Central Washington University is proud to be one of the best values in education, and we award over $17 million in scholarships annually. Merit scholarships recognize the academic achievements of Washington residents. These awards can only be applied to CWU tuition.

No separate application is required. CWU will use your admissions data to determine eligibility for these awards.

Wildcat Promise Scholarship

A limited number of Washington residents who file a FAFSA will be offered a Wildcat Promise scholarship. When you receive the Wildcat Promise, CWU will cover all tuition, fees, and living expenses (except $2,000), up to a shared double room and Meal Plan C. To be considered for this high-value scholarship, an applicant must:

• Be a degree-seeking, first generation, first-year undergraduate
• Have a 3.0 high school GPA (home school students are not eligible)
• Be awarded the maximum Pell Grant
• Be awarded the maximum Washington College Grant
• Plan to live on campus in a residence hall
• Accept the offer in MyCWU by May 1

CWU will continue to support you with the Wildcat Promise for up to 3 additional years as an undergraduate if you meet these eligibility requirements:

• Maintain a minimum cumulative CWU GPA of 2.5
• Have continuous residence in an on-campus residence hall
• Have continuous enrollment in at least 12 credits per quarter
• Submit the FAFSA by the priority date
• Meet Federal Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Accept the offer in MyCWU by May 1

Renewal recipients will receive an offer limited to the lesser of a) the annual amount offered to Washington residents who receive maximum Pell Grant and maximum WA College Grant or b) financial need.

Please Note:

Eligible first-year students must confirm admission by May 1 to receive a merit tuition award. Transfer students need to confirm by August 1.

The total amount waived cannot exceed 80% of CWU tuition charges. Awards may be reduced if other waivers combine to exceed this limit.

Merit tuition scholarships are subject to change on an annual basis without notice.