About Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University builds its reputation on health sciences, education, and a tight-knit campus where everyone knows your name. With 6,517 students spread across the rolling hills of Cheney, this regional university has produced NFL stars like Cooper Kupp and Ryan Leaf. The 96% acceptance rate opens doors wide, but the real test comes in staying and finishing strong. Students find professors who actually remember their names with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio.
Money matters tell a practical story here. Students pay an average net price of $13,091 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,897 ten years out. The typical debt load hits $19,500 with monthly payments around $207. For families earning under $30,000, costs drop to just $8,578 annually. The math works for most students who stick around.
Nearly 94% of students come from Washington state, creating a hometown feel even for those from across the state. The Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 303 student-athletes earning over $4.6 million in scholarships. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, though only 48% finish in four years. Two-thirds of students return for sophomore year, suggesting those who fit find their place.
Money matters tell a practical story here. Students pay an average net price of $13,091 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $57,897 ten years out. The typical debt load hits $19,500 with monthly payments around $207. For families earning under $30,000, costs drop to just $8,578 annually. The math works for most students who stick around.
Nearly 94% of students come from Washington state, creating a hometown feel even for those from across the state. The Eagles compete in Division I athletics with 303 student-athletes earning over $4.6 million in scholarships. The quarter system keeps academics moving fast, though only 48% finish in four years. Two-thirds of students return for sophomore year, suggesting those who fit find their place.
Academics & Faculty
Eastern Washington University operates as a public regional university with strong health sciences and education programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than top colleges, but professors remain accessible in this close-knit campus environment. The university's nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy programs have built solid regional reputations. Education majors benefit from extensive student teaching partnerships with local school districts. The 48.4% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and studies, though the quarter system allows flexibility. Students here get practical, career-focused training rather than theoretical academics, with programs designed around regional workforce needs in healthcare and education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.2%
- Retention Rate
- 67.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,897
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $75,130 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,355 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,335 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $62,707 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $57,318 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,979 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,770 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $54,331 |
| Education, General. | Master | $53,894 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,358 |
Campus Life
Eastern Washington's 325-acre campus sits in Cheney, a college town of about 13,000 people located 17 miles southwest of Spokane. With housing capacity for 1,788 students and total enrollment of 6,517, roughly 27% of students live on campus. The Palouse region brings four distinct seasons, including snowy winters where temperatures regularly drop below freezing and warm summers reaching the 80s.
Students gather at the Pence Union Building, the campus center known as "the PUB," which houses dining, entertainment, and student services. The Red Turf at Roos Field creates a distinctive backdrop for Big Sky Conference football games, where students pack the stands wearing red and white. With 93.51% of students from Washington state, the campus maintains a tight-knit Pacific Northwest vibe. Students often head to nearby Spokane for shopping, dining, and entertainment options beyond what Cheney offers. Winter activities include skiing at nearby mountains, while spring and fall feature outdoor recreation around the many lakes dotting the region.
Students gather at the Pence Union Building, the campus center known as "the PUB," which houses dining, entertainment, and student services. The Red Turf at Roos Field creates a distinctive backdrop for Big Sky Conference football games, where students pack the stands wearing red and white. With 93.51% of students from Washington state, the campus maintains a tight-knit Pacific Northwest vibe. Students often head to nearby Spokane for shopping, dining, and entertainment options beyond what Cheney offers. Winter activities include skiing at nearby mountains, while spring and fall feature outdoor recreation around the many lakes dotting the region.
- Setting
- Town-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,788 beds
- Calendar System
- Quarter
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1882
Campus Safety (2023)
42 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Fondling | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–36°F
- July Avg
- 45°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Eastern Washington draws primarily local students, with over 93% coming from within Washington state. This regional focus reflects the university's role as an accessible option for students across the Pacific Northwest. Women slightly outnumber men, likely drawn to EWU's strong education and health sciences programs. The student body is predominantly white but includes significant Hispanic representation at nearly 20%. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves many first-generation and working-class families seeking affordable four-year degrees close to home.
- Men
- 43.8%
- Women
- 56.2%
- White
- 59.7%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 19.5%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 93.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.5%
Location
Eastern Washington University sits in Cheney, Washington, about 20 miles southwest of Spokane. The campus draws 93.51% of its students from within Washington state to this small college town of roughly 13,000 residents. Cheney sits in the rolling Palouse region, where wheat fields stretch toward distant mountains. The town revolves around the university, creating a tight-knit community where students make up nearly half the population. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers offer warm, dry weather perfect for outdoor activities. The nearby Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge provides hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities just minutes from campus. Students considering colleges in Washington may also compare Eastern Washington University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Cheney, Washington 99004-2496
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,897
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,344
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Eastern Washington University?
Eastern Washington University accepts 96.12% of applicants, making it highly accessible to prospective students. The university welcomes a diverse student body of 6,517 students, with 93.51% coming from Washington state.
How much does Eastern Washington University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Eastern Washington University is $13,091 annually. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $8,578 after aid, while the university provides institutional grants averaging $8,968 to 15.61% of students.
What is Eastern Washington University known for academically?
Eastern Washington University is recognized for strong programs in health sciences and education. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, the university operates on a quarter system that allows for intensive focus on coursework.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Eastern Washington University?
Eastern Washington University has a 47.20% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $57,897 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 94.6%, showing strong job market success for alumni.
Where is Eastern Washington University located and what is campus life like?
Eastern Washington University sits in Cheney, Washington, a small town setting that fosters a close-knit campus community. The university houses 1,788 students on campus and maintains a 67.07% retention rate, indicating student satisfaction.
Does Eastern Washington University have notable athletics programs?
Eastern Washington University competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Big Sky Conference with 303 total athletes across 10 varsity sports. The Eagles have produced NFL stars like Cooper Kupp and distribute $4,606,605 in athletic scholarships annually.
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