its success in nearly leveling the gender gap.

College Factual recognized CWU for exceptional gender diversity on campus in their 2019 ranking, placing CWU in the top 10 percent in the nation. CWU improved its ranking position nine slots over the previous year’s ranking of 147.

“We contribute our success to a wide variety of ethnic, race, and gender experiences we provide our students as well as a rich academic experience to prepare them to work in a global society,” said Kandee Cleary, vice president of inclusivity and diversity.

The under-enrollment of males in college has been a point of discussion in higher education for years. While most institutions continue to see the gap widen, Central is close to equal representation.

CWU undergraduate enrollment is 48.7 percent male and 51.3 percent female. Compared nationally, women constitute 56 percent of students nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Programs like CWU’s Brother 2 Brother, an organization established to assist all men to excel academically, socially, culturally, professionally, and in the community aids in their recruitment, retention, and graduation rates.

Brother 2 Brother also provides role models and mentorship, something that benefits everyone.

CWU is also number four of 47 colleges in the state of Washington, making Central in the top 10 percent of all colleges in Washington. This is an improved ranking one slot over last year’s ranking of five.

Also of note, College Factual rates the ratio of male to female faculty at CWU as excellent--males constitute 46.5 percent of faculty, females 53.5 percent. Central is also considered above average in ethnic diversity.

Read more about CWU’s diversity ratings at College Factual.

Media contact: Dawn Alford, Department of Public Affairs, 509-963-1484, Dawn.Alford@cwu.edu.