May 10, 2024  
2023-2024 Student Registration Handbook 
    
2023-2024 Student Registration Handbook

Payments, Tuition, and Fees


Fall 2023, Winter 2024, and Spring 2024

Note: Tuition and fee rates are subject to change.

HOW TO PAY

Payments to CWU may be made by cash, check, credit and debit cards - Discover, VISA, MasterCard, money orders, cashier’s checks, and traveler’s checks. Payments may be made in person, by mail, or on-line. Checks should be made payable to Central Washington University.

In Person
In-person payments can be made weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Cashiers Office in Boullion Hall 101. (In-person credit and debit card payments are processed until 4:30 p.m. each week day.)

By Mail
Allow sufficient time for delivery. Make sure your check has your name and ID number for proper identification. Checks must be payable to Central Washington University and sent to:

Central Washington University
Cashiers Office
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926-7490

Credit/Debit Card Payments
Credit /debit card payments can be made in person at the Cashier’s Office until 4:30 on weekdays, or online 24 hours any day of the week. Credit card payments cannot be made over the phone, by mail, by fax or by e-mail.  Online credit and debit card payments are assessed a non-refundable 2.85% convenience fee ($3 minimum) by our online vendor. 

Online - Current and Prospective Students
Please login to your MyCWU Account through the CWU home page to access the Make a Payment link. Students can also assign guest access for designated individuals to make payments on their behalf. 

Online - Parents
The student can grant Guest User Access to parents or guardians by logging into their MyCWU Account and clicking the Make a Payment link. Under the “Authorized User” tab, they can click “Add Authorized User” and enter a parent/guardian email address. They then select if they want the authorized user to be able to view payment history and account history, in addition to the account balance, and click Continue. To finish authorizing the user, they will click Continue on the Authorized User Agreement. The authorized user receives two emails from the payment servicer, with username, temporary password, and instructions for setting up their guest user account. After that has been set up, they can log in at any time to view the account balance and make a payment. Payments can be made using credit/debit card (Discover, Visa, or MasterCard) or bank account (checking or savings). Online credit and debit payments will be assessed a 2.85% convenience fee by the online vendor.

Payment History
Students are responsible for reviewing their payment status. Payment history can be reviewed online through MyCWU> Student > Financial> View My Student Account.

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY

Payments
When a student registers for classes, a financial obligation is incurred. All tuition and fees are due at the beginning of the quarter and must be paid prior to the sixth day of instruction. Tuition may be paid by cash, check, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard to the Cashiers Office. A $75 late tuition fee will be assessed approximately ten business days past the last day of the change of schedule period. If the tuition has not been paid, a $125 late fee is added approximately on the 30th day of instruction. Tuition and fee adjustments will be made for adding and/or dropping a course prior to the sixth day of instruction without late fees. Standard tuition and fees apply. Late registration fees will be assessed for adding courses after the fifth day of instruction. Students’ tuition and fees will not be removed due to non-attendance. Official withdrawal procedures must be followed.

Registering for classes or receiving services for which payment is required will create a CWU account and constitutes a contractual financial obligation according to the rules and regulations of the State of Washington. The student or other CWU account holder agrees to pay for all charges incurred at Central Washington University including but not limited to Tuition and Fees, Housing and Dining Charges, University Store Purchases, Day Care Charges, Financial Aid Over-Awards, and other miscellaneous charges or fines for services received at the Recreation Center, the Medical and Counseling Center, the Library, Parking, special events, or any other CWU service offering. It is the student’s or account holder responsibility to ensure that their account is kept current and that payments are made by the published due dates to avoid additional charges. Charges that are not paid by the due dates may be assessed late fees and a 1% interest charges and all university services may be suspended. Furthermore, the student or account holder agrees to the following:

“I understand the University or its representative will make reasonable attempts to collect past due charges by letter, phone, email, or any other reasonable method including text messages as required by the State of Washington.” “I understand I will receive an email notification when my billing statement is available to view online or a monthly statement if I am not an enrolled student.” “I understand my account information can only be released to me. Statements are located online through MyCWU account. Failure to pay after reasonable attempts have been made may result in the suspension of university services.”

“I understand if I have an unpaid balance to the University and do not make satisfactory payment arrangements, my account may be placed with an external collection agency and will be subject to an additional collection fee as allowed by the state of Washington where the financial obligation has been contracted - RCW 19.16.500. As a result, my account will be assessed a collection fee of up to 35% of the original debt that I will be responsible to pay, in addition to legal costs and attorney fees if the account goes to litigation. This may negatively impact my credit rating on a national level as a result of being reported to all three-credit bureau’s (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian).”

Payment Plan
For Current Quarter Charges - This type of installment plan allows the student to pay in three monthly installments throughout the quarter thus avoiding the tuition and housing late fees and assessment of 1% interest.  The non-refundable payment plan enrollment fee is $50 and is due before enrollment in the plan.  Students will be able to enroll online through the Student Accounts website between the 5th and 9th day of the quarter. Parking or Library fines, Health Center and Recreation Center charges must be paid within 30 days the service is received. Payment plans not honored may be subject to cancellation and the student account assessed the tuition non-payment late fees, housing late fees and any other applicable penalties.

Students’ tuition and fees will not be removed due to non-attendance. Official withdrawal procedures must be followed.

Refunds
Refunds may be made according to the term’s refund and fee deadlines.

A student will receive 100 percent of tuition and fees if complete withdrawal from the term occurs prior to the sixth day of the quarter.

A student will receive 50 percent of tuition and fees if complete withdrawal from the term occurs on or after the sixth day of the quarter and within 30 calendar days of the beginning of the quarter.

There is no refund for individual class withdrawals after the change of schedule period. There is no refund of tuition and fees for a complete withdrawal from all courses after the 30th calendar day from the beginning of the quarter. Exception requests must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Registrar. Students who register and do not drop their classes prior to the end of the change of schedule period, with extenuating circumstances that result in a refund of tuition, will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee.

FINANCIAL AID

Each year approximately 80 percent of CWU students receives financial aid. To be eligible for federal aid a student must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen. The FAFSA is also Washington resident students’ application for state aid. Washington state aid programs are available to eligible DREAMers (undocumented students) who complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Financial aid is available to matriculated students seeking a degree or certification in an eligible program. Most financial aid programs require a minimum of half-time enrollment, which is 6 credits at the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate level and 5 credits at the graduate level. Students who have a first baccalaureate degree and are not admitted to a master’s program are classified as a post-baccalaureate student. Post-baccalaureate students are eligible for federal loans.

Students must apply and be accepted for admission into a degree seeking program (matriculated) to receive financial aid. To receive federal aid, students and their families must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov. If ineligible to file the FAFSA, Washington resident students and their families can be considered for the Washington State aid programs by submitting a Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). The WASFA is available on the web at https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa.

The application should be submitted as soon as possible after October 1 each year. This year, March 1 is the priority submission date for limited gift aid. Completing the FAFSA/WASFA accurately and timely response to all requests for additional information are critical. If you are selected for Verification, be sure to submit all required documents in MyCWU by May 1 to ensure your Financial Aid will be ready by September.

Students who listed Central Washington University’s Title IV code #003771 on a submitted FAFSA will have a student financial aid file delivered to the university electronically. Once that file completes the quality assurance process the student will receive an award letter. WASFA applications go through the same process before aid is awarded by the financial aid office. 

The award letter indicates the estimated student cost of attendance, the federally determined expected family contribution, and an offer of aid including the type and amount. You must accept, reduce, or decline aid offers on MyCWU. Aid is disbursed quarterly in equal amounts. If you have chosen to borrow student loans, the master promissory note and loan entrance counseling are completed electronically at www.studentaid.gov.

Students are expected to maintain “good academic standing” while receiving financial aid. A minimum CWU cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for undergraduates after two years of attendance; a minimum CWU cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required for post-baccalaureates; and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduate students. Financial aid recipients are also required to make reasonable progress toward a degree.

Additional financial aid information is available at https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/, financialaid@cwu.edu, or by calling 509-963-1611.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are gift aid which do not have to be repaid. More information on CWU scholarships is available at www.cwu.edu/scholarships. The Scholarship Central application opens each October and closes March 1st. Scholarships awarded are for the next academic year beginning in fall quarter. Apply online via MyCWU using the path MyCWU>Student Dashboard>Financial>Scholarship Application. 

Scholarship eligibility is based on a variety of criteria including, but not limited to, academic proficiency, specialized talent, community service, leadership, and financial need. College and departmental selection committees as well as Financial Aid Office staff select scholarship recipients. Some scholarships require students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), www.studentaid.gov or WASFA (Washington State Application for Financial Aid), https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa. In addition, students with talent in athletics, art, music, and/or theatre should contact the department(s) directly for specific audition or exhibition opportunities. Institutional merit aid is awarded to incoming students based on GPA. Scholarships may not require financial need.

Community-sponsored scholarships include awards for which the recipients are chosen by organizations outside the university. Each organization establishes its own eligibility criteria, application process, and committee. More information can be found at the scholarship website www.cwu.edu/scholarships or by contacting the organizations directly. The Washington Student Achievement Council has a free, web-based scholarship matching clearinghouse for Washington residents and students and serves as a simple and central scholarship search and application resource. See https://washboard.wsac.wa.gov to create a profile. Scholarship recipients must inform the CWU Financial Aid Office if they are expecting an award from a community organization. Checks should include student’s name and ID number and be made payable to “Central Washington University.” Send to the CWU Cashiers Office, 400 East University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7490.

Scholarships  may change a student’s eligibility for other institutional, state, or federal aid programs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

All courses taught through Continuing Education are self-support. The waiver for veterans, university staff, and senior citizens does not apply. Full fee-paying students must make additional payments at the rate established for each continuing education course in which they enroll.

CWU EMPLOYEE DEPENDENTS AND ELIGIBLE RETIREES TUITION WAIVER

Pursuant to RCW 28B.15.915 CWU will waive 50% of tuition for eligible CWU employee dependents and eligible retirees. To be eligible for the dependent waiver, the CWU employee must have an appointment to a half-time or more permanent position and have been employed by CWU for more than six months. This includes faculty hired on at least a yearly contract.

The eligible dependent or retired staff member must be accepted as a student, file a FAFSA, and maintain a cumulative CWU GPA of at least 2.25. The waiver is available for twelve quarters within a five-year period and excludes housing costs, books and other student fees. Eligibility for tuition waiver does not guarantee admission to CWU.

To request the tuition waiver for a dependent, submit the Dependent Tuition Waiver Request (https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/human-resources/_documents/dependent-tuition-waiver-request.php) to Human Resources at mail-stop 7425 or Mitchell Hall, first floor. CWU online application: https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/apply/index.php.

CWU FACULTY/STAFF, STATE EMPLOYEES, AND NATIONAL GUARD TUITION WAIVER

Participants may be admitted as a regular student (person seeking a degree or certification) or as a non-matriculated student (one not seeking a degree or certification). The CWU non-matriculated application has a $40 nonrefundable fee for the academic year (fall through summer).

CWU faculty and staff using tuition waivers may register the second day of classes. State employees and National Guard employees using tuition waivers may register the third day of classes.

How to Register
Mail, email, or present in person an appropriately signed State Tuition Exemption Request Form to the Office of the Registrar. This form must be received no later than 15 working days prior to the start of the term every term that an eligible individual intends to enroll using waiver benefits.

CWU faculty and staff who are employed at least half time and who have been employed six months or more, may take up to eight credits at $15 per quarter. Permanent National Guard members and state employees who are employed at least half time and who have been employed six months or more, may take up to six credits at $30 per quarter. Employees may take additional credits at the per-unit price. Tuition and fees are payable at the time of registration.

According to legislative action, all registrations must be on a space-available basis after other matriculated students have registered. See CWU Education Benefits Policy for further details, as tuition waivers may be taxable.

VETERANS

Veterans may be eligible for a Veteran Conflict Grant or waiver. All veterans must complete a FAFSA (see Financial Aid, and Veteran Assistance) and contact the Veterans Center to determine eligibility. Find more information at https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/veterans/, 509-963-3028, or e-mail va@cwu.edu.

SENIOR CITIZENS

Washington residents 60 years of age or older may register the first day of class on a space-available basis. The fee is $5 for a maximum of two classes, not to exceed six credits. Credits may not be applied toward meeting requirements for any degree program and may only be taken as an audit. Instructor permission must be obtained prior to registration. Any person utilizing this provision and taking more than six credits must pay an additional $25 tuition charge.
 

GENERAL TUITION AND FEES

General tuition and fee rates are established by the State Legislature and mandatory and miscellaneous fees are set by the CWU Board of Trustees. The tuition rates shown below are an estimate. All tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Click here for information about Online Payments.

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
students registering for 10-18 credits:

Quarterly tuition fees for residents of the state of Washington $2,340.20
Quarterly tuition fees for nonresidents of the state of Washington $8,200.00

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
students registering for nine credits or less:

Resident: Each credit, $234.02
Minimum of $468.04
Nonresident: Each credit, $820.00
Minimum of $1,640.00

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for 10-18 credits:

Resident graduate: $3,571.00
Nonresident graduate: $8,364.00

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for nine credits or less:

Resident graduate: Each credit, $357.10
Minimum of $714.20
Nonresident graduate: Each credit, $836.40
Minimum of $1672.80

Students registering for more than 18 credits:
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate,
     Resident: Each credit over 18, $234.02
     Nonresident: Each credit over 18, $820.00
Resident graduate: Each credit over 18, $468.04
Nonresident graduate: Each credit over 18, $836.40

For more information on tuition and fees go to: https://www.cwu.edu/financial-aid/

 

MANDATORY AND MISCELLANEOUS FEES

Students are required to pay any applicable mandatory fees listed below. In addition, some classes will assess special course fees (See below). Special fees and rates are subject to change.

Application for Admission Fee: $60.

Athletic Fee: $56 mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. Students with less than 10 credits will be assessed $5.60 per credit. This fee supports student athletics and provides free admittance to all events. Ellensburg campus only.

Audit Fee (without credit): A student enrolling in a course as an auditor is charged regular fees.

Background Check Fee: In order to participate in certain programs/majors a student must arrange for and obtain a criminal background check from the appropriate law enforcement agency. Information regarding the process, requirements, and costs can be obtained through the department offering the program/major.

Basic Needs Fee: $6 mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. The basic needs fee exists to ensure consistent student access to quality resources from the Wildcat Pantry on the CWU Ellensburg campus.

Breakage Fee: Students enrolled in certain courses are required to pay for any equipment they break. Fees are variable according to the item broken.

Central Transit Fee: $3, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. This provides bus transportation throughout town.

Credit by Examination Fee: Students applying to challenge a course will be assessed a nonrefundable fee of $15 per credit, with a minimum of $30 per course challenge.

Graduation Application Fees: Baccalaureate degree $60. Reapplication fee $20. An additional $12 will be assessed for concurrent degrees and an additional fee of $30 per diploma when requesting more than one diploma for multiple majors. For further information, https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/registrar/graduation-resources/index.php.

Health and Accident Insurance: Group insurance is optional. An additional premium will allow student dependents to be covered by medical facilities other than the student health center, which is reserved for student use only. For further information, inquire at the Cashier’s Office.

Health Center Fee: $102.96, mandatory fee per quarter for all students enrolled for six credits or more. Students with less than 6 credits will be assessed $17.16 per credit. Students can see a physician for free regardless of insurance status. Students only pay for testing costs. In order to appeal this fee, students must be able to demonstrate that they have no access to the services offered or be a CWU professional employee or staff member.

International Studies Application Fee: A fee of $50 per student per quarter for students participating in study abroad or exchange programs.

Late Fee: Students failing to pay their tuition in full by the published deadline are assessed a $75 and $125 late fee.

Late Registration Fee: Students will be charged a $25 per course fee for registration from the sixth through the 10th day of instruction; a $50 fee per course for the 11th day through the 30th day of instruction; and $75 per course after the 30th day. Permission to add courses will still require signature of the instructor or the department chair and the college dean after the 10th day of classes.

Library Fee: $10, mandatory fee per quarter for all students.

Master’s Thesis Binding Fee: Students submitting a thesis as part of the requirements for the Master’s degree pay a fee of $75 for binding of three copies of their thesis. Two copies are deposited in the library and one copy is given to the student. Students not wishing a copy for themselves will be assessed $50. Any students wanting more than one copy for themselves must make their own binding arrangements for the extra copies.

Multimodal Fee: $25, mandatory fee per quarter for all students per class will be assessed for all Web (WW) courses.

Parking: Students using the university’s parking facilities must purchase a campus parking permit.

Recreation Center Fee: $117, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students enrolled for six credits or more.

Registration Cancellation Fee: Students who register and do not drop their classes prior to the change of schedule period and have extenuating circumstances that result in a refund of tuition will be assessed a $50 cancellation fee.

Service and Activity Fees (S & A Fees): $272.10 mandatory fee per quarter for all students. Prorated up to 10 credits.They are collected at registration and allocated to a variety of Student Programs.

Student-in-Training (Liability) Insurance: In order to register for certain courses, a student must arrange for individual student-in-training (liability) insurance purchased either through the CWU business office or through some other agency. Information regarding types of coverage available may be obtained from the department chair or program director.

Student Lobby Fee (WSL): $2, mandatory fee per quarter for all students. This fee supports student lobbying for CWU needs in Olympia.

Supply and Equipment Fees: Students enrolling in certain courses are charged for supplies and equipment not furnished as part of the course.

SURC Building Fee: $74, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. This building is OWNED by the STUDENTS. This fee pays for operational costs such as utilities and monthly lease. When the building was built students voted to pay the cost of the building and that cost is continued through every year that the debt is not paid off.

Technology Fee: $30, mandatory fee per quarter for all students. Students with less than 10 credits will be assessed $3.00 per credit. Pays for student’s ability to use computers, software, and print on campus.

Transcript Fee: $10 for each copy. A $2.50 processing fee will apply if ordering through Parchment.com. For more information, https://www.cwu.edu/registrar/request-transcripts.

Tuition Nonpayment Fee: Students who have not paid full tuition by the 30th calendar day of the quarter will be assessed a $125 tuition nonpayment fee. A hold will be placed on their student record and they will be liable for 100 percent of tuition and fees. Students will receive notification to their CWU e-mail account. Students must have their student account cleared prior to registering for future quarters.

Tutoring Center Fee: $7.50, mandatory fee per quarter for all students.

Wellness Fee: $18, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. The wellness center promotes healthy decision making and prevention services, confidential support for issues related to alcohol/drugs/sexual violence. It also provides training for students to handle these sorts of situations. In order to waive this fee, students must live outside of town or be a CWU employee or staff.

SPECIAL COURSE FEES

A list of special course fees is available on-line at www.cwu.edu/registrar/tuition-and-fees. Fees are subject to change. If services are provided by an off-campus vendor, the amount may vary. Contact the department for additional information.