Financial Aid and Scholarships

Achieve More with Financial Support 

With a long-standing legacy of providing high-value education, Central Washington University (CWU) continues to help students like you achieve greatness while keeping costs low. 

This page serves as a hub for all of CWU’s need-to-know financial aid details. We've curated essential information and resources to help you invest wisely, from determining your eligibility to understanding your aid offer. 

Need additional support as you’re navigating the financial aid process? CWU’s Financial Aid Office's dedicated staff provides practical guidance and resources so you can make an informed decision. You can reach out via email or call us at (509) 963-1611. 

Do I Qualify for Financial Aid?  

At Central, we encourage all students to apply for financial aid—whatever their income level.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible because of your or your family’s financial situation. Various need-based and non-need-based programs are available to supplement your resources. 

To be eligible for federal, state, or need-based institutional aid at CWU, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or  Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Once your information is received by CWU, we’ll use the information provided to determine your eligibility for financial aid. 

How to Pay for College with Different Aid Options 

Before you embark on the financial aid process, it’s essential to understand the different forms of aid, their repayment stipulations, and more. Be sure to review CWU’s available types of financial assistance. 

• Scholarships: Scholarships are an excellent source of funding that helps lower the cost of your education and does not require repayment. CWU’s Scholarship Central houses a broad range of merit, athletic, academic, and other scholarships.
• Grants: Unlike loans, grants typically do not have to be repaid. Discover more about federal and state grants, institutional gift aid, and the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship to determine if you qualify. 
• Work-Study Programs: Work-study programs are a form of financial assistance that helps you get a part-time job to pay for college while gaining essential work experience. Your financial assistance letter will reflect how much you can earn through your work-study program. 
• Loans: Federal and private loans are popular options for students investing in their education. Check out all the different loan options, eligibility requirements, interest rates, and more. 

Accepting Your Financial Aid Offer 

Once accepted to CWU, you will receive your financial aid offer in the mail, notifying you that you have been awarded financial aid. Your financial aid award letter outlines what forms of aid you will receive, your cost of attendance, and more.  

After reviewing your aid offer, you can accept, decline, or reduce your specific awards on MyCWU. 

Understanding Cost of Attendance  

Cost of attendance (COA) is your total expense to attend Central. This approximation includes both direct and indirect costs and will vary based on whether you’re a resident or non-resident, if you live on campus, and additional factors. 

Our Net Price Calculator helps you estimate the cost of your CWU education and the financial aid package you may receive. Please note: this is an estimate, so the COA in your financial aid offer may differ.