Two hours east of Seattle, over Snoqualmie Pass, the climate turns dry and sunny, and that is where Central Washington University sits. Founded in 1891, it is a public university in the ranching town of Ellensburg. Aviation, with flight training at the local airport, construction management, IT and administrative management, education and business are its best-known programmes. Rent is far cheaper than in Seattle.
Ellensburg, Washington, United States
Official website: cwu.edu
1891
Public regional university
Ellensburg, central Washington
Flight training programme
$24,000 – $28,000
International students, tuition and fees, approximate
$12,000 – $15,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cwu.edu before you apply.
BS Aviation (Professional Pilot)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Construction Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BAS Information Technology and Administrative Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
BS Computer Science
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 71
MS Information Technology and Administrative Management
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79
An aviation programme that trains commercial pilots.
Construction management with strong Northwest industry ties.
A sunny, dry side of Washington with low rent.
Pilots move toward regional and major airlines after building flight hours.
Construction graduates join contractors across Seattle and the Northwest.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT; STEM degrees may get the extension.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Limited
Undergrad
Limited
Postgrad
Limited
Ellensburg is a small town known for its Labor Day rodeo, wind and big skies. The Yakima River canyon to the south is popular for rafting.
Interstate 90 links the town to Seattle, about two hours west. Winter passes can close in snow, so plan trips carefully.
Form I-20 issued by Central Washington University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
CWU reviews applications on a rolling basis. International students should apply by spring for fall to allow time for the I-20 and visa.
CWU uses a quarter system. Most students start in fall, with some entry in winter and spring.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, Central Washington University issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
Aviation, construction management, IT and administrative management, computer science and business are popular. Undergraduates are assessed on school grades and IELTS 6.0; aviation has extra medical and flight costs.
CWU offers some merit scholarships to new international students. Ask the international office about current amounts.
