Tuition and Fees

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General Tuition and Fees

General tuition and fee rates are established by the State Legislature 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.

Tuition rates for 2022-2023 are not available at this time.

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 $2,109.50
Quarterly tuition fees for nonresidents of the state of Washington $7,614.00

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
students registering for nine credits or less:
Resident: Each credit, $210.95
Minimum of $421.90
Nonresident: Each credit, $761.40
Minimum of $1,522.80

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for 10-18 credits:
Resident graduate: $3,251.55
Nonresident graduate: $7,769.68

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for nine credits or less:
Resident graduate: Each credit, $325.16
Minimum of $650.31
Nonresident graduate: Each credit, $776.97
Minimum of $1,553.94

Students registering for more than 18 credits:
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate,
     Resident: Each credit over 18, $221.88
     Nonresident: Each credit over 18, $772.80
Resident graduate: Each credit over 18, $336.60
Nonresident graduate: Each credit over 18, $788.37

All courses taught through the Office of Continuing Education are self-supporting. 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.

Washington State law concerning resident classification for tuition, RCW 28B.15.012 et seq., requires that a student “(a)(i) have established a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington, primarily for purposes other than educational, for at least one year immediately prior to the beginning of the quarter for which they register at the university, and (ii) be financially independent, or (b) be a dependent student, one or both of whose parents or legal guardians have maintained a bona fide domicile in the state of Washington for at least one year prior to the beginning of the quarter for which the student registers at the university.” The term “domicile” denotes a person’s true, fixed, and permanent home and place of habitation. It is the place where they intend to remain, and to which they expect to return when they leave without intending to establish a new domicile elsewhere.

Any change of residency status for a given quarter must be based on written evidence provided by the student on a residency classification questionnaire on or before the first class day of the quarter for which a change of residency is sought. Questionnaires are available through Registrar Services. The burden of proof in all cases rests with the student.

In accordance with RCW 28B.15.014, certain nonresidents are exempted from paying nonresident tuition and fees. To be eligible for such an exemption, a nonresident student must provide documented evidence that they reside in the state of Washington, and (a) holds a graduate service appointment, designated as such by the university, involving not less than 20 hours per week; (b) is employed for an academic department in support of the instructional or research programs involving not less than 20 hours per week; or (c) is a faculty member, classified staff member, administratively exempt employee holding not less than a half-time appointment, or dependent child of such a person.

In January 2021, Congress passed HR 7105. This bill requires public institutions to give resident tuition to the following:

• Veterans using the GI Bill® who live in Washington.
• Veteran dependents (spouse and children) using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® who live in Washington.

The requirement is effective for any term that begins on or after August 1, 2021. It does not apply to active duty military members.

Veterans newly served by federal law

Veterans who live in Washington must be charged resident tuition and fees, regardless of domicile or how long they have lived in Washington, if they are actively using VA educational assistance under Chapter 30, 31, or 33 to pay for at least one course (Public Law 116-315 Sec. 1005).

• The VA benefits must be one of the following:
  • Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty
  • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Fry Scholarship
  • Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

• There is no time limit for when they must enroll after leaving the military (Public Law 116-315 Sec. 1005)
• The veteran must have had 90 days of service in the active military, naval, or air service. (38 U.S. Code § 3679 (c)(2)(A))
• The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable (separation does not have to be from active duty). (38 U.S. Code § 101 (2))
• The veteran continues to receive resident tuition and fees for future courses as long as they are continuously enrolled at the same institution.

Note that this does not make them a “resident student” as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2), so they do not meet residency requirements for state aid unless they are a resident student through another part of the RCW.

Veteran dependents newly served by federal law

Veteran spouses and children who live in Washington must be charged resident tuition and fees, regardless of domicile or how long they have lived in Washington, if they are actively using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® to pay for at least one course.

• There is no time limit for when the dependent must enroll after the veteran leaves the military.
• The veteran must have had 90 days of service in the active military, naval, or air service.
• The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable (separation does not have to be from active duty).
• The dependent continues to receive resident tuition and fees for future courses as long as they are continuously enrolled at the same institution.

Note that this does not make them a “resident student” as defined in RCW 28B.15.012(2), so they do not meet residency requirements for state aid unless they are a resident student through another part of the RCW.

Veterans currently served by state law

Currently, veterans who are one of the following are considered resident students for tuition and fee purposes. This also means they meet residency requirements for some state aid programs:

1. Veterans who are eligible for VA educational assistance benefits and enter school within three years of separation from the military. They do not need to live in Washington, nor do they need to be actively using the benefits (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(m)).
   • Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service as a member of the uniformed services.
   • Veteran must have separated with any period of honorable service (separation does not have to be from active duty).
   • Veteran must be eligible for one of the following VA educational assistance benefits:
     • Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty
     • Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
     • Post-9/11 GI Bill®
     • Veterans Educational Assistance Program
     • Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
     • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
     • Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
   • Veteran maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
   • Does not apply to veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the student is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.

“Active duty service” means full-time duty, other than active duty for training. Active duty service as a national guard member must be for certain actions related to responding to a national emergency (RCW 28B.15.012(8)).

“Uniformed services” includes the United States army, United States marine corps, United States navy, United States air force, United States coast guard, United States public health service commissioned corps, and the national oceanic and atmospheric administration commissioned officer corps ((RCW 28B.15.012(9)).

2. Veterans who are entitled to Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment benefits (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(s)).
   • They do not need to live in Washington.
   • They do not need to enter school within a certain amount of time after separating from the military.
   • They do not need to be actively using the benefits to qualify.
   • Veteran maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
   • Does not apply to veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the student is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.
3. Veterans who were discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(q)).
   • They do not need to live in Washington.
   • They do not need to enter school within a certain amount of time after separating from the military.
   • Veteran maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
   • Does not apply to veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the student is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.

Veteran dependents currently served by state law

Currently, veteran dependents who are one of the following are considered resident students for tuition and fee purposes. This also means they meet residency requirements for some state aid programs:

1. Veteran dependents who are entitled to VA educational assistance benefits and enter school within three years of the veteran’s separation from the military. They do not need to live in Washington, nor do they need to be actively using the benefits (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(o)).
   • Veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service as a member of the uniformed services.
   • Veteran must have separated with any period of honorable service (separation does not have to be from active duty).
   • Dependent must be eligible for one of the following VA educational assistance benefits:
     • Post-9/11 GI Bill® o Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
     • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
     • Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
   • Dependent maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
   • Does not apply to dependents of veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the dependent is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.
2. Veteran dependents who are entitled to VA educational assistance benefits based on their relationship to a deceased military member who died in the line of duty (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(r)).
   • The dependent must be eligible for one of the following:
     • Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
     • Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
   • The dependent does not need to live in Washington.
   • The dependent does not need to be actively using educational benefits to qualify.
   • The dependent does not need to enter school within a certain amount of time after the veteran separated from the military.
   • For dependents with DEA, it must be due to the death of the military member.
   • Dependent maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
   • Does not apply to dependents of veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the dependent is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.
3. Dependents of veterans who separated from the military with at least ten years of honorable service (RCW 28B.15.012(2)(p)).

• The dependent must enter school within three years of the veteran’s separation from the military (separation does not have to be from active duty).
• The dependent does not have to be eligible for or be using VA educational benefits to qualify.
• Neither the dependent nor the veteran need to live in Washington.
• The veteran must have had at least 90 days of active duty service.
• Dependent maintains resident student status as long as they stay continuously enrolled.
• Does not apply to dependents of veterans who have a dishonorable discharge from the uniformed services, unless the dependent is receiving VA educational assistance benefits.

Procedure:

1. Request for Veterans Center to send supporting documents to the Office of the Registrar.
2. Contact the Office of the Registrar to complete additional paperwork reg@cwu.edu 509-963-3001.

To qualify as a Washington State resident, a student must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident (resident alien) status. A student must also be either independent and have established a permanent home in the state of Washington for purposes other than education at least 12 months prior to enrollment. Verification will be requested.

The spouse or dependent of a person who is on active military duty, stationed in Washington, can be classified as a resident, for tuition paying purposes, by submitting proof of military assignment. A student cannot qualify as a Washington resident if s/he (or parent, in the case of a dependent) has attended college as a resident of another state within a year prior to enrollment; has received financial assistance from another state, including reciprocity awards, within a year prior to enrollment; or possesses a current out-of-state driver’s license, vehicle registration or other document which gives evidence of being domiciled in another state. For further information, contact the Office of the Registrar at 509-963-3001.

Residency questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar. Residency requirements are subject to legislative change.

Non-Matriculated Student Application

Senior Auditing
Senior citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the large variety of courses offered at Central Washington University.

Auditing Undergraduate Courses
Persons that are 60 years of age or older and a resident of Washington State may register as an auditor the first day of class on a space-available basis with permission of instructor.

Auditing Graduate Courses
Seniors 60 years of age or older that are a resident of Washington State may enroll in graduate-level courses (501 and above) with the approval of both the instructor of the course and the department chair. Credit earned in these courses may meet undergraduate or graduate program requirements, but not both. Students wishing to designate the course for graduate credit must obtain approval from the dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

Auditing Fees
The fee is $5 for a maximum of two courses, not to exceed six credits. Any person utilizing this provision taking more than six credits must pay an additional $25 tuition charge.

Please Note

• Credits may not be applied toward meeting requirements for any degree or for increments on any wage or salary scale.
• Audits do not apply to summer quarter.
• Private music lessons are not available.

For more information go to: www.cwu.edu/ce/audit-cwu-course

Not available summer quarter.
Central Washington University (CWU) offers a Veteran Conflict Grant (amount of available grant is determined each academic year) with the following limitations and requirements:

1. Admission to CWU.
2. DD-214 Member 4 copy [all grants are awarded on information that the Department of Defense (DOD) codes on each DD-214 - Honorable/General (Under Honorable Conditions)] (Active Duty - copy of current orders).
3. Veteran must be a Washington State Resident.
4. Veteran must complete the FAFSA-Financial Aid Application each year.
5. Minimum enrollment must be halftime (6 credits)
6. The Veteran of Foreign Conflict Waiver/Central Grant can be received for up to 225 quarter credits.

This grant replaces all other military conflict waivers awarded in the past by CWU. For further information, contact the Veterans Center at 509-963-3028 or e-mail va@cwu.edu or check the website at: www.cwu.edu/veterans.

Children and Spouse of Totally Disabled or POW/MIA or Deceased Eligible Veterans or National Guard Members

Tuition Waiver:  The Washington State legislature RCW 28B.15.621 established this waiver to honor active and reserve veterans, National Guard members and their dependents.  This is a mandatory tuition waiver for the children and spouse of totally disabled or POW/MIA or deceased eligible veterans or National Guard Members. Children, Spouse and Veteran must be Washington State residents. This waiver can only be applied within the current academic year.

• Child and spouse of an eligible veteran or National Guard member who became totally disabled;
• Child and spouse of an eligible veteran or National Guard member determined to be a prisoner of war or missing in action;
• Child and spouse of an eligible veteran or National Guard member who lost their life;
• The Washington State Disabled Veteran Dependent Tuition Waiver can be received up to 200 quarter credits or in the case of the child, until they turn 26 years old.
• Child is defined as a biological child, adopted child, or stepchild.
• Subject to amounts appropriated, student shall also receive a stipend for textbooks and course materials in the amount of five hundred dollars per academic year, to be divided equally among academic terms and prorated for part-time enrollment.

For more information, contact the Veterans Center at 509-963-3028 or e-mail va@cwu.edu, or check the website at www.cwu.edu/veterans.

Educating the citizens of Washington State is integral to Central Washington University’s mission. CWU encourages and supports its employees, as well as non-CWU state employees and others as allowed by law, to continue their education as prescribed through this educational benefits policy. Central Washington University provides educational benefits for Central Washington University faculty, exempt, and classified staff, non-CWU state employees, members of the Washington National Guard, and veterans (as defined by 41.04.005 RCW) who are not eligible for educational benefits from the Veteran’s Administration. Eligible employees (CWU and state) must hold appointment to a half-time or more position. In addition, civil service employees must have permanent status (i.e., passed their probationary period). Faculty and exempt employees who are employed half time or more and are expected to be employed for more than six months are eligible on the first day of employment. Eligible CWU employees may take up to eight (8) credit hours of course work per quarter. Washington National Guard, veterans, and non-CWU state employees may take up to six (6) credit hours of course work per quarter. Faculty who are hired on a quarter-to-quarter basis will become eligible beginning with the second consecutive quarter of half-time or more employment. For the purposes of this section, employment of faculty in spring quarter and the following fall quarter may constitute consecutive employment.

Employees who are not eligible for the tuition and fee waiver are: faculty on courtesy appointments; retired faculty, staff, and exempt personnel; and undergraduate and graduate assistants, associates, or others holding positions with student status. An employee who has met university admission requirements and filed proof of eligibility with the Office of the Registrar no less than 15 working days prior to the beginning of each academic term may take up to eight credit hours of coursework for a nominal fee each quarter (summer excluded). Enrollment is subject to space availability only. Enrollment in a closed or wait-listed course under this waiver is prohibited. Refer to CWU academic policy: www.cwu.edu/resources-reports/cwup-2-20-090-waiver-tuition-and-fees for further information.

A continuing student will receive a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees if a complete withdrawal from the university occurs prior to the sixth day of the quarter.
A student will receive a 50 percent refund of tuition and fees if a complete withdrawal from the university 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 of tuition and fees if withdrawal from the university occurs after the 30th calendar day of the quarter.

There is no refund for individual class withdrawals after the change of schedule period.

Tuition and fees may be refunded to students unable to complete coursework as a result of being called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Fees are subject to change for the 2022-2023 academic year.

Application for Admission Fee: $50.

Athletic Fee: $56 mandatory fee per quarter for all 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.

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 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/registrar/graduation.

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: $103.00, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students enrolled for six credits or more. Students can see a physician for free regardless of insurance status.  Students only pay for testing costs. In order to get this fee waived students must live outside of town or be a CWU 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.

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 Medical and Counseling Clinic Fee: $103.00, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students enrolled for six credits or more. Students can see a physician for free regardless of insurance status.  Students only pay for testing costs. In order to get this fee waived students must live outside of town or be a CWU employee or staff member.

Student Lobby Fee (WSL): $1, 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: $69, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students enrolled for 10 credits or more. Students with less than 10 credits will be assessed $6.90 per credit. Students with one credit will be assessed the same as the two-credit fee, $13.80. 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. $18 for on demand or FAX copies. All fees are due in advance. A $2.50 credit card fee may apply if ordering through TranscriptPlus. Other fees apply for express mail. 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 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.