Where is ewu

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Eastern Washington University (EWU) is located in Cheney, Washington, approximately 17 miles southwest of Spokane. Founded in 1882 as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, it became a state college in 1937 and gained university status in 1977. The main campus spans 300 acres and serves over 12,000 students annually.

Key Facts

Founded in 1882 as Benjamin P. Cheney Academy
Main campus covers 300 acres in Cheney, Washington
Enrollment of over 12,000 students annually
Became a state college in 1937 and university in 1977
Located 17 miles southwest of Spokane

Overview

Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a comprehensive public university located in Cheney, Washington, approximately 17 miles southwest of Spokane. The institution traces its origins to 1882 when it was established as the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy, named after a prominent railroad executive and philanthropist. This early foundation reflected the growing educational needs of the Pacific Northwest during the late 19th century. The academy initially served as a preparatory school before evolving into a teacher training institution.

EWU's transformation into a modern university occurred through several key milestones. In 1937, it became the Eastern Washington College of Education, marking its official status as a state institution. The post-World War II era brought significant expansion, with the college gaining broader academic programs and increased enrollment. In 1977, it achieved university status and adopted its current name, reflecting its comprehensive offerings across undergraduate and graduate programs. Today, EWU serves as a vital educational hub for the Inland Northwest region.

How It Works

EWU operates as a comprehensive public university with multiple campuses and diverse academic pathways.

Academic Structure: The university comprises four colleges: the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the College of Business; the College of Health Science and Public Health; and the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These colleges offer over 135 undergraduate programs and 55 graduate programs, including master's degrees and doctorates in physical therapy and dental hygiene.
Campus Network: EWU maintains multiple locations beyond its main Cheney campus. The Spokane campus at the Riverpoint Campus serves approximately 2,000 students in health sciences and other programs. Additional centers in Bellevue, Everett, and Vancouver provide extended access, with the university serving students from all 39 Washington counties and numerous other states and countries.
Student Support Systems: The university employs over 1,200 faculty and staff members who support a student body exceeding 12,000 annually. Key support services include academic advising through the Academic Success Center, career services with partnerships in over 500 organizations, and financial aid programs that distributed over $100 million in aid during the 2022-2023 academic year.
Research and Community Engagement: EWU maintains an annual research expenditure of approximately $5 million across various disciplines. The university partners with regional industries through initiatives like the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Analysis, while athletic programs compete in the Big Sky Conference with 14 NCAA Division I teams.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Eastern Washington University	Washington State University
Location	Cheney (17 miles from Spokane)	Pullman (75 miles from Spokane)
Founded	1882	1890
Student Enrollment	Over 12,000	Over 31,000
Annual Tuition (In-State)	Approximately $8,000	Approximately $12,000
NCAA Division	Division I (Big Sky Conference)	Division I (Pac-12 Conference)
Notable Programs	Dental Hygiene, Urban Planning	Veterinary Medicine, Engineering

Why It Matters

Regional Economic Impact: EWU contributes significantly to Washington's economy, with an estimated annual economic impact exceeding $500 million. The university employs over 1,200 people directly and supports thousands of indirect jobs through partnerships with local businesses and healthcare providers. Graduates frequently remain in the region, with approximately 65% of alumni working in Washington state within five years of graduation.
Educational Access: As one of Washington's most affordable public universities, EWU provides crucial access to higher education. Approximately 40% of students are first-generation college attendees, and the university serves a diverse population with 30% identifying as students of color. This accessibility helps address educational disparities in the Inland Northwest region.
Community Development: EWU plays a vital role in community development through partnerships with over 200 regional organizations. The university's dental hygiene clinic provides approximately 10,000 patient visits annually to underserved populations, while the urban planning program collaborates with cities across eastern Washington on sustainable development projects.

Looking forward, Eastern Washington University continues to adapt to evolving educational needs while maintaining its commitment to regional service. Strategic initiatives focus on expanding online programs to reach more rural students, enhancing STEM education to meet workforce demands, and strengthening community partnerships. As the university approaches its 150th anniversary in 2032, it remains positioned as a key driver of educational opportunity and economic vitality in the Pacific Northwest, balancing tradition with innovation to serve future generations.