The School of Graduate Studies and Research helps coordinate a number of funding opportunities for graduate students, to help with the costs of tuition and living expenses, as well as the costs of graduate research and creative projects.

• Assistantships
• Nonresident 50% Tuition Waiver
• Grants and fellowships through the Graduate School
• Travel Award
• Scholarships
• Financial aid
• Student employment
• Graduate School Student Funding Forms

Assistantships

Central Washington University offers a number of assistantships during the academic year to beginning and continuing graduate students.

Graduate assistantships are available in most of CWU's graduate program departments. Nearly two-thirds of the university's graduate assistants teach; the remainder serve as research assistants or staff assistants performing university service functions.

Graduate assistants are normally selected during the months of March and April for the following academic year. For full consideration, applications should be filed before February 1. Later applications will be given consideration if positions become available. Award announcements are not made until sometime after April 15.

2016-2017 Academic Year Graduate Assistant Package

*Washington State residents and international students without documented permanent US residency status (green card).
**Nonresident US citizens and international students with documented permanent US residency.

International students not having documented permanent US residency status may apply for assistantship positions; however, these positions are rarely awarded in the first year of their graduate study.  When an assistantship award is made to a student not having documented permanent US residency status, in most cases, the tuition waiver is limited to the amount of resident tuition allowable by state law, $8,081.13 for the 2014-15 academic year, pursuant to CWUR 3-90-100.2.Sec 014 which states that eligibility shall be authorized by the dean of graduate studies and research with procedures created and monitored by the director of financial aid.

Nonresident 50% Tuition Waiver

CWU Graduate Tuition Waiver Fellowships are open to WA State nonresidents, and are awarded to exceptional graduate students who show promise in scholarship, academics, leadership or meritorious service. To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must be recommended by the degree program’s coordinator. The fellowships are designed to attract first year, newly admitted candidates with a possible renewal for a second year. This is the recommendation form.  Please contact your coordinator to express your interest to be nominated. Students from all colleges may apply. Applications will reviewed on a rolling basis (and subsequently as funds are available).
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is admitted to a Central Washington University graduate program but who is not a WA State resident. Fellowships are also available for students with diversity experiences that contribute significantly to the quality of CWU's graduate programs.  The fellowships typically include a 50% non-resident tuition waiver for the 9-month academic term. There is no stipend provided.  Fellowships are only awarded to full-time students who have been admitted into a CWU graduate program.  Preference is given to newly admitted candidates; however, fellowships are renewable for an additional year at the level and type originally funded.

Students must remain at full-time status to continue receiving the waiver and maintain a 3.0 GPA.  The award will be withdrawn if a student attains WA state resident status during the award period.

Category of Awards:

Academic Fellowship.  Awards are granted to students based on an applicant’s GPA (minimum 3.25).

Leadership / Meritorious Service Fellowship.  Awards are granted to students who have served in leadership roles within their community, college, or professional organizations. 

Diversity Fellowship:  Awards are granted to first-generation college students or applicants who have a history of overcoming disadvantage.  Awards are also available for those nominated by diversity-focused organizations outside of Central Washington University.

McNair Fellowship:  Awards are granted to students who were McNair Scholars at their undergraduate institutions and intend to pursue master's level preparation for doctoral work.

Click for Full Description and Recommendation Form.

Grants and Fellowships

The graduate school provides competitive fellowship programs to help graduate students with research and creative activities. The SGSR is currently modifying the internal funding opportunities for the 2016-17 academic year and summer.  Once the information is updated, an announcement will be made on Central Today and on this website.  Questions can be directed to Dean Archer via email or call 509-963-3100.

The Travel Award program makes available to graduate students up to $400 to travel to a conference or meeting at which they are presenting research or a creative activity. 

Scholarships

Scholarships exclusive to graduate students:

CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship- This competitive scholarship is offered to provide $1,000 to one student per year who holds an earned bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and who is admitted to or currently enrolled in a master’s degree program as a full time student at Central Washington University for the purpose of defraying all or part of the student’s unmet financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Click here for more information.

The CWU Scholarship Office maintains an extensive list of general and CWU-only scholarships, as well as pointers to databases of scholarship opportunities.

The Office of International Studies and programs facilitates a Tuition Waiver for International students. Click here for details.

Financial aid

Financial aid is also available through the university from federal and state funds for students demonstrating financial need. Applications should be made directly to the CWU Financial Aid Office by March 15.

Student employment

Employment both on and off campus is available; the CWU Student Employment Office will have details on some available positions.