Admissions
Welcome to Eastern Washington University Admissions!
Each tab above provides detailed information about the admissions process at EWU and key contacts. If you have any general questions or inquiries, contact admissions staff via email admissions@ewu.edu or call 509.359.2397.
Accessing The Online Admission Applications
Visit the online application for admission. For inquiries or to contact admissions staff, email admissions@ewu.edu or call 509.359.2397.
Mailing Address for Official Documents
EWU Admissions–Eastern Washington University
304 Sutton Hall
Cheney, WA 99004-2447
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall Quarter and Semester—Feb. 1
Winter Quarter and Semester—Oct. 15
Spring Quarter—Feb. 1
Summer Terms—Feb. 1
Final Application Deadlines
Fall Quarter and Semester—varies based on enrollment
Winter Quarter and Semester—two weeks before the start of winter classes
Spring Quarter—two weeks before the start of spring classes
Summer Terms—two weeks before the start of summer classes
Decisions on fall admission are made beginning in October, so early application is encouraged. Completed applications received after the priority dates are reviewed on a space-available basis. Applications received after September 1 for the fall term or within two weeks of the start of all other terms may be deferred for consideration until the next quarter.
EWU's Right to Change Policies
Eastern Washington University reserves the right to change admissions policies and deadlines without notice.
State Authorization
EWU currently offers educational opportunities to students in multiple state jurisdictions through distance education. In accordance with state and federal initiatives, all universities offering educational activities, including but not limited to online learning, correspondence, internships, practicums, and field placements, outside of their home state must be authorized by each state in which they offer courses. EWU is monitoring developments in state laws in every state. For the most up-to-date information, please check our website.
EWU's Non-Discrimination Policy
EWU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, age, marital status, families with children, protected veteran or military status, HIV or hepatitis C, status as a mother breastfeeding her child, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, as provided for and to the extent required by state and federal laws. The university may consider a student’s gender, marital status, or the existence of dependent children in making assignments to residence halls and other university housing in accordance with RCW 49.60.222. The university may consider citizenship or immigration status when required to do so by state or federal law, regulation, or a government contract.
Freshman and Transfer Students
Submit Before Admission
All applicants must submit the following materials:
- A completed application for admission;
- A non-refundable application fee or a completed and approved waiver form;
- Official college transcripts from all colleges attended; and
- One of the following:
- An official or unofficial high school transcript;
- Official GED test scores; or
- Official college transcripts showing 40 or more earned transferable college credits.
Submit After Admission and Before Attending Classes
- Any official, final college transcripts; and
- An official, final high school transcript showing the graduation date.
Home School Students
Home school students submit the same materials as students who did not attend home school. Home school students should ensure their high school transcript includes a cumulative GPA, official signature, and evidence they have completed the minimum College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) or their equivalents.
Students with Mastery-Based Transcripts
Students with mastery-based transcripts submit the same materials as students who do not have master-based transcripts. EWU will admit students who have completed high school through mastery-based learning as defined by WAC 180-51-051 and administered by the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC). To be admissible, students must have achieved “met expectations” or higher on all mastery-based CADR coursework.
Adult Students
An applicant 25 years or older seeking initial entry as a first-year student applies using the same application as other undergraduate students. An adult student may be offered regular admission if the student submits at least two of the following documents:
- A transcript showing the achievement of a 2.5 high school grade point average or a passing score on a Washington State-approved high school equivalency test;
- An essay demonstrating entry-level critical thinking and communication skills; or
- Evidence of success outside the classroom and strong motivation to succeed in college. An example is a resume of work experience and training.
Student Athletes
Student-athletes must meet all applicable freshman or transfer student admission criteria and submit the same materials.
Student-athletes must meet the NCAA eligibility requirements to be athletically eligible. For additional information on official NCAA policies, contact the NCAA Eligibility Center at 877.262.1492.
Automatic Admission
Applicants with 40 or fewer transferable college credits earned after high school are automatically admissible. Students may be automatically admissible if they have a cumulative high school grade point average ≥3.0 and completed the following College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR).
- English—4
- Mathematics—3 (includes Algebra I, II, & Geometry or equivalents)
- Social Science—3
- Sciences—3 (2 laboratory science and 1 algebra-based science)
- World Languages—2 (in a single language including ASL)
- High school students may meet the CADR World Language requirement by passing a district-approved mastery assessment consistent with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines.
- Senior Year Math-based Quantitative Reasoning Course—1
- Fine Arts—1 (or an additional year from above CADR areas)
Exceptions To Admission Criteria
Students admitted without completing the high school core courses (CADRs) may be required to complete specific courses for college preparation or satisfy EWU graduation requirements. For example, a student deficient in high school foreign language may be required to complete a foreign language at the 103 level at EWU. Some students may be admitted with the condition that they complete a core course during the quarter prior to entering EWU.
General Education Diploma
EWU will accept the General Education Diploma (GED) in lieu of high school graduation. Passing GED scores vary based on the version of the test a student completed.
Admission to the Running Start Program
EWU is recognized as a Running Start institution by the Washington Department of Education. Eligible high school students may enroll in courses at EWU on a full- or part-time basis to meet high school requirements and earn college credit. Students must meet the minimum admission criteria. Students interested in enrolling in Running Start through EWU should contact their high school guidance office or the Running Start office at Eastern Washington University at 509.359.6155 or runningstart@ewu.edu.
Former EWU Student Admission
A former student is defined for purposes of admission as an applicant who was previously admitted and enrolled at EWU and has been absent from the university for more than four quarters.
Former students are required to submit the following materials:
- a completed application for admission; and
- official transcripts from any two-year or four-year institutions attended since the last enrollment at EWU.
Note: Students who were academically dismissed from EWU must apply for reinstatement to good academic standing. Petitions for Academic Reinstatement are available from undergraduate academic advising website.
Graduate Programs Admission
206 Showalter Hall
509.359.6297
email
The Graduate Programs Office coordinates admission for all of EWU’s graduate programs. It provides a wide range of assistance to prospective and current students as well as to faculty and staff at the university. Admission into a graduate-level program requires—at minimum—completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Student Athletes
In addition to meeting admission criteria for the Graduate Programs Office and graduate program requirements, student-athletes must meet the NCAA eligibility requirements to be athletically eligible. For additional information on official NCAA policies, contact the NCAA Eligibility Center at 877.262.1492.
Undergraduate International Students
Required Application Materials
- a completed application for admission;
- payment of application fee;
- copy of passport (required);
- evidence of English proficiency (see English Proficiency Requirements);
- evidence of meeting the grade requirements (see Foreign Transcript Requirements)
An application for admission will be considered complete only when all of the required documentation is received. Due to the time required to secure a student visa, students applying from outside the U.S. are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Submitting fraudulent documents will result in the automatic denial of an application and/or dismissal from Eastern Washington University.
Transcript Requirements
All Transcripts from foreign high schools/ secondary schools, colleges, and universities: must be submitted with an evaluation from an accredited evaluation agency. If transfer credits are requested, the student must submit individual course descriptions in English of all courses requested for transfer to EWU. Visit National Association of Credential Evaluation Services for a list of accredited agencies.
International freshmen must provide evidence that they graduated from high school or secondary school with the equivalent of a "C" grade (≥2.0). Applicants must provide original, official transcripts or transcript evaluations for all high school, college, and university coursework from inside and outside the U.S.
Freshman applicants who have not finished high school or secondary school at the time of application may submit an original, official high school or secondary school transcript evaluation. An original, official final high school transcript showing completion of high school or secondary school and including official English translation must be submitted prior to beginning the first term of study at EWU. EWU International Admissions may request the final transcript be verified by an accredited evaluation agency on a case-by-case basis.
International transfer applicants with fewer than 40 transferrable credits must show a GPA equivalent to "C" grade (≥2.0) in all previous college or university coursework. These applicants must provide original, official transcripts or transcript evaluations for all high school, college, and university coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S.
International transfer applicants with 40 or more transferrable credits must show a GPA equivalent to "C" grade (≥2.0) in all previous college or university coursework. These applicants must provide original, official transcripts for all college and university coursework from both inside and outside of the U.S.
English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Admission
International students for whom English is not their native language must meet English language proficiency in one of the following ways:
- completion of a transferable college-level English composition course from a university or college in the United States with a minimum grade C (≥2.0 on a 4.0 scale)
- test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 525 paper-based or 71 iBT
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6.0
- completion of secondary school with instruction in English (official letter from school must be provided).
- completion of EWU’s English Language Institute (ELI)
Conditional Admission
Applicants who do not meet the English proficiency requirements for undergraduate admission may be admitted to the university on the condition that they successfully complete a program of study with EWU’s English Language Institute (ELI).
International Baccalaureate
Eastern Washington University will award credit for Higher Level International Baccalaureate exam results of ≥5. Acceptability of credits toward major requirements or Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACR) is determined by the appropriate department. See Sources of Credit—AP for current score requirements and corresponding credits awarded.
International Student-Athletes
In addition to meeting admission criteria for international students, student-athletes must meet the NCAA eligibility requirements to be athletically eligible. For additional information on official NCAA policies, contact the NCAA Eligibility Center at 877.262.1492.
English Language Institute Requirements
Required Application Materials
- Application Fee
- ELI application for admissions
- Transcripts showing proof of high school or secondary school completion. Note: Foreign language transcripts must be translated into English
- ELI Program Director Interview
ELI Online Required Admission Materials
- ELI courses are offered on a limited basis in the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. Please contact ELI Program Director for more information.
Post-Baccalaureate Admission
A post-baccalaureate student is defined for purposes of admission as any applicant with an undergraduate four-year degree from a regionally accredited institution who is seeking to complete coursework as part of a second bachelor’s degree, teacher certification, or other credential that is not part of any EWU graduate program. All post-baccalaureate applicants must submit an application for admission, an application fee, and official university or college transcripts documenting completion of their undergraduate four-year degrees.
Note: Acceptance into many majors requires a GPA ≥2.0, prerequisite courses, service experiences, and/or a separate application. Contact the appropriate department for details.
Veterans
There are no separate admission requirements for students who are veterans or who are using Veterans Affairs Education Benefits. Reference Requirements for Freshman and Transfer Students for admission requirements; this section also contains information for Adult Students over 25 years old.
College credit may be awarded for military service time. Veterans are encouraged to electronically submit either their Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts during the admission process. Students can work with the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) staff and find information on the VRC website to navigate the transition from the military to higher education.
Military Credits
Students may earn EWU credit for military educational experiences as outlined in the Transferring Credits to EWU section of the catalog.