Applicant Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you are here, it means you have chosen to apply to Central Washington University’s (CWU) Graduate School and you have some questions.
We are here and happy to help because you belong here. We see Central at the center of your better future.
You may have questions about the Graduate School, the Ellensburg community, and how to apply and we hope that you find your answers. However, should you have a question not listed below please contact us at masters@cwu.edu or (509) 963-3101.
How many graduate students attend CWU?
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How long is the application process?
Usually, it takes 4-6 weeks after the priority deadline to receive an response to your application. Please check your application portal in Slate for updates.
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Where do I send my official transcripts?
You must request official transcripts from all community colleges, colleges, and universities you have attended. Transcripts are considered official only when sent directly to our office by the issuing institution or through an authorized service such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, WES, or an equivalent evaluation service
Submit Transcripts
Transcripts may be sent digitally or by mail to:
Email: masters@cwu.edu
Mail:
School of Graduate Studies and Research
400 E. University Way
Barge Hall Room 103
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7510
If your institution only offers mailed transcripts, please allow 2–3 weeks for delivery.
Transcripts from CWU
If you previously attended Central Washington University, our office already has access to your transcripts. No further action is required.
International Students
Applicants who have attended universities in China, India, Pakistan, or Nigeria must submit a complete course-by-course evaluation through a recognized translation and evaluation service, such as WES or another approved agency from the full list of providers. -
Where do I find information on program offerings?
The degree and certificate offerings webpage provides important information about the School of Graduate Studies and Research and its program requirements. When visiting the Academic Catalog, please remember to use the upper-right, drop-down menu to select the current year’s Graduate Catalog.
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How competitive are your programs?
Each program has a different level of competitiveness; some programs have regional relevance whereas others have national reputation and/or accreditation. Please check with your specific department for more information.
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Are campus tours available?
Yes, campus tours are available. Please check out the CWU visitation page to find out all of your options. You may also contact the program you are interested in and make arrangements to visit their department where you can meet faculty and current graduate students, tour the facilities and labs and sit in on a grad class.
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What organizations or clubs are available for Master's students?
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the official club for graduate students. You may join them on Instagram @cwu.gsa
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How much will graduate school cost?
The Graduate Student Tuition Rates and Mandatory Fees are found on the Central Washington University Financial Aid and Scholarships Website. Please note that tuition rates are shown in student-type categories which include Washington State Resident and Nonresident. You will need to look for:
- Graduate Ellensburg (Ellensburg campus-based student with Washington State residency)
- Graduate Centers and Online (online or center-based student with Washington State Residency)
- Graduate Nonresident (Ellensburg campus-based student without Washington State residency)
- Online Graduate Nonresident (online or center-based student without Washington State residency)
- College of Business Graduate Programs (with all categories)
The Council of Graduate Schools is a great resource for help with preparing financially to attend Graduate School. GradSense is an initiative of the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)
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What types of funding are available?
There are several types of financial aid including graduate assistantships, scholarships, financial aid (U.S. Department of Education), student employment, and several graduate programs are a part of the Western Regional Graduate Program. To find out which programs and resident states are eligible for the WRGR tuition rates; please find details on the WICHE savings webpages.
Detailed information regarding Student Funding is available within the Canvas Course "Graduate Students" which is accessible to current CWU graduate students. If you do not have access to the Canvas Course, contact the School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Assistantships
Central Washington University offers a limited number of assistantship appointments during the academic year to beginning and continuing graduate students.
Graduate assistantships are available in most of CWU's graduate program departments. Most of the university's graduate assistants teach, and 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 submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Research before February 1. Assistantship applications are a part of the online Graduate School Application. If you decide to apply to an assistantship after you have submitted your application to the School of Graduate Studies and Research, please contact our office, masters@cwu.edu for the application form. Assistantship applications received after the deadline will be given consideration if positions become available.
The 2026-2027 Graduate Assistantship Contract Benefits include:- $14,000 - salary (paid in bi-monthly installments or at an hourly rate)
- $0- $10,929.00 - partial tuition waiver
- $2,069.00 - health insurance benefit
- $362.88 - CWU Telehealth, Medical and Counseling fees and Wellness Fees
Scholarships
The CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship is exclusive to graduate students. This competitive scholarship is offered to provide $1,500 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. Application instructions are available within the Canvas Course "Graduate Students" which is accessible to current CWU graduate students. If you do not have access to the Canvas Course, contact the Graduate School.
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.
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.
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Is there on-campus housing for graduate students?
Yes, there is housing on our Ellensburg campus. You may contact our Housing & Residence Life department at housing@cwu.edu or 509-963-1831.
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Learn More about Graduate Studies
Questions? Contact Us.
School of Graduate Studies and Research
Barge 103