Small Town, Big Results
At EWU, you’re surrounded by natural beauty and a supportive community as you gain the skills and hands-on experience to start a career you’re passionate about.
Why Eastern Washington University?
Strong Community
Our tight-knit community and dedicated staff will make you feel right at home. Don’t just take our word for it: 88% of students who visit EWU choose to enroll.
Schedule a TourAffordable & Amazing
You don't have to sacrifice quality to get an education you can afford—EWU has the lowest in-state tuition and fees of any public university in Washington.
Discover Our ValueCareer Connections
Benefit from one-on-one guidance, mentorship and internship opportunities, advisors who actually know you, and access to the extensive Eagle alumni network.
Visit the Career CenterEWU Is the Region’s Polytechnic
As Washington’s only polytechnic university, EWU empowers students to turn classroom knowledge into real-world impact.
Our approach combines applied learning with the critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that come from a strong liberal arts foundation.
Through hands-on programs, applied research, and regional partnerships, EWU students build the skills to thrive in their careers and contribute to the growth and vitality of communities across the state.
FAQs About the Region's Polytechnic
There’s no single definition of a polytechnic university, but at its core, it’s all about learning by doing. Polytechnic schools combine a well-rounded academic education with real-world experience.
EWU is redefining what it means to be a polytechnic university in the 21st century: hands-on learning that leads to in-demand careers, firmly rooted in the liberal arts. Our polytechnic approach integrates critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills across all fields of study.
As a result, students get the career-focused, impactful educational experience they need to take today’s competitive workforce by storm.
These terms are used interchangeably, inside and outside of higher education. They all refer to active learning that connects to real-world situations. In the surveys that EWU conducted, prospective and current students were most familiar with the term “hands-on learning.”
Our new positioning as the region’s polytechnic began with a bold challenge from the university’s Board of Trustees in Fall 2023: refresh EWU’s identity to authentically communicate who we are, while differentiating ourselves in the region’s crowded and competitive higher education landscape.
We met the challenge engaging all parts of the campus community. With extensive research and market analysis conducted by the Identity and Marketing Workgroup, the strategic planning committees, and extensive surveys of all stakeholders, the polytechnic vision began to take shape.
The Board of Trustees approved the recommendation in May 2024.
You’ll gain professional experience in your areas of interest while you’re still a student at EWU, giving you a head start in your chosen field and a competitive edge after graduation.
Your student will gain valuable real world experience at EWU, enhancing the value of their education and increasing the return on investment.
EWU is an integral partner in driving Eastern Washington’s economy and contributing to its social vitality. We partner with the region’s business and nonprofit communities to align our academic offerings with employer demand.
We also know that our impact extends beyond the immediate area. Our “region” includes Washington, our immediate neighboring states, and beyond—to everywhere our 123,000+ alumni are.
EWU Facts
General Facts
Founded: April 3, 1882
Campus: Cheney, Washington
Campus Acreage: 300
Academic Calendar: Quarters
Mascot: Swoop the Eagle
School Colors: Red and White
Student Facts
Enrollment: 10,491 (fall 2025)
Diversity: 32%
Average GPA: 3.32
First-Generation College Students 32%
Tuition: $2,431/quarter
Financial Aid Distributed: $116.5 million
Alumni Facts
Alumni population: 123,000+
Washington state: 87,000+
Spokane County: 44,000+
Alumni who have jobs related to their major: 75%
Inclusive Excellence
We strive to create an equitable and transformative learning experience that supports every student's journey.
Student Belonging
As one of the most diverse campuses in the region, EWU is a place where you can be yourself, feel supported, connect with people from all backgrounds, and find community.
Learn About Our CommitmentDedicated Faculty
Whether you study robotics, dental hygiene, psychology, music, or biology, you'll learn from faculty who bring real-world experience and a passion for helping students succeed.
Explore Our ProgramsVisionary Leadership
Our university leaders are committed to opening doors and creating opportunities so every student can access the support and resources needed to reach their goals.
Meet the TeamCampus Safety
Eastern Washington University is proud to be one of the safest public university campuses in Washington and among the top 100 safest campuses in the country.
Our friendly, professional campus police department works closely with local law enforcement and fire services to protect our community. Students can also rely on the EagleSafe app, which provides real-time location tracking, emergency alerts, and easy access to campus safety resources.
For added transparency, the Clery Report provides an overview of campus crime statistics from the past three years, as well as details on emergency procedures and how to report an incident.
From Community Dream to the Region’s Polytechnic
Eastern Washington University has a rich history rooted in regional impact and innovation. It all began in 1882 when the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy opened its doors to more than 200 students, thanks to a generous donation from its namesake, a wealthy transportation industrialist. Cheney residents had long desired higher education in their town, and this contribution helped turn that dream into reality.
By 1889—the same year Washington became a state—the academy evolved into the State Normal School at Cheney. Over the years, the institution continued to develop and transform. In 1937, it became Eastern Washington College of Education, a fully accredited four-year institution offering degrees in multiple fields. Following World War II, the campus expanded rapidly, adding new programs and facilities to adapt to a changing world.
By 1961, its name changed to Eastern Washington State College to reflect its broader academic mission. As demand for professionals across various industries increased, so did the range of undergraduate and graduate programs. In 1977, the Washington State Legislature officially renamed the institution Eastern Washington University.
The next transformation happened in 2024 when EWU became the Region’s Polytechnic—a shift that reinforced its commitment to providing a hands-on, career-ready education. This new identity builds on what the university has always done best: prepare students for real-world success, support workforce needs, and strengthen the communities it serves.
