Transfer Center
Prospective Transfer Students
Admission
FUN FACT! About 40% of our students are transfer students and we'd love for you to be one! We at CWU recognize and value the strengths, diversity, and talents of our transfer students! In fact, we offer guaranteed admission to transfer students who have at least 40 transferable credits and at least a 2.5 college GPA.
In order to help you with your decision, take advantage of the opportunities and tools provided below!
Are you ready to apply? The CWU Admissions website has the application, fees, deadlines, and admission criteria.
How Credits Transfer
How many credits will transfer? One to two weeks after you apply for admission and submit your official transcript(s), your transfer credit report will become available in your MyCWU. In the meantime, you can look up your credit equivalencies to CWU in the Transfer Equivalency Site, and our counselors and peer ambassadors can help if you need it!
If you are transferring in with a transferable associate's degree (PDF) from a Washington community college you are considered to have your general education completed or almost completed. Degrees from some out-of-state schools (PDF) are also recognized as satisfying general education.
Pre-Admission Advising
The Transfer Center offers pre-admission advising, which includes general education requirements and basic information about preparing for CWU majors. We can assist you via phone, email, Zoom/Teams, or in person. Our Transfer Outreach & Onboarding Counselors visit many community colleges around the state on a regular basis. Students coming from Western Washington colleges and universities can make an appointment here, and students coming from anywhere else can make an appointment here.
Transfer MAPs
Do you have a specific major in mind? Our Transfer MAPs are a planning guide designed for you to learn about your intended major and get answers to critical questions you might have if you are contemplating a transfer to CWU.
We are continually creating new Transfer MAPs. If you don't see your major listed, contact us by email.
Early Transfer Admission+
The Early Transfer Admission Plus (ETA+) program is designed to streamline your path from community college to Central Washington University. Through ETA+, you’re fully admitted to your community college and conditionally admitted to CWU!
Through this program, you also have access to:
- Academic major advising
- Financial aid workshops
- Career counseling to help in your degree planning process
- $60 application fee waiver
Apply to ETA+ at CWU. You’ll want to have your unofficial transcripts ready to upload at this time. Running Start students are not eligible.
Reverse Transfer
It's possible to finish your Washington state transferable associate's degree that you began at a community college at CWU instead. Not only do you earn an additional credential (the associate's degree), it satisfies all or most of CWU's general education requirements. You can learn more about this process, called reverse transfer, by talking to the Transfer Center or your CWU academic advisor.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Remember to apply for Federal Student Aid or Washington State Financial Aid. CWU has expert counselors in the Financial Aid office who can answer your questions.
Transfer Merit Scholarships - This award $1000 renewable tuition waiver is awarded to incoming transfer students with a 3.25 GPA or above. You will automatically be considered based on your completed CWU admissions application, no separate application is required.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships - if you're a member of this honorary society for transfer students, you can submit an application for a $1000 renewable tuition waiver. Application is generally May 1 for the following academic year.
You may apply for hundreds of scholarships by filling out a single application on the Scholarship Central website, which opens November 1 and closes April 1 for the following academic year.
Discover the Ellensburg Campus
Join thousands of Wildcats in the heart of Washington State. Discover academic resources, residence halls, unique dining options, and much more. View the Ellensburg Guide. Or visit campus in person, and swing by the Transfer Center in Bouillon 210 if you do!
Explore our University Centers and Online Options
Our centers expand access to higher education in communities, providing degrees and certifications that support your goals and growth. View the University Centers and Online Guide.
CWU News
Latest edition of Voyage Magazine available online
April 24, 2024
by University Relations
CWU defensive standout presented with coveted national award
April 24, 2024
by David Leder
Questions? Contact Us.
CWU Transfer Center
210 Bouillon Hall