First-Year Student Admissions | Central Washington University

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First-Year Student Admissions

Start Your Future as a Wildcat

At CWU, we are here for your future.

Start your undergraduate application today. Keep reading to learn about our admission criteria and the steps to apply.

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 fee is non-refundable. If this creates a hardship, 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. Learn more about official and unofficial transcripts.

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.

Admission Requirements

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

2.75 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 - 2.75: 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.

We want to meet you where you’re at, so your path to admission will look different depending on your academic history. If you are a non-traditional student, find more information and support to help you on your journey.

Priority Application Dates

CWU welcomes students all year round so you can begin your future when you’re ready. Applications are accepted after the application priority date on a space available basis. We are accepting applications for Winter 2026 and Spring 2026 as well.

Start Quarter	Priority Application Date
Fall Quarter 2026	January 31st, 2026
Winter Quarter 2027	November 1st, 2026
Spring Quarter 2027	February 1st, 2027
Summer Quarter 2027	May 31st, 2027

It was cool that everyone in my class at Central was doing somewhat of a different project because we were all in different schools. I learned about other projects from [classes] that I wasn't even teaching.
Jonathan FritzSecondary Education Mathematics Degree

I'm admitted. What's next?

Congratulations! Your first step is to accept our admission offer. You'll also want to apply for financial aid and start thinking about housing and meal plan options.

Take the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Central Washington University Require ACT/SAT scores?

No, CWU is a test-optional school. While we do not require SAT or ACT scores for admission, you can submit your official SAT or ACT 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
How Do I Transfer College Credits I Earned in High School?

If you participated in our Running Start or College in the High School programs, your credits will be awarded once you apply and receive admittance as a first-year student.

CWU will grant college credits for AP, Cambridge, CLEP, IB, and 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 an "S" grade, depending on your final exam score.

You must send your AP exam score(s) to CWU to receive course credit. Learn how to send in your scores.
What if I don’t meet admission requirements?

Everyone’s journey to beginning their college education is unique. If you don’t meet our admission requirements, you can still qualify for admission through a comprehensive review process. This process considers your high school GPA, grade trends, course rigor, and personal statement.

Simply submit your application, and our admissions committee will evaluate your materials and determine your eligibility.
How Do I Apply to CWU If I Was Homeschooled?

CWU welcomes students of all academic backgrounds to join our vibrant and ever-evolving student body. If you are a homeschooled applicant, you’ll proceed through the application process as usual; however, you must submit your official homeschool transcript, which must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Can You Apply to College with a GED?

Yes, if you have earned your GED rather than a high school diploma, you can submit your official GED test scores instead of transcripts. Additionally, if you have coursework or a high school transcript, you must submit those when applying to CWU.
What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a brief essay, typically two to four paragraphs in length, detailing your past academic experience, challenges, and how you plan to succeed in college.

At CWU, we aim for a holistic approach to admissions and firmly believe that your GPA is only one indicator of your ability to be successful in college. That’s why we may require you to submit a personal statement so we can better understand who you are, your strengths, what you’ve overcome, and what you hope to achieve.
What are CADRs
Many applicants will satisfy core class requirements by graduating from an accredited high school. In Washington State, these are the College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) established by the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

If you live outside of Washington State and are applying for admission to CWU, these core classes are standard for most states:
- 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.
If you have questions about whether your high school education meets Washington’s CADRs, please schedule an appointment with a CWU admissions counselor.