Admissions and Aid

Joining the Wildcat Community

We’ve compiled essential admission and financial aid information on this page, along with helpful resources. You can easily apply and focus on setting goals and planning for your future.

With our main campus in Ellensburg and multiple University Centers located on partner community and technical college campuses, Central Washington University offers flexible options that meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go. Learn more about Campus Locations.

You can also visit our Yakima Office for in-person admissions and financial aid support, advising services, and a welcoming connection to CWU. And if you’re transferring in, our Transfer Center offers personalized help with credit evaluations, academic planning, and guidance every step of the way. 

Prefer to learn online?

CWU offers a wide range of online programs and courses that give you the flexibility to study on your own schedule. With full access to course materials and support, Online Learning at CWU makes it easy to earn your degree from anywhere.

Need help along the way? Connect with CWU’s Office of Admissions staff for guidance as you prepare your application and embark on a new academic journey with us.

Get a Head Start at CWU

It’s never too early to begin your studies. We support your academic goals by creating two pathways for high school students in Washington State to start learning at CWU. 

Our College in the High School (CiHS) program empowers ambitious high school students in grades 9–12 to get a jump start on their college education. Students can enroll in CWU courses taught by approved high school instructors to challenge themselves without leaving their high school campus. To ensure top-quality education, the CiHS program received national accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).

CWU’s Running Start allows eligible juniors and seniors to take tuition-free college courses at the Ellensburg and Sammamish campuses or online. Upon completing these CWU classes, they can transfer the credits to fulfill high school graduation requirements and to other colleges or universities. 

Affording Your CWU Degree with Scholarships

Whether you are a first-year, transfer, international or graduate student, we want to support you as you finance your education. You can qualify for more than 300 available scholarships by submitting your Scholarship Central application. We also encourage you to explore outside scholarship opportunities through reputable sources, such as CareerOneStop: Scholarship Finder, College Board, Scholarships360, and more. 

Join Our Parent and Support Network

Whether you’re a parent, guardian, sibling, or advocate for a newly admitted student, you can help them adjust to college life and embark on an academic journey that spurs intellectual growth and self-discovery. We’ve compiled various college prep resources and essential information so you and your college student are set up for success. Learn how you can support your CWU Wildcat.