Cost, Aid, and Value

Is College Worth It? 

Whatever your long-term plans, attending college can make a lasting impact on your personal and professional future.

The value of earning a college degree extends beyond the classroom and can improve the overall quality of your life in the following ways: 

• Higher earning potential: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, college graduates (ages 25 to 34) with a bachelor’s degree earned, on average, 59 percent more than those with only a high school diploma. 
• Career stability: While employment rates vary by industry, those earning an undergraduate degree are less likely to be unemployed than those with a high school diploma. The skills you gain in your college education, such as critical thinking, robust communication abilities, and problem-solving, establish you as a versatile and competent job candidate wherever you go.  
• Holistic growth: Your college years offer a range of experiences that empower you to explore your unique interests, try new things, forge friendships, and grow into your potential. With the confidence you acquire in navigating your life as a college student, you graduate equipped to tackle any challenges that come your way.  

What’s the Value of a CWU Degree? 

Lower Tuition Rates, Lower Cost of Attendance  

Since our establishment in 1891 as a public university, we have worked hard to keep our tuition rates competitive and the cost of your education low. The Education Data Initiative reports that the average price for a first-year undergraduate student to attend a public, four-year university is $38,270 per year. The average cost of in-state tuition alone is $9,750; alternatively, out-of-state tuition is $28,386.  

CWU's in-state and out-of-state tuition rates are below average at $7,231 and $25,340, respectively. This means that our total cost of attendance is lower than the national average, helping you and thousands of students pursue their dreams.  

Proven Career Success for CWU Graduates 

Your time as a CWU Wildcat delivers real-world results. Here, you graduate with the in-demand skills, hands-on experience, and professional connections needed to launch a successful career. Recent CWU graduates report an impressive average full-time starting salary of $60,000, with nearly 80 percent securing employment within six months of graduation. No matter your chosen path, CWU ensures you’re fully prepared to transition from the classroom to the workplace. 

What Is the Cost of Attendance? 

Cost of attendance (COA) represents the estimated total investment for one academic year of education. COA includes direct university charges—tuition, fees, on-campus housing, etc.--and anticipated living expenses. While not your actual bill, COA helps you understand your costs and is a critical tool for funding your tuition, fees, books, housing, meals, transportation, and personal expenses. 

CWU Tuition Rates 

At Central, we remain dedicated to keeping educational costs low so you can pursue your dreams. Our tuition rates and fees vary by whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student and your residential status. 

For detailed information on tuition, fees, and other expenses, explore our comprehensive cost of attendance resource. 

Explore CWU’s Financial Aid

Central strives to simplify the financial aid process, helping you understand your investment and start planning your studies. Whether you’re a first-year student, transferring from another college,  or looking for financial aid and scholarships for out-of-state students, our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers comprehensive guidance and connects you to essential resources. 

What Are the Different Types of Financial Aid? 

There are four different types of financial assistance available at CWU to help you finance your college education. These aid options include: 

• Scholarships are merit-based or need-based awards that you do not have to repay.  
• Grants are need-based financial awards that also do not require repayment, such as Federal Pell Grants, state grants, and institutional grants. To determine your eligibility for these funding options, you must complete the FAFSA. 
• Work-study programs offer the opportunity to find part-time employment on campus to help pay for your degree and empower you with valuable work experience. 
• Loans are borrowed funds used to pay for your educational costs and must be repaid once you graduate. There are numerous types of loans, such as federal, private, subsidized, and unsubsidized—all of which include interest rates, repayment schedules, and other key details.