Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

Total Enrollment

8,796

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

260

260 programs

Full-Time Students

7,074

1,235 part-time

Total FTE

10,027

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Program Focus

11
Certificate Graduates
Short-term specialized training
2538
Total Recent Graduates

With 8,796 students, Central Washington University is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 260 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 7,074 (85.1%)
85.1%
Part-Time Students 1,235 (14.9%)
Total Students 8,309

Predominantly full-time students (85.1%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Most students (80.4%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
53.9%
4,740 students
Men
46.1%
4,056 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
53.9%
4,742 students
White
53.9% (4,742)
Hispanic/Latino
20.7% (1,820)
Two or More Races
7.7% (675)
Black/African American
4.8% (425)
Asian
3.9% (340)
International Students
2.8% (246)
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
0.8% (71)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.6% (50)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 8,796 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 54% of the student body (4,742 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

8,309 students

46% Men, 54% Women
7,074 Full-time 1,235 Part-time
Diversity Index: 64% • Minority Students: 32%

Graduate students

487 students

40% Men, 60% Women
311 Full-time 176 Part-time
Diversity Index: 71% • Minority Students: 15%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

7,385
All full-time students
3,435 men, 3,950 women
Diversity: 65%

FT Undergraduate

7,074
Full-time undergraduate
3,313 men, 3,761 women
Diversity: 63%

FT Degree-Seeking

6,979
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
3,280 men, 3,699 women
Diversity: 63%

FT First-Time

1,481
Full-time first-time students
730 men, 751 women
Diversity: 59%

FT Continuing

5,498
Full-time continuing students
2,550 men, 2,948 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Transfer

711
Full-time transfer students
303 men, 408 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Continuing

4,787
Full-time other continuing
2,247 men, 2,540 women
Diversity: 64%

FT Non-Degree

95
Full-time non-degree seeking
33 men, 62 women
Diversity: 71%

FT Graduate

311
Full-time graduate students
122 men, 189 women
Diversity: 70%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,411
All part-time students
621 men, 790 women
Diversity: 67%

PT Undergraduate

1,235
Part-time undergraduate
550 men, 685 women
Diversity: 65%

PT Degree-Seeking

1,102
Part-time degree/certificate-seeking
520 men, 582 women
Diversity: 62%

PT First-Time

87
Part-time first-time students
46 men, 41 women
Diversity: 68%

PT Continuing

1,015
Part-time continuing students
474 men, 541 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Transfer

86
Part-time transfer students
30 men, 56 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Continuing

929
Part-time other continuing
444 men, 485 women
Diversity: 61%

PT Non-Degree

133
Part-time non-degree seeking
30 men, 103 women
Diversity: 55%

PT Graduate

176
Part-time graduate students
71 men, 105 women
Diversity: 71%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

4,587
White
410
Black/African American
1,776
Hispanic/Latino
330
Asian
214
International
Diversity Index: 64% Minority Students: 32%

Graduate students

155
White
15
Black/African American
44
Hispanic/Latino
10
Asian
32
International
Diversity Index: 71% Minority Students: 15%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Central Washington University's Student Body

Training Environment: Large institution with 8,796 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (80.4%) in a traditional academic setting.
Academic Intensity: 10,027 FTE students indicates predominantly full-time academic commitment.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (17:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.
Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

400 East University Way

Ellensburg, WA 98926

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials
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