First-Year Students

Steps to Apply as a First-Year Student

1. Complete and submit your official application for admission.
   Students that apply early are more likely to receive scholarships, have their financial aid ready, and are more prepared for college.
2. Submit a non-refundable $60 application fee.
   When applying online, you must submit the fee through your application portal or upload an application fee waiver. Common fee waivers include NACAC, ACT/SAT, TRiO, or other college support programs.
3. Submit an official high school transcript.
   Transcripts will be considered official only when sent directly from the institution to Central Washington University via the address below. In-progress transcripts will be used to evaluate applications. Final official transcripts must be submitted upon completion of course of study and must include graduation date. Note: Homeschool students and international students have special instructions for high school transcripts.
   
   Central Washington University
   Office of Admissions
   400 E University Way
   Ellensburg, WA 98926-7463
   
4. (Optional) Submit your scores from the SAT or ACT.
   The SAT or ACT is not required of all first-year applicants.

Already admitted? What's Next? | Questions? Contact your Admissions Counselor.

Admission Requirements

Please note the following admission requirements for first-year college students.

• Applicants with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher and have satisfied the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) qualify for Guaranteed Admission. No personal statement or essay required!
• Applicants with a 2.50 - 2.99 cumulative GPA who have satisfied the CADR requirements will be considered for admission through a comprehensive review process, which takes into consideration: high school GPA, high school grade trends, and course rigor. A personal statement* may be required.
• Applicants with a 2.00 - 2.49 cumulative GPA who have satisfied the CADR requirements will be considered for admission through a comprehensive review process, which takes into consideration: high school GPA, high school grade trends, and course rigor. For those with a 2.00 - 2.49, a personal statement* is required.
• Applicants who do not meet the CADR requirements will be considered for admission through a comprehensive review process which takes into consideration: high school GPA, SAT or ACT test scores, personal statement, high school grade trends, and course rigor.

*We understand that GPA is just one indicator of your ability to be successful in college. If your cumulative GPA is below 2.50, we’d like to hear your story. In 2 to 4 paragraphs, tell us about your past academic experience, any challenges you have faced and overcome, and your plans to be successful at CWU.

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
Recommended High School Curriculum

• 4 years of English
• 4 years of Mathematics
• 2 years of World Language
• 3 years of Science
• 3 years of Social Science
• 1 year of Fine, Visual, or Performing Arts

Guaranteed Admission
CWU offers guaranteed admission to all first-year applicants who have met the following criteria:

1. Have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. Have successfully completed all CADR courses by time of enrollment at CWU.

Apply today!

Note: Applications submitted after priority dates will still be considered for admission.