Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

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Quick Facts

1882

Founded

Public university

Type

6,517

Total Students

$32M

Endowment

(2023)

$8K

Tuition (In-State)

$26K

Tuition (Out-State)

$13K

Avg Net Price

92%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Graduation Rate

6-year

67%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

President: Shari McMahan

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Eastern Washington University

Transforming futures through applied learning and innovation in the heart of Eastern Washington.

Eastern Washington University (EWU), a public institution rooted in Cheney, Washington, has been a cornerstone of higher education since its founding in 1882. With a dynamic main campus in Cheney and a vibrant satellite presence at the Riverpoint Campus in Spokane, EWU provides a comprehensive university experience.

Originally established as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, the institution evolved through various iterations, including the State Normal School at Cheney, Eastern Washington College of Education, and Eastern Washington State College, before becoming Eastern Washington University in 1977. Its journey has been marked by remarkable resilience, having twice rebuilt from devastating fires, demonstrating an enduring commitment to education.

Academically, EWU is structured into four distinct colleges: the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; the College of Health Science & Public Health; the College of Professional Programs; and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics. In a bold strategic move in 2024, EWU announced its rebranding as a polytechnic university, placing a strong emphasis on applied and experiential learning, robust internship opportunities, and degrees tailored to in-demand fields. This shift underscores its dedication to equipping students with practical skills and knowledge vital for career success in an evolving job market. For prospective students and families, EWU offers a forward-thinking environment where theory meets practice, preparing graduates for impactful contributions.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1882, EWU is a public university with a rich history of adaptation and growth.
✦Serves over 10,915 students with a main campus in Cheney and a satellite campus in Spokane.
✦Recently rebranded as a polytechnic university, focusing on applied, experiential learning and in-demand fields.
✦Divided into four academic colleges: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Health Science & Public Health; Professional Programs; and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
✦Demonstrated resilience, rebuilding campus twice after fires in 1891 and 1912.
✦Core campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992.

Timeline

1882

Founded as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy

1890

Renamed State Normal School at Cheney to train elementary teachers

1891

Original 1882 building and expansion destroyed by fire

1912

Second major fire destroyed the 1896 building

1915

New administration building (later Showalter Hall) dedicated

1937

Renamed Eastern Washington College of Education

1961

Renamed Eastern Washington State College, adding graduate and undergraduate programs

1977

Renamed Eastern Washington University by the state legislature

1992

Core of the campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places

2024

Announced rebrand to a polytechnic university, emphasizing applied learning

🏛️

144 Years

of Excellence

Leadership

Shari McMahan

President

Jonathan Anderson

Provost

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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