College Costs in Ellensburg, WA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ellensburg, Washington. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,721
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,993
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,490
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ellensburg Overview
Population
20,977
Student Population
2,109 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
49/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
College Cost Calculator for Ellensburg
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$105,776
Total After Financial Aid
$105,776
Annual Cost
$26,444
Annual After Aid
$26,444
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $105,776 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,201 |
| Total Interest | $38,352 |
| Total Loan Cost | $144,128 |
Universities in Ellensburg
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Central Washington University | Public | $8,721 |
| Central Washington University | Community | $4,479 |
Ellensburg has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ellensburg vs. National Average
| Category | Ellensburg | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,721 | $10,940 | -$2,219 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,490 | $1,050 | +$440 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Ellensburg's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Ellensburg
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,109 students
Ellensburg has a total population of 20,977, with approximately 2,109 college students (10.1% of the population). Ellensburg has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ellensburg
$60,952
Starting Salary
6.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ellensburg earn a median starting salary of $60,952, which is $25,952 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $105,776 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,661 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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