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Eastern Washington University

Cheney, WA

publicgraduate

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

EWU offers a rich history and a future-focused polytechnic education in the Pacific Northwest.

Eastern Washington University, nestled in Cheney, Washington, with a vibrant satellite campus in Spokane, is embarking on an exciting journey as it rebrands into a polytechnic institution. With a history stretching back to 1882, EWU is now laser-focused on providing students with an education that emphasizes applied and experiential learning, preparing them for the most in-demand fields of tomorrow. Its academic landscape is robust, featuring four distinct colleges: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Health Science & Public Health; Professional Programs; and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

The university's story is one of resilience and transformation. Founded as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, it quickly evolved into a State Normal School, playing a crucial role in training elementary teachers for the burgeoning state of Washington. It survived devastating fires in 1891 and 1912, each time rebuilding stronger, a testament to its enduring spirit. This rich heritage is even recognized nationally, with the core of its charming campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, EWU continues its legacy of growth and adaptation. With over 10,900 students, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The recent shift to a polytechnic model means an enhanced student experience, with expanded internship opportunities and curricula designed in collaboration with employers. This forward-thinking approach ensures that an EWU degree is not just a piece of paper, but a pathway to practical skills, real-world experience, and a competitive edge in your chosen career.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1882, offering over 140 years of educational excellence.
  • Public university serving 10,915 students (as of 2022).
  • Strategically transitioning to a polytechnic university model as of July 2024, focusing on applied and experiential learning.
  • Core campus is a U.S. National Register of Historic Places district, showcasing its rich heritage.
  • Comprises four academic colleges: Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Health Science & Public Health; Professional Programs; and Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
  • Operates a satellite Riverpoint Campus in Spokane, shared with Washington State University.
  • Boasts an endowment of $32.1 million (2023), supporting its mission.

Timeline

1882
Benjamin P. Cheney Academy founded
1890
Renamed State Normal School at Cheney to train teachers
1891
Original campus destroyed by fire, temporarily relocated
1912
Second major fire destroys 1896 building
1915
New administration building (later Showalter Hall) dedicated
1937
Renamed Eastern Washington College of Education
1961
Became Eastern Washington State College
1977
Renamed Eastern Washington University by state legislature
1992
Core campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places
2024
Announced rebrand to a polytechnic university
🏛️
144 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

4 notable schools within Eastern Washington University

🎭

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Offers diverse programs spanning creative arts, humanistic studies, and social sciences.

🏛️

College of Health Science & Public Health

Focuses on preparing professionals in various health-related fields.

🏫

College of Professional Programs

Provides specialized education for a range of professional careers.

⚙️

College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

Dedicated to innovative education and research in STEM disciplines.

Leadership

Shari McMahan
President
Jonathan Anderson
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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