Prospective Students


Scholarship Central

The Scholarship Central application is available each academic year. It is open mid-fall quarter and closes during winter quarter, with awards disbursed the following year.

Visit the Scholarship Listings on Scholarship Central at any time for descriptions, qualifications, and estimated award amounts of the scholarships available on the current application.

If you have a CWU username and password, you should access the Scholarship Central application from your MyCWU Student Dashboard.

For more details, visit the Scholarship Central webpage.


Transfer Students - PTK Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) has supported students dedicated to their education who pursue academic degrees and other scholastic credentials. PTK members have an opportunity to earn scholarships, enhance their leadership skills, and give back to society.

Central Washington University recognizes the academic commitment of PTK students and praises them for choosing CWU to further their education.

PTK students admitted to CWU for Fall 2024 are eligible to be considered for a one-time tuition waiver of up to $1,000.

We invite current PTK students transferring to CWU with their Direct Transfer Associates (DTA) Degree from one of the Washington Community Colleges to apply. Running Start students are not eligible for this award.

Interested in applying? Visit the Phi Theta Kappa page for additional information and application requirements. Application priority deadline is May 1st, 2024. Questions? Contact the Transfer Center.


Waivers for Non-Resident Online Students

Students who are being charged Non-Resident tuition and who are taking only classes online may qualify for an Online Waiver.


CWU Employee Dependent Tuition Waiver Program

Eligible dependents of CWU Employees may have up to 50% of their tuition waived at CWU.  For more information, contact Human Resources or access the Dependent Tuition Waiver Request Form


Science Talent Expansion Program (STEP)

Eligible First-Year students who participate in the STEP Program will receive a $1,000 tuition waiver.


Performance and Talent Awards

The departments of AthleticsMusic and Theatre Arts offer aid based on demonstrated ability to academically qualified students.

Individual coaches identify recipients through their recruiting process. For more information, visit the CWU Wildcat Athletics website.  

The scholarships offered by the Departments of Music and Theatre Arts are available to both entering and currently enrolled students at CWU and are granted by audition. For more information, visit their respective websites. To qualify for a Performance Tuition Award given by Music or Theatre Arts, you must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA for each term to continue receiving your award.


The Deans' Scholars Program

Each college Dean's Office has tuition waivers for academically gifted incoming freshmen or continuing students. Awarding policies vary by college. Students receiving aid from the Deans' Scholars Program must maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA for each term to continue receiving the award.


Financial Aid

Students who want to receive any state, federal, or institutional (grants, scholarships, tuition awards, work study, and loans) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). There is no submission deadline for FAFSA/WASFA. 

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