Is EWU a Good School? Honest Facts

Yes, Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a good school for students who want a mid-sized public university with strong programs in health sciences, education, and business at a relatively affordable cost. It is not a research powerhouse or an elite liberal arts college, but it offers solid academics, small class sizes compared to large state flagships, and a scenic campus in Cheney, Washington. The answer depends heavily on what you are looking for: EWU is an excellent fit for some students and a poor fit for others.

Background and Reputation

Eastern Washington University was founded in 1882 as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, making it one of the oldest universities in Washington state. It became a state normal school in 1890, then a teachers college, and finally a comprehensive university in 1977. Today it enrolls roughly 10,000 to 11,000 students, with an additional campus in Spokane and several online programs.

EWU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Its reputation is strongest in the Inland Northwest, where employers actively recruit its graduates in nursing, teaching, social work, and business. Nationally, it is not a household name, but it consistently appears in regional rankings from outlets like U.S. News & World Report, typically in the middle tier of Western regional universities.

Academics and Programs

EWU offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 40 graduate programs. The most popular and well-regarded fields include:

Health Sciences: Nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and public health are competitive and well-funded.
Education: A historic strength, with strong teacher certification pathways and partnerships with regional school districts.
Business: The College of Business is accredited by AACSB, a mark of quality held by only about 5% of business schools worldwide.
Visual and Performing Arts: The Rinker Playhouse and gallery spaces support active programs in art, theatre, and music.
Cybersecurity and Computer Science: Growing programs with a dedicated cybersecurity center and partnerships with local tech employers.

Class sizes are notably smaller than at the University of Washington or Washington State University. Many lower-division courses cap at 40–50 students, and upper-division classes often have 15–25. This means professors are generally accessible during office hours, and teaching assistants lead fewer courses than at larger universities.

How EWU Compares to Other Schools

Prospective students often compare EWU to Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Central Washington University (CWU) in Ellensburg, and Western Washington University (WWU) in Bellingham. Here is a rough comparison:

EWU vs. WSU: WSU is a larger, more research-intensive school with more name recognition and a broader alumni network. EWU is cheaper, has smaller classes, and is closer to a major city (Spokane).
EWU vs. CWU: Both are similar in size and mission. CWU is slightly stronger in aviation and music, while EWU has an edge in health sciences and business.
EWU vs. WWU: WWU has a stronger reputation in the liberal arts and sciences, but it is more expensive and farther from major employment centers. EWU offers more direct career-oriented programs.

For a student who wants a traditional four-year campus experience with Division I athletics, EWU provides that. For a student who wants a prestigious degree that will impress employers on the East Coast, EWU is not that school.

Cost and Financial Aid

For the 2024–2025 academic year, EWU’s in-state undergraduate tuition and fees are approximately $8,700 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $25,000. Room and board add roughly $12,000, bringing the total in-state cost of attendance to about $20,000–$22,000 per year before financial aid.

EWU awards merit-based scholarships automatically upon admission, with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 per year for students with strong GPAs and test scores. Need-based aid is available through FAFSA, and the university’s average financial aid package covers about 70% of demonstrated need. Many students also qualify for the Washington College Grant, which can cover full tuition for families earning below a certain income threshold.

Compared to private universities or out-of-state public schools, EWU is a bargain. Compared to community college, it is significantly more expensive, but the four-year degree typically leads to higher earning potential.

Campus Life and Location

The main campus is in Cheney, a small town of about 12,000 people, 20 minutes southwest of Spokane. Cheney is quiet and safe, with a classic college-town feel. The downside is that there is limited nightlife and entertainment; most students head to Spokane for shopping, dining, and events.

Spokane itself is a mid-sized city (population ~230,000) with a growing tech and healthcare sector. EWU’s Spokane campus hosts the nursing, physical therapy, and other health science programs, so students in those fields spend significant time there. The university also runs a campus in Everett, north of Seattle, for select programs.

Housing is guaranteed for first-year students, and most live in traditional residence halls or apartment-style dorms. Greek life exists but is not dominant; fewer than 5% of students participate. Athletics are a point of pride—the Eagles compete in Division I FCS football and have won multiple national championships in football and track and field.

Common Problems and Criticisms

No school is perfect, and EWU has its share of complaints. The most common ones from current and former students include:

Administrative bureaucracy: Registration, financial aid, and advising can be slow and sometimes frustrating. Students report long wait times for help during peak periods.
Aging infrastructure: Some classroom buildings are dated, and the university has deferred maintenance issues. However, recent bond measures have funded new science and health buildings.
Limited diversity: The student body is predominantly white (about 60%), and students of color may find fewer cultural organizations than at larger universities.
Cheney’s isolation: If you want a vibrant city campus, EWU is not it. The town is sleepy, and winters are long and cold (average January high is 34°F / 1°C).

These are not deal-breakers for most students, but they are worth knowing before you enroll.

Safety and Support Services

Cheney is a low-crime town, and EWU’s campus is generally safe. The university has a police department with sworn officers, 24/7 blue-light phones, and a free evening safety escort service. Annual security reports are published online, and the most common incidents are minor property theft and alcohol-related violations.

EWU also provides mental health counseling, disability accommodations, tutoring, and career services. The campus food pantry helps students facing food insecurity, and the Veterans Resource Center supports the many military-affiliated students who attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EWU a party school?

No, not in the traditional sense. There is a bar scene in Cheney and some fraternity/sorority events, but the majority of students live off-campus or commute. Weekend activity is moderate, and the university has cracked down on alcohol violations in recent years. You can find parties if you look, but they are not the defining feature of the culture.

What GPA do you need to get into EWU?

EWU has a relatively open admissions policy. The minimum requirement is a 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for Washington state residents, or a 2.5 for out-of-state applicants. However, competitive programs like nursing and physical therapy require much higher GPAs (typically 3.5 or above) and have limited seats.

Is EWU a dry campus?

Yes, EWU is officially a dry campus, meaning alcohol is prohibited on university property, including residence halls. This policy is enforced, and violations can lead to fines or housing probation. Off-campus apartments and bars are not subject to this rule.

Can you live in Spokane and commute to EWU?

Yes, many students do. The drive from downtown Spokane to Cheney is about 20–25 minutes, and there is a free EWU shuttle that runs between the two campuses. Parking on the Cheney campus is limited, so commuters often use the shuttle or buy a parking pass.

Does EWU have good online programs?

EWU offers several fully online degrees, including in business administration, criminal justice, and nursing (RN-to-BSN). The quality is comparable to the on-campus versions, and online students pay the same tuition rates. However, not all programs are available online, so check the specific major you want.

Is EWU worth it for out-of-state students?

Generally, no, unless you have a specific reason like a unique program or athletic scholarship. Out-of-state tuition is roughly three times the in-state rate, and you can likely find a similar or better school in your home state for less money. Some out-of-state students get merit scholarships that narrow the gap, but it is not a bargain.

Bottom Line

EWU is a good school for students who want a practical, career-focused education at a reasonable price, especially if they plan to work in the Pacific Northwest. It is not a prestigious or research-intensive university, but it delivers solid outcomes in its key fields. Visit the campus, talk to current students in your intended major, and compare the total cost to your other options. If the fit feels right, EWU can be an excellent choice.

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