Start Your Future with an Undergraduate Degree


At CWU, we are here for your future. Whether you’re a First-Year, Transfer, International, or Returning, student, start your undergraduate application today.

We know you will do something great—and it starts wherever you are today. Wildcats do the work that moves our world forward and we want you to be part of it. Keep reading to learn about our admission criteria and the steps to apply.

Step 1. Submit your application 

Our application is completely online. You can apply through our application portal or use Common App. Already started? Pick up where you left off or check the status through your Applicant Portal. 

Step 2. Pay the application fee 

The $60 application fee is non-refundable. 
If this creates a barrier, there are opportunities for a fee waiver in the application. 

Step 3. Submit your high school or college transcripts 

To complete your admission process, submit your official high school or college transcripts. To ensure that your transcript is considered official, please have it sent directly from your institution. 

If you are in the middle of the quarter—don't worry! We accept in-progress transcripts as well. Please send your final, official transcript upon graduating. 

 

Apply to CWU

Admission Criteria


We want to meet you where you’re at, so your path to admission will look different depending on your academic history. Whether you’re a First-Year, Transfer, International, or Returning Student, start your undergraduate application today.
  • First-Year Admission Criteria

    The admission requirements depend on your cumulative high school GPA and the completion of core classes.   

    3.0 or higher  
    You qualify for Guaranteed Admission. This means you're automatically accepted to CWU once your application is complete and CADRs are met. No personal statement or essay is required. 

    2.50 - 2.99   
    Alongside your application and CADRs, we may ask you to complete a Personal Statement. 

    2.00 - 2.49  
    Alongside your application, CADRs, and a Personal Statement, we will review your application, taking all aspects of your academic experience into consideration. 

  • Transfer Admission Criteria

    To apply to CWU as a Transfer student, you should: 

    • have at least 40 transferable college credits at time of application 
    • have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 

    If your GPA is between 2.00 - 2.49, we may ask you to complete a Personal Statement alongside your application. For more information, reference Transfer Student Admissions. 

  • International Admission Criteria

    At CWU, we value the importance of effective communication and connection. We kindly request that you speak and understand the English language to attend CWU. As part of your application, please provide proof of your English proficiency.  

    International Students may need to submit extra material and complete extra steps in the International Student Admissions process. For more information, reference International Student Admissions.

  • Returning Admissions Criteria

    If you have previously attended CWU as a degree-seeking student and want to finish your undergradduate degree, please submit an application and any transcript from other inssituations you may have attended since you last attended CWU.

More information


  • Are SAT/ACT test scores required?

    We do not require SAT or ACT for admission, but you can submit your official SAT or ACT test scores to CWU for class placement.

  • Where do I send my transcripts?

    Electronic transcripts coming directly from your institution are accepted. Please email them to admissions@cwu.edu.  

    If you are having your transcripts mailed, please send to the following address:  

    Central Washington University 
    Office of Admissions 
    400 E University Way 
    Ellensburg, WA 98926-7463 

  • I received college credits in high school—what now?

    Running Start and College in the High School students apply as a First-Year student. Credits will be awarded after you are admitted.   

    We will grant you college credits for AP, Cambridge, CLEP, IB, JST exams you have completed with a score of three (3) or higher. You can also receive credit for these courses in which you earned a grade of "S," depending on your final exam score. 

    You must send your AP exam score(s) to CWU to receive course credit. Learn how to Send your Scores or visit the Registrar for more information.   

  • What if I don’t meet admission requirements?

    Don’t worry—life happens. If you don’t meet our admission requirements, you can still be considered for admission through a comprehensive review process. This process considers your high school GPA, grade trends, course rigor, and personal statement. 

  • What if I was homeschooled or received a GED?

    Homeschool students must submit their official homeschool transcript. The transcript must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. 

    Students holding a GED may submit their official GED test scores instead of transcripts. If you have coursework or a transcript from any high school, you must also submit those. 

  • What is a personal statement?

    We understand that GPA is only one indicator of your ability to be successful in college. In two to four paragraphs, tell us about your past academic experience. Include the challenges you have faced and overcome and how you plan to be successful at CWU. 

  • What are CADRs?

    Many applicants will satisfy core classes by graduating from an accredited high school. In Washington State these are the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) established by Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).  

    If you live outside of Washington state, these core classes are standard for most states. Schedule an Appointment with an admissions counselor for more information. 

    College Academic Distribution Requirements include: 

    • four (4) years of English, 
    • four (4) years of mathematics, 
    • two (2) years of world language, 
    • three (3) years of science, 
    • three (3) years of social science, and 
    • one (1) year of fine, visual, or performing arts. 

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Office of Admissions

Bouillon Hall 202