Central Washington University

Central Washington University: Quality. Safe. Affordable

Central Washington University (CWU), established in 1891, is a comprehensive, public university offering more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and an English language learning program. CWU is an affordable, safe, and quality institution with multiple campus locations throughout Washington State, with our main campus in the historic, friendly town of Ellensburg. 

Ellensburg is located 170 km from Seattle, Washington, in a valley of the Cascade Mountains. There are many recreational activities to participate in including, hiking, fishing, skiing, cycling, swimming, and camping. 

CWU offers many great opportunities for international students:

• Scholarships 
• Small class sizes; 18:1 student, faculty ratio
• Over 130 student clubs and intramural sports
• 30 collegiate sport clubs to join
• Research opportunities
• Service-learning activities
• On-campus work and leadership opportunities
• Honors College programs

CWU Popular Academic Programs:

• Art
• Aviation
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Engineering Technology
• Music
• Sciences: Geology, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
• Theatre

CWU Facilities and Services:

• Free public transit system around campus and Ellensburg
• State-of-the-art campus facilities
• 340 acres campus with abundant green space 
• Comprehensive arrival and orientation assistance 
• Office of International Studies and Program to support international students
• Movies, art galleries, and museums
• Writing and math tutoring center, peer-assisted labs
• 16 on-campus residential facilities, 5 on-campus apartment options, numerous off-campus apartment options within walking distance to campus
• Dining services, including Halal food, restaurants, markets, and coffee shops
• Student Union and Recreational Center: includes a climbing wall, swimming pool, indoor running track, basketball/volleyball courts, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and outdoor soccer fields

CWU Student Activities:

• Student ambassador program
• International Café: Conversation groups and activities
• Field trips: including Seattle excursions, museums, heritage centers, sporting events, and outdoor adventures
• American holiday celebrations/activities
• Concerts, theatre performances, distinguished speakers

CWU Student Testimonials: 

Diana (Mexico)
"For me, this program was the guide to the US. Besides learning English, I learned the system, the culture, and many other things about this country. Everything in this program is very good."

Natalie (China)
“Have you ever seen millions of stars all around the sky? If you have not, you should come to Ellensburg. I have studied here for more than 6 months because the place is safe and peaceful; the university is excellent, and the people are warm and nice. The teachers are patient and responsible. They are very understanding and concerned for the students. I love the people in Ellensburg. If you study in Ellensburg, you will not feel nervous and stressed.”

Bader (Saudi Arabia)
"I’m happy that I study in Ellensburg. Ellensburg gives students a strong push to continue their studying because it has kind people and it is a small and safe town. I like all of the kind people in Ellensburg."

Miku (Japan)
"My reasons to study in Ellensburg are the good people, the good environment, and the good program. We have small trips and some events in the ESL program. Many ESL students join this program and they come from different countries. So you can communicate with them by speaking English. Moreover, you can get to know each other better on the trips. Then you can enjoy American life. It also helps us to study American culture. I think many international students in Ellensburg have the same reasons to study here as I do. I recommend Ellensburg to people who want to study abroad. I plan to stay here for five more months, so I will do my best and enjoy my American life."