ABOUT EWU

About Eastern Washington University

As the Region’s Polytechnic, Eastern Washington University (EWU) focuses on applied learning, real-world impact, and career-ready skills. Whether you’re looking to start something new or advance in your career, EWU provides the tools, support, and confidence you need to succeed, regardless of where you’re headed.

Our programs are designed with your goals in mind, offering practical and career-focused degrees that prepare you for in-demand jobs. You’ll benefit from supportive faculty and small class sizes—even in an online format—so you’re never just a number. Plus, with some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state, EWU gives you an accessible way to invest in your future.

At EWU, you don’t have to choose between your education and other aspects of your life. Our fully online degree programs are designed for flexibility, allowing you to learn from anywhere, on your schedule, without sacrificing quality education or meaningful connections.

Mission
Eastern Washington University provides an inclusive, equitable, and transformative learning experience, driving the pursuit of knowledge with affordable academic excellence.

Vision
Eastern Washington University provides an education rooted in the liberal arts, designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region. Characterized by a student-centered focus and opportunities for applied learning in high-demand fields, this education creates upward social mobility and intellectual growth for our students that supports a healthy, sustainable, and economically successful region.

History
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. It was established “for the purpose of instruction of persons, both male and female, in the art of teaching the various branches that pertain to a good common school.” 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.