Merit-Based Scholarships

Learn About Merit-Based Scholarships

A merit scholarship is financial aid awarded to students based on their academic achievement.

Merit Scholarships are offered to WA high school graduates who are first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students and transfers at CWU. Unlike need-based aid, which is determined by a family’s financial situation, merit scholarships are typically awarded for what you have accomplished.

2026-27 Academic Year Automatic Scholarships

These awards are offered to eligible students based on admissions data. There is no separate application! Merit scholarships are not available summer quarter.
  • Crimson Scholarship

    $2,000 per year for two consecutive years ($4,000 total)

    Eligibility requirements

    • First time as a college student (not including Running Start or College in the High School)
    • Starting quarter: Fall 2026
    • 3.0 HS Cumulative GPA, 2.75 CWU cumulative GPA to renew
    • Enrolled in minimum of 12 credits per quarter
    • Live in campus housing both years
    • Confirm admissions by May 1, 2026

    The Crimson Scholarship can apply to standard CWU tuition only. If tuition is paid by other sources, or there are non-standard charges (examples: FlexIT program, education abroad) they may be reduced or canceled.

  • Transfer Excellence Scholarship

    $2,000 per year, up to three years ($6,000 total)

    Eligibility requirements:

    • Transfer Student
    • Starting at CWU during the 2026-27 academic year
    • 3.0 Transfer Cumulative GPA, 2.75 CWU cumulative GPA to renew
    • Enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per quarter
    • Ellensburg campus

    The Transfer scholarship can apply to standard CWU tuition only. If tuition is paid by other sources, or there are non-standard charges (examples: FlexIT program, education abroad) they may be reduced or canceled.

  • Wildcat Promise Scholarship

    $5,000 per year, up to four years ($20,000 total)

    Eligibility requirements:

    • First time in college student
    • "Full Need" as determined by the FAFSA or WASFA (SAI is between -1500-0).
    • WA resident of
      • Counties
        • Adams
        • Asotin
        • Benton
        • Chelan
        • Columbia
        • Douglas
        • Ferry
        • Franklin
        • Garfield
        • Grant
        • Lincoln
        • Okanogan
        • Pend Oreille
        • Spokane
        • Stevens
        • Walla Walla
        • Whitman
      • Cities
        • Grandview
        • Granger
        • Mabton
        • Sunnyside
        • Toppenish
        • White Swan
        • Zillah
    • Starting quarter: Fall 2026
    • 3.0 HS Cumulative GPA, 2.75 CWU GPA to renew
    • Enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits per quarter
    • Live in residence hall for the first two years, on-campus housing for remaining two years
    • Confirm admissions by May 1, 2026
    • Must have a housing contract on file by Sept 1, 2026
    The Wildcat Promise requires awardees to live on campus and to be from specific counties in Washington. See below for more details.

Disclaimer: These terms and conditions apply to awards initially offered to students for the listed academic year. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, including residency classification, campus, location and/or modality. Eligibility varies per scholarship and all scholarships are subject to the availability of funds. Automatic scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualifying admitted students. Selected scholarships may have additional eligibility requirements, but do not require a separate scholarship application.

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