Central Washington University: Courses, Admission, Cost

Established in 1891, Central Washington University (CWU) is a government-owned institution for research-based higher education in Washington's Ellensburg city. Founded as the Washington State Normal School, CWU transitioned from school into a college in 1937. In the subsequent years, the institution constructed additional buildings on the campus to accommodate its growing student body. It was in 1977 that the college became a university under its current name. The university has accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

CWU has a beautiful 380-acre residential campus in Ellensburg along with several educational centers at different locations across Washington. The campus comprises well-maintained buildings that house state-of-the-art recreation, academic and administrative facilities. The Recreation Centre maintains a huge variety of equipment and conducts premier programs to promote healthy and active bodies. It houses an elevated jogging track, a four-court gymnasium, a 50-foot climbing wall, two group exercise rooms, four basketball courts, dry sauna rooms with lockers, strength training and fitness areas, racquetball courts and cardio-fitness areas. The Aquatic Center, Alder Field Complex, Challenge Course, Fred, and Valerie Lister Tennis Facility and Nicholson Pavilion feature facilities like swimming pool, multipurpose fields, gymnasiums, and courts.

The university has 17 residence halls on the campus accommodating about 2,800 students. CWU also owns five apartment complexes that include single, double, and triple sharing rooms equipped with water and electricity supply, TV with satellite channels, FM service, and high-speed Internet. Other on-campus facilities include a bookstore, health center, library, the Veterans Center, and several dining areas. 88.1 The Burg is the campus radio station, which is run by the university.

The university offers about 300-degree programs and specializations in different disciplines of humanities, business, design, performing arts, sciences, aviation management, athletic health, and social sciences, social service, education, and law. At present, CWU has about 12,342 students enrolled for distinct programs, out of which 52.78% are females and 47.22% are males. With an average class size of 20 learners, the student-teacher ratio at CWU is 18:1.

There are over 125 clubs, associations, and organizations focused on academic, social, and personal interests. The university holds sports affiliation from NCAA Division II and offers opportunities to indulge in sports like football, basketball, cross country, track and field, baseball, rugby, soccer, volleyball, and softball. It has 23 sports clubs and 13 (6 men's and 7 women's) varsity teams that participate in various athletic events and competitions under the name, Wildcats.

The university has a comprehensive list of alumni which includes notable names like Mike Reilly (Canadian Footballer), Keith Gilbertson (Retired Football Player and Coach), Shelley Powers (American Author and Web Developer), Brian Thompson (Actor), Allan Byron Swift (Broadcaster), Raymond Conner (Boeing's CEO), Stephen L. Nelson (Author), Miesha Theresa Tate (Mixed Martial Artist), Joe Callero (Basketball Coach), Jon Kitna (Football Coach), Matt Hume (Former Mixed Martial Artist), Dave Heaverlo (Baseball Pitcher), Billy North (Baseball Outfielder), Adam Bighill (football Linebacker) and Bryan Caraway (American Mixed Martial Artist).