Central Washington University

Founded in 1890, CWU is currently based on a 380 acre campus in the town of Ellensburg, located in Washington state. CWU offers over 135 majors courses, and has nationally or regionally distinguished programmes in music, geology, paramedicine, physics, and education.

CWU also offers accredited baccalaureate degrees at eight community college locations in the surrounding areas, serving over 13,000 students in locations ranging from Wenatchee to Des Moines. Since 2011 CWU has also offered a ‘Finish Line’ service in which students can complete their degrees online.

CWU has an active international exchange programme, administered by the Office of International Studies. Japanese students are accommodated through the language and culture oriented Asia University America Programme, and the University English as a Second Language (UESL) course is available to all overseas students.

Known as the Wildcats, there are six men’s varsity team and seven women’s at CWU, all of which compete in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. In 1995 the Wildcats won Division 2 NAIA Football National Championship with future NFL player Jon Kitna at quarterback.

Also among the alumni of CWU are coach of both wounded veterans and the US Paralympic team Bryan Hoddle, hip hop artist Wanz, and basketball coaches Leo and Dean Nicholson, the most successful father and son duo in college basketball history.

In 2015, as part of CWU’s place as an emergent Hispanic Serving institution, the university was given a $3.25 million grant spread over five years to continue to help Hispanic and lower income students into higher education.

There are five dedicated media outlets at CWU, including the Burg radio station and lifestyle magazine Pulse.