Central Washington University Admissions 2025: Process, Requirements & Deadlines

Central Washington University (CWU) is a public institution in Ellensburg, Washington, offering accessible education with an 88% acceptance rate, admitting about 6,979 UG applicants to study in the USA. The Central Washington University Admission offers four intakes: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer.

Central Washington University enrolls over 8,509 students in Fall 2024, including 400+ international students from 67 countries for 167+ major programs and certification in diverse streams such as Construction Management, Aviation (Professional Pilot), MS in Computer Science, and Business Administration. The top universities in the US emphasize experiential learning, offering internships, co-ops, and service-learning opportunities.

Here's a brief overview of the essential facts you'll need before applying:

With a clear view of Central Washington University’s strengths, it’s time to break down the key dates and deadlines for each admission intake.

Central Washington University Admission Dates

The intakes at Central Washington University play a crucial role in planning your study abroad journey. The program gives you ample time to prepare for English language proficiency tests, register for a student visa, and organize your finances.

Central Washington University follows the standard intake schedule, offering Fall intake (February), Winter Intake (October), Spring Intake (January), and Summer Intake (April). 

Below are the details for the Fall intake at Central Washington University.

Fall Intake (February)

Fall Intake in the University is accepted from February 1, 2025, through late enrollment on a space-available basis, with the open application window typically extending until September 24, 2025 (the first day of Fall quarter) at Central Washington University.

Below are the application deadlines for the Fall intake. This is also the final opportunity for applicants to make any necessary adjustments to their application before September 30, 2025.

Note: For International Students, it is recommended to apply by July 1, 2025, to allow time for visa processing.

Along with the Fall intake, Central Washington University also offers Winter intakes. Let’s find out the details.

Winter Intake (October)

As of June 10, 2025, the application window for the Winter Intake 2025 at Central Washington University is officially closed. The priority application deadline was October 1, 2024. Late applications are only accepted if seats remain, which is unlikely at this stage. 

However, for students planning to apply for Winter 2026, applications will open on August 15, 2025, and will close on October 1, 2025. Here are the anticipated deadlines.

Let’s now take a look at the Spring intake, which also offers a broad range of programs for students.

Spring Intake (January)

The application window for Spring Intake 2025 has now closed, and no new applications will be accepted for this term. The Spring 2026 intake will start in January 2026, with the application deadline set for March 1, 2026. 

Let’s look at the deadlines for spring intake:

Note: The first day of classes of Spring 2026 begins on March 31, 2026

The summer intake in US Universities, although it is the least preferred, is significantly more cost-effective than other intakes. Let’s take a look at the admission deadlines.

Summer Intake (April)

The Summer Intake 2025 is now closed for priority applications (deadlines have passed). However, late applications may still be accepted for undergraduate programs on a space-available basis until June 23, 2025. 

Here are the key deadlines for summer programs:

With admission intakes and deadlines explored, let’s check out the steps involved in the admission process.

Central Washington University Admission Process

Understanding the admission process is crucial to avoid mistakes that could lead to your application being rejected. By preparing your documents in advance and planning for fees, you can ensure a smooth experience. 

The main steps include filling out the application form, paying the $60 (INR 5133) application fee for undergraduates and the $75 (INR 6,416) application fee for graduates, submitting documents like academic transcripts, and applying for a US student visa after receiving the acceptance letter. 

Below are the steps involved in the application process.

• Step 1: Apply Online: Visit the application portal and choose your course of interest. 
  • Click "Apply" to begin your application process. 
  • Depending on the preference for a UG or graduation program, you must pay an application fee of $60 (INR 5133) or $75 (INR 6,416) during application submission.
• Step 2: Submit Required Documents: Ensure that the following documents are included with your application:
  • Academic Transcripts: 
    • Undergraduate: High school/secondary school transcripts. 
    • Graduates: Bachelor’s degree transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA on last 60 credits).
  • Degree certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of English Proficiency (unless exempt):
    • TOEFL iBT: 71 (undergraduate), 79 (graduate)
    • IELTS: 6.0 (undergraduate), 6.5 (graduate)
    • Duolingo: 105 (undergraduate), 120 (graduate)
  • Passport copy
• Step 3: Receive Initial Offer Letter: If your application is successful, you will get an admission decision in 4-6 weeks and an initial letter of offer through an agency.
• Step 4: Apply for an F-1 Student Visa
• Receive I-20: Issued after admission confirmation.
• Pay SEVIS Fee: $350 (INR 29K).
• Complete the DS-160 Visa application form.
• Attend Visa Interview: Bring I-20, admission letter, financial documents, and passport.
• Step 5: Pay Fees and Provide Health Insurance: Once you receive the offer, pay the full first-year fees and provide proof of health insurance.
• Step 6: Receive Final Offer Letter: After paying the fees, your final letter of offer will be issued. This letter is required for your student visa process.
• Step 7: Apply for Student Visa: Submit your visa application to your local Embassy or Consulate. If your visa is refused, contact the Institute for refund instructions.

Begin your journey to study at Central Washington University by booking a free 1:1 counselling session with an upGrad expert to get personalized guidance on admission requirements, application process, and much more!

Now that you know the broad steps in applying to study at Central Washington University, let’s take a look at the admission requirements for the MBA program.

Central Washington University MBA Admissions

Central Washington University (CWU) is launching its inaugural Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in Fall 2025. The program offers flexibility with both an MBA online program and in-person formats, allowing students to complete it in as little as one year. Specializations include Business Analytics, Master’s in Cybersecurity, and Human Resources. 

The specifics of admission criteria and scholarship opportunities for the CWU MBA program have been given in the breakdown below:

MBA Admission Requirement

The MBA syllabus is developed through a corporate fellow model, integrating industry experts into the educational experience. The total tuition and fees for the program amount to $21,000 over 2 years, making it one of the most affordable MBA options in the Pacific Northwest. 

Admission to the MBA at CWU requires meeting the following standards:

Getting the most from your MBA program at Central Washington University requires understanding the scholarships available to help you finance your education.

MBA Scholarships

Central Washington University (CWU) offers various financial aid options to support students pursuing the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. These include scholarships and graduate assistantships, with stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for teaching or research responsibilities. 

Now, let's take a look at the specific financial aid options available at CWU in the table below.

The specifics of admission criteria and scholarship opportunities for the Central Washington University MS program are given below.

Central Washington University MS Admissions

Central Washington University offers a Master of Science in the USA in fields like Information Technology, Career and Technical Education, and Psychology. The program duration is 1 to 2 years, depending on whether you study full-time or online. 

Below are the admission requirements and scholarship options for MS students.

MS Admission Requirement

Central Washington University offers a Master of Science in Information Technology and Administrative Management (MS-ITAM), designed to bridge the gap between IT and administrative management. 

The applicant must also earn a 3.0 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) in all graded courses attempted in at least the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of recognized academic work. 

Check the specific Central Washington University admission criteria for MS:

Let’s now explore some popular scholarships available to MS students.

MS Scholarships

Central Washington University offers scholarships for MS students, including the CWURA Graduate Student Scholarship, which provides $1500 (INR 1.28L) for the academic year. Here are some other notable scholarships abroad:

Next, let’s look into the overall requirements for other graduation admissions at Central Washington University.

Central Washington University: Other PG Courses Admission

Central Washington University offers over 32 accredited master’s degree programs, including advanced certifications and professional development courses. The admissions process for these programs starts in the Spring (January) intake. 

However, for online master’s degree programs, it may vary. Applicants for regular programs can apply online and submit supporting documents digitally. 

Considering this, let's explore the specific admission criteria for these postgraduate programs.

Other PG Course Admission Requirements

Central Washington University offers a diverse range of graduate programs. For instance, Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) is a 1 year, fully online graduate program designed to prepare students for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and successful careers in accounting. 

The program requires at least 45 quarter credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and covers advanced topics in financial accounting, auditing, taxation, analytics, and a master’s in accounting & information systems.

Below are the specific admission requirements for graduate programs at CWU:

To start your academic journey at CWU, let's explore the requirements and opportunities for undergraduate admissions.

Central Washington University Bachelor's Admissions

Central Washington University (CWU) offers a highly accessible pathway to a bachelor’s degree, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of approximately 89% for first-time, full-time students applying for the Fall intake, accepting 6,272 out of 6,931 applicants. 

Of those admitted, 1,568 students enrolled as first-year students for undergraduate courses in the USA for the Fall intake. CWU’s undergraduate student body is substantial, including a total of 8,082 degree-seeking students. 

Each program is structured to prepare students for leadership roles in their careers, communities, and beyond. However, before exploring the admission requirements, let’s understand the advantages of a bachelor's degree at Central Washington University.

Benefits of Getting into Central Washington University for a Bachelor's

CWU offers a range of benefits designed to support student success, including financial support and academic opportunities. For example, the Early Scholar Tuition Waiver provides students who apply before high school graduation with a $500 (INR 42K) tuition reduction. 

This is just one of the many ways CWU helps students ease their transition into higher education. Here are other benefits of pursuing a bachelor's degree at CWU:

• Research Opportunities: Students can participate in research projects during the summer at other universities or laboratories, both public and private. The Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program is a highly regarded option for students to gain hands-on research experience in diverse fields.
• Early Scholar Tuition Waiver: Students who apply to CWU before graduating from high school are eligible for the $500 (INR 42K) Early Scholar Tuition Waiver, provided they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3 or higher in their CWU courses.
• College Credit through CiHS: High school students can earn up to 15 CWU credits per term via the College in the High School (CiHS) program, saving an estimated $1,451 (INR 1.23L) per 5-credit course.
• Career Opportunities Abroad: CWU’s Career Services offers personalized counseling, resume workshops, and LinkedIn training, contributing to a 50% graduation rate, thanks to the BSBA program that explicitly links coursework to career readiness. 
• Student Diverse Community: The student body represents over 66 countries, enabling a global and inclusive environment that enhances the educational experience.
• On-Campus Resources: The university's campus houses nearly 2,500 students in Living Learning Communities (LLCs) and events. Amenities include study lounges, laundry facilities, and 24/7 staff support.

Central Washington University combines financial support, academic resources, and wellness initiatives to create a holistic undergraduate experience for its students.

Bachelor's Admission Requirements at Central Washington University

Central Washington University (CWU) maintains an 89% acceptance rate for undergraduate applicants, prioritizing accessibility while requiring completion of core academic preparation (CADRs). 

Admission criteria vary slightly for first-year and transfer students doing undergraduate courses in the USA, with different GPA thresholds and varying flexibility in standardized test requirements:

Note: International students applying to Central Washington University must provide proof of English proficiency (such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores) and have their academic transcripts evaluated for U.S. equivalency. 

Next, let’s take a look at some scholarships for a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor's Scholarships at Central Washington University

Central Washington University offers merit and need-based scholarships to reward academic achievement, such as the Barry Goldwater Scholarship that provides up to  $7,500 (INR 6.40L) per academic year for eligible expenses.

The scholarships enhance access to quality education for students with strong academic records by reducing financial barriers. 

Here are a few scholarship opportunities available:

After understanding Central Washington University's courses, admission and scholarship opportunities, let’s explore the student support services that help ensure success throughout your academic journey.

Central Washington University Student Support Services

Central Washington University offers student support services designed for academic excellence and personal development throughout the educational journey of studying in the USA from India. The university’s TRIO Student Support Services program is funded at $323,764 (INR2.76 Cr) annually and serves 225 students, demonstrating CWU's significant investment in supporting underrepresented populations.

• The Learning Commons provides free tutoring services in writing, math, and a wide range of subjects, both in-person and online.
• Peer Assisted Learning (PALS) groups offer weekly study sessions led by trained peers for targeted course support.
• TRIO Student Support Services and the Freedman-Remak Center deliver specialized academic planning, workshops, and mentoring for first-generation, low-income student-athletes and students with disabilities, serving close to 225 students.
• Student Health Services offers on-site medical care, lab services, and X-rays by appointment.
• Student Counseling Services provides short-term therapy, group counseling, crisis intervention, and wellness workshops, available both in-person and via teletherapy.
• The Virtual Career Center gives students centralized access to job and internship opportunities, career planning tools, and industry-specific career fairs.
• Service Desk and Computer Support Services provide 24/7 tech assistance, hardware/software help, lab management, and printing support.
• Online Learning Support ensures students receive prompt help for Canvas and other digital learning platforms.
• The Diversity & Equity Center offers cultural programs and social justice workshops.
• The Wildcat Pantry and Disability Services provide food security, basic needs assistance, and academic/housing accommodations support for every student.

These support services ensure CWU students receive the necessary resources to succeed academically, personally, and professionally at the university.