Tuition and Fees

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.

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Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
students registering for 10-18 credits:
Quarterly tuition fees for residents of the state of Washington $2,489.70
Quarterly tuition fees for nonresidents of the state of Washington $8,725.30

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate
students registering for nine credits or less:
Resident: Each credit, $248.97
Minimum of $497.94
Nonresident: Each credit, $872.53
Minimum of $1,745.06

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for 10-18 credits:
Resident graduate: $3,799.00
Nonresident graduate: $8,899.30

Graduate (Master’s Degree)
students registering for nine credits or less:
Resident graduate: Each credit, $379.90
Minimum of $759.80
Nonresident graduate: Each credit, $889.93
Minimum of $1,779.86

Students registering for more than 18 credits:
Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate,
     Resident: Each credit over 18, $248.97
     Nonresident: Each credit over 18, $872.53
Resident graduate: Each credit over 18, $379.90
Nonresident graduate: Each credit over 18, $889.93

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). All fees and rates are subject to change.

MANDATORY FEES

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.

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.

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

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

Multimodal Fee: $25, mandatory fee per quarter assessed to support online, hybrid, and distance learning access and service for all students.

Recreation Center Fee: $122, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students enrolled for six credits or more.

Service and Activity Fees (S & A Fees): $282.98 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 Green Fund Fee: $5, mandatory fee per quarter for all Ellensburg campus-based students. This fee will support student-driven sustainability projects on campus, while empowering students with hands-on project experience, increasing campus engagement, and fostering care for the planet and environment.

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

SURC Building Fee: $79, 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.

Telehealth, Medical and Counseling 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. 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.

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. To waive this fee, students must live outside of town or be a CWU employee or staff.

MISCELLANOUS FEES

Application for Admission Fee: $60.

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

Background Check Fee: 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.

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 $30 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.

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

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.

Orientation Fee: $225.00 for all Ellensburg campus-based first-year students. This fee supports the two required programs for first year students: New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome. These experiences are offered in-person to all first year Ellensburg students only. This is a one-time fee charged in the Fall Quarter of the first year on campus. Transfer Students $100.00 for all Ellensburg campus-based Transfer students. This fee supports the required Transfer Student Orientation program specifically for transfer students. This is a one-time fee charged in the Fall Quarter of the first year attending CWU.

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

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: 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.

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

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/about/offices/registrar/academic-information/request-transcripts.php.

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. 

SPECIAL COURSE FEES

A list of special course fees is available on-line at https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/financial-aid/about/index.php. Fees are subject to change. If services are provided by an off-campus vendor, the amount may vary. Contact the department for additional information.

Aviation Department Fees

Welcome to Central Washington University’s Aviation Professional Pilot Program (AVPP)

Embarking on your journey to become a pilot is an exciting and rewarding endeavor-and we’re here to support you every step of the way. As you begin your flight training, it’s important to understand how training costs are structured and what steps are required before you take to the skies.

The Department of Aviation flight training is a CWU self-support system. At CWU, flight training fees are separate from standard university tuition and fees. These costs are divided into course fees and lab fees and are specific to enrollment in the Professional Pilot Program.

Before you can begin any flight activities, all course and lab fees must be confirmed as paid or pending on your Student Account. This may require you to work with other departments, including Financial Aid and the Veterans Affairs office.

CWU provides financial aid through the FAFSA, private lenders, as well as benefits under the VA Education Benefits to help cover flight training costs. See your MyCWU To-Do list for more information. The full process, including how to apply for financial aid or other benefits toward these fees, is explained in detail at https://www.cwu.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid-scholarships/index.php.

We’re committed to making this process as smooth as possible and are here to support you along the way.

Course Fees and Lab Fees Defined

Course Fee: A non-refundable charge that supports program overhead, including Ground instruction, facilities, insurance, staffing, and essential services necessary for safe and effective flight operations. - Course fees are non-refundable.

Lab Fee: Covers flight and simulator lessons based on the quoted number of hours listed in the tables below.

Refund Policy After Lab Completion
At the end of each flight lab course, unused lab fees will be available for the next lessons within the same rating/certification, or towards review lessons while preparing for exams.

Additionally, unused lab fees after the completion of a FAA Practical Test (FAA Checkride) will be refunded to the student’s CWU Student Account.

Refund Policy After Lab/Program Withdrawal or Discontinuation
If a student withdraws or is discontinued from a flight lab, unused lab fees will be refunded back to the student’s CWU Student Account.

Financial Holds and Overages - Step-by-Step Process

1. Monitor Your Lab Fee Balance

• Regularly check your balance in Flight Schedule Pro.
• It is your responsibility to track your available funds to avoid interruptions in your training.

2. Watch for Low Balance Warning

• A warning will appear in your Flight Schedule Pro account when your remaining balance reaches $700 or less.
• This is your early alert to plan ahead and deposit additional funds before you are restricted from scheduling.
• As a reminder, federal and veteran aid cannot be used to pay for overages.

3. Cease Flight Operations When Funds Are Depleted

• Once your lab fee funds are fully used, a financial hold will be placed on your flight account.
• You will not be permitted to schedule or dispatch any:
  • Flights
  • Simulators
  • Ground instruction
• You must deposit additional funds before resuming any training activity.

4. Deposit Additional Funds

• Meet with your flight instructor to determine an estimate of funds needed to complete your lab.
• Email Aviation@cwu.edu and copy your flight instructor to request the estimate to be placed on your CWU Student Account.
• Pay these funds in your MyCWU Student Account, and email to release your hold.
• For estimates, refer to the posted hourly rates (see table).
• Funds must be deposited before any further training is allowed.

5. Resume Training

• Once the agreed upon amount has been paid, your ability to schedule and dispatch flights, simulators, and ground instruction will be restored.
• You may then continue training without further delay.

NOTE:

• Any unused overage funds will be refunded to the student’s CWU Student Account upon completion or withdrawal from the associated course.
• Alternatively, students may request unused overage funds to be carried forward in the flight school scheduling software and applied toward future flight training. To make this request, email Lindsay.
• Overage charges are not covered under FAFSA or VA Education Benefits and must be paid separately by the student.

Additional Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for paying separately for:

• FAA Medical Certificates
• FAA Written Exams
• FAA Practical (Checkride) Examinations

Each flight course includes 2 hours of aircraft rental time for the check ride.

Payment to the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) is made directly by the student. Financial Aid may be available to cover these costs.

Required Equipment for Student to Purchase

• Dual-Plug Aviation Headset
• iPad* (instrument training only)
• ForeFlight Subscription (instrument training only)
• * iPad mini is recommended.

NOTE: The above fees are applicable for the 2025-2026 academic year. Fees may change annually.

If you have any questions about course fees, lab fees, overages, resource rates, or the payment process, please contact the CWU Aviation Department. 

Central Washington University (CWU) does not contract with any outside entity for any instruction. The instructors are faculty, adjunct faculty, instructors, temporary instructors, OPS, etc. (not hired through arrangements with a third party such as a pilot school). CWU leases or owns the aircraft; CWU leases or owns the facilities where flight and ground training is conducted; administrative staff are permanent full-time administrators of CWU.

Continuing Education Tuition Fees

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.

Resident and Non-Resident Status

At the time of admission, a student’s initial residence classification is based on information provided on the admissions application. This determines the student’s tuition rate. To be considered a resident for tuition purposes, a student must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S Permanent Resident card holder, approved for Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA), have a qualifying immigration status, or visa, or qualify via RCW. 28b.15.012(e).

View specific information at https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/registrar/residency-enrollment/index.php. For more information contact the Office of the Registrar.

Residency requirements are subject to legislative change

Resident Tuition for Veterans and Eligible Individuals

Current and former military personnel and families may be eligible to pay resident tuition and fees. Approval to pay resident tuition via a uniformed services exemption does not grant residency in Washington State.

Information and forms regarding current members and veterans can be found at https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/registrar/residency-enrollment/military-personnel-families.php. Additional information for current and veteran students and families can also be found at https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/veterans/. Any questions should be directed to the Office of the Registrar or the Veterans Center. 

Out-of-State Applicants

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.

Senior Citizens

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.

Veteran Conflict Grant

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: https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/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 his or her life;
• The Washington State Disabled Veteran Dependent Tuition Waiver can be received up to 250 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 https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/veterans/.

Washington State Employee Tuition Waiver

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. Employees must meet university admission requirements and file 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.  A waiver processing fee and course fees may apply. Refer to CWU academic policy: https://www.cwu.edu/about/policies-procedures/policies-manual/2-0-general-policies/cwup-2-20.php#waiver for further information.

Tuition Refund Schedule

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 medical circumstances or being called to active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States. Students must petition to the Office of the Registrar.

Financial Obligation

Central Washington University Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

1. PAYMENT OF FEES/PROMISE TO PAY

I understand that when I register for any class at Central Washington University, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services.

I further understand and agree that any amounts charged to my CWU Student Account that are not paid by the due date shall constitute a student educational debt under § 523(a)(8) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code that I am obligated to repay.  Any overpayment of financial aid or other educational benefit that I receive for any period when I am not enrolled at CWU shall also constitute a student educational debt that I am obligated to repay.  All such student debt shall also include any late fees, finance charges, and collection fees and costs as more fully described below in Section 2, “Delinquent Account/Collection.”

I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register, I will be responsible for paying all or a portion of tuition and fees in accordance with the published Academic Calendar located in the Central Washington University Catalog. I have read the terms and conditions of the published Tuition Refund Schedule and understand those terms are incorporated herein by reference.

I further understand that it is my responsibility to monitor my student account activity via MyCWU online (https://my.cwu.edu/) and pay the charges/fees by the published due dates.  My failure to pay or not receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.

Withdrawal
If I decide to completely withdraw from Central Washington University, I will follow the instructions at http://www.cwu.edu/registrar/, which I understand and agree are incorporated herein by reference.

2. DELINQUENT ACCOUNT/COLLECTION

Financial Hold: I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing Central Washington University by the scheduled due date, Central Washington University will place a financial hold on my student account, preventing me from registering for future classes, or receiving my diploma.

Late Payment Charge
I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing Central Washington University by the scheduled due dates, then Central Washington University will assess a finance charge at the rate of 1% per month on the past due portion of my student account until my past due account is paid in full.  The 1% finance charge is in addition to other late fees.

Collection Agency Fees
I understand and agree that if I fail to pay my student account bill or any monies due and owing Central Washington University by the scheduled due date and fail to make acceptable payment arrangements to bring my account current, Central Washington University may refer my delinquent account to a collection agency.

I further understand that I am responsible for paying the collection agency fee, which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 30% of my delinquent account, together with all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, relating to the collection of my delinquent account. Finally, I understand that my delinquent account may be reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.

3. COMMUNICATION

Method of Communication
I understand that Central Washington University uses e-mail as an official method of communication with me, and that therefore I am responsible for reading the e-mails I receive from Central Washington University on a timely basis.

Method of Billing
I understand that Central Washington University uses electronic billing (e-bill) as its official billing method, and therefore I am responsible for viewing and paying my student account e-bill by the scheduled due date. I further understand that failure to review my e-bill does not constitute a valid reason for not paying my bill on time. E-bill information is available at https://my.cwu.edu/.

I understand that administrative, clerical, or technical billing errors do not absolve me of my financial responsibility to pay the correct amount of tuition, fees and other associated financial obligations assessed as a result of my registration at Central Washington University.

Contact
I authorize Central Washington University and its agents and contractors to contact me at my current and any future cellular phone number(s), email address(s) or wireless device(s) regarding my delinquent student account(s)/loan(s), any other debt I owe to Central Washington University, or to receive general information from Central Washington University.

I authorize Central Washington University and its agents and contractors to use automated telephone dialing equipment, artificial or pre-recorded voice or text messages, and personal calls and emails, in their efforts to contact me.

Furthermore, I understand that I may withdraw my consent to call my cellular phone by submitting my request in writing to Central Washington University or in writing to the applicable contractor or agent contacting me on behalf of Central Washington University.

Updating Contact Information
I understand and agree that I am responsible for keeping Central Washington University records up to date with my current mailing addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers by following the procedure outlined in the Student Responsibilities located in the Student Registration Handbook. Upon leaving Central Washington University for any reason, it is my responsibility to provide Central Washington University with updated contact information for purposes of continued communication regarding any amounts that remain due and owing to Central Washington University.

4. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This agreement supersedes all prior understandings, representations, negotiations and correspondence between the student and Central Washington University, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the matters described, and shall not be modified or affected by any course of dealing or course of performance. This agreement may be modified by Central Washington University if the modification is signed by me. Any modification is specifically limited to those policies and/or terms addressed in the modification. Venue for any dispute under this agreement, including but not limited to any dispute relating to the collection of any debt, shall be in the Superior Court of Kittitas County, Washington.