Institutional Gift Aid
CWU Institutional Aid, Waivers, and Grants
Central Washington University offers a variety of institutional grants, tuition waivers, and awards to help reduce the cost of attendance for eligible students.
These programs are funded by the university and are typically need-based, merit-based, or tied to specific eligibility criteria such as military service, family employment at CWU, or academic program participation. Institutional gift aid does not need to be repaid and may be awarded in combination with other state or federal aid, up to the cost of attendance.
Need-Based Institutional Grants and Awards
These awards are based on financial need and are available to undergraduate Washington State residents who complete the FAFSA.
Central Veteran Grant
A quarterly grant awarded to veterans who have served in a foreign conflict.
- Eligibility: Washington resident, demonstrated financial need, proof of qualifying military service
- Award: $500 per quarter, up to $1,500 per year
- Process: Contact CWU Veteran Affairs at (509) 963-1229
Family and Employment-Based Tuition Waivers
CWU provides tuition waivers for students who are dependents of university employees or certain public service members.
Dependents of CWU Employees
- Eligibility: Admitted undergraduate, under age 25, 2.25 GPA or higher, limited to 12 quarters within a 5-year window
- Award: Half tuition waiver
- Process: Contact CWU Human Resources
Dependents of Disabled or Deceased Fire and Police Personnel
- Eligibility: Must document eligibility through CWU Veteran Affairs
- Award: Full tuition waiver
- Process: Contact CWU Veteran Affairs at (509) 963-1229
Veteran Dependent Waiver
- Eligibility: Dependents or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, with documentation
- Award: Full tuition waiver
- Process: Contact CWU Veteran Affairs at (509) 963-1229
Merit-Based and Academic Program Awards
These waivers are based on academic achievement or affiliation with a specific academic program.
Douglas Honors College Waiver
- Eligibility: Active DHC student with a 2.75 cumulative GPA (reviewed quarterly)
- Award: $1,000 annually
Step Waiver
- Eligibility: 3.0 cumulative GPA (reviewed quarterly)
- Award: $1,000 annually
Dean’s Waiver
- Eligibility: 2.75 cumulative GPA; awarded at the discretion of a Dean or their designee
- Award: Amount determined by the college
Athletics and Graduate-Level Awards
Athletic Waiver
- Eligibility: Awarded through Wildcat Athletics
- Award: Amount determined by Athletics Department
Graduate Assistantship Waiver
- Eligibility: Graduate assistant as defined by the School of Graduate Studies and Research
- Award: Includes an operating fee waiver
- Process: Contact the Graduate School for application and contract details
CWU News
$4 million federal grant aimed at helping with school psychologist shortage
February 25, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
CWU Disability Services aims to provide equitable access to education
February 23, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
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Financial Aid
Bouillon Hall 106