International Out of State Tuition Waiver
Elegibility and Criteria

General qualifications for an Out of State Tuition Waiver are based off the following list of criteria:

• Eligible to apply if on F-1 student visa and will be sophomore standing or above
• Cum GPA is a minimum of 3.5 for preceding academic year; to continue eligibility, both cum and quarterly GPA must remain 3.5 or higher

Generally, quarterly awards are based on the GPA award schedule of:

3.5 - 3.69 => $750
3.7 - 3.89 => $1000
3.9 - 4.0 => full out-of-state waiver (students awarded full waivers pay in-state tuition plus fees)

Application Procedures:

• Application must be submitted by June 30th, to be considered for the following academic year.
• Submit to:
  ISPAC, ISA
  International Center
  400 E 8th Ave
  Ellensburg, WA 98926-7563
• Application may be based on Academic Achievement and/or Financial Need.
• Students who wish to continue receiving a waiver for the next academic quarter/year must resubmit an application at the end of spring quarter as a Continuing Tuition Waiver recipient
• Download an application and application checklist for an International Out-Of-State Tuition Waiver. (In Microsoft Word 2001 format)

Academic Achievement Criteria

• Maintain a full course of study with a cumulative and quarterly GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Submit two letters of support from faculty who can attest to your academic achievement
• Submit application
• Submit essay (More information below)

Financial Need Criteria

• Meet the criteria for academic achievement
• Demonstrate an extreme financial need which has changed substantially from the financial statement given at the time of admission
• Submit a budget, projecting your income and expenses for the quarter in which you seek financial aid
• Submit application

Unusual Circumstances

Sometimes students present qualities that warrant special consideration for receiving a waiver outside the criteria and eligibility listed above. Among the exceptional circumstances reviewed by the tuition waiver committee, the International Studies and Programs Advisory Committee (ISPAC), are:

• Activity involvement which demonstrates commitment to furthering international understanding, such as participating in Outreach Activities, on-campus programs, leadership in the International Student Association. Students are invited to submit an essay by June 30th should they feel they qualify for consideration.
• Students who are within one or two quarters of graduation and who are experiencing unexpected financial need which may impact their ability to graduate. Students should submit a letter of explanation and a budget during the quarter prior to the one in which they are asking for a tuition waiver based on financial need.
• Sudden financial emergencies such as change in family circumstances, change in home country's currency rate of exchange, natural disasters. A letter of explanation and a clear statement of the financial situation should be submitted to the International Studies and Programs Committee, International Center, at the time the emergency occurs.

Required Essay of All New Applicants

The staff in the Office of International Studies and Programs works hard to develop opportunities for cultural exchange of ideas and information. We support a wide variety of programs aimed at providing international experience for CWU students, faculty and staff and for the Ellensburg community. An important part of these programs is welcoming a diverse group of international students and faculty to CWU. The CWU international community, through its involvement in campus and community life, helps increase international understanding and cooperation. Keeping in mind the importance of international education, please write a brief essay, helping the Tuition Waiver Committee learn more about you, your country, and tell us how you might help us communicate your culture to others.

Eligible students wishing to pick up an application should do so at the International Center. Remember, next year's tuition waiver awards for fall quarter will be based on your cumulative GPA and spring quarter GPA. It is your responsibility to submit the application, either in person or by mail, no later than June 30th. Your application should be addressed to: Tuition Waiver Committee.

Please Note:

The number of waivers and waiver distribution will be based on the total dollar amount legislated for the 1% discretionary out-of-state waiver program in any given year. This amount is subject to change during the academic year or during any of the quarters.

An out-of-state tuition waiver may be given to an international student applying to Central. Please note, however, that this is only a partial tuition waiver. The applicant must have other financial resources from: (1) CWU faculty sponsorship; (2) departmental sponsorship; (3) family, and must (4) clearly demonstrate compelling reasons why a partial waiver would make Central Washington a viable educational possibility.

Any questions? Please go here.