Admissions
This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ewu.edu.
Veterans
There are no separate admission requirements for students who are veterans or who are using VA Education Benefits. Reference "Requirements for Freshman and Transfer Students" tab for admission requirements.
College credit may be awarded for military service time. Veterans are encouraged to electronically submit either their Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or CCAF transcripts during the Admissions process. Students can work with the Veterans Resource Center staff and find information here to navigate the transition from the military to higher education.
Military Credits
Students may earn up to 45 quarter hours of credit for military educational experiences. This includes credits awarded for CLEP/DANTES tests.
Note: any student pursuing a bachelor of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Prior Learning Option) will not be awarded more than 90 quarter hours in credit from a combination of military experience and prior learning block credit. See Interdisciplinary Studies.
Former EWU Student Admission
A former student is defined for purposes of admission as any 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;
- official transcripts from any two-year or four-year institutions attended since the last enrollment at EWU; and
- a non-refundable application fee.
Submit Before Admission
All applicants must submit the following. A single document such as a high school or college transcript may fulfill multiple requirements:
- A completed application for admission;
- A non-refundable application fee or a completed and approved waiver form;
- One of the following;
- An official or unofficial high school transcript;
- Official GED test scores;
- Official college transcripts showing 40 earned transferable college credits or more; or
- Any official college transcripts from all colleges attended.
Submit After Admission and Before Attending Classes
- Any official, final college transcripts;
- An official, final high school transcript showing the graduation date.
Home School Students
Home school students who apply for admission should ensure their high school transcript includes a cumulative GPA and evidence they have completed the minimum College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) or their equivalents.
Adult Students
An applicant 25 years of age or older who is seeking initial entry at the first year student level may be offered regular admission if the student meets standards appropriate to the applicant’s age and personal experience. These applicants must submit at least two of the following requirements:
- SAT or ACT scores;
- 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.
Automatic Admission
Applicants with 40 or fewer transferable college credits earned after high school are automatically admissible if they have a cumulative high school grade point average ≥3.0 and have completed the following College Academic Distribution Requirements.
Minimum College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) for Admission to EWU:
- 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)
- Quantitative Reasoning—1
- Fine Arts—1 (or additional year from above CADR areas)
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, which may include SAT or ACT scores or test alternative. Students interested in enrolling in Running Start through EWU should contact their high school guidance office or the Running Start Coordinator at Eastern Washington University at 509.359.6155 or runningstart@ewu.edu.
Exceptions To Admission Criteria
EWU can admit up to 15 percent of all incoming freshmen who have not met CADRs. Students who are admitted without completing the high school core courses 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 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.
Veterans
There are no separate admissions requirements for students who are veterans or who are using VA Education Benefits.
College credit may be awarded for military service time. Veterans are encouraged to electronically submit either their Joint Services Transcripts (JST) or CCAF transcripts during the Admissions process. Students can work with the Veterans Resource Center staff and find information here to navigate the transition from the military to higher education.
Student Athletes
Student athletes must meet all applicable freshman or transfer student criteria.
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 Admission Deadlines and Policies
All applications are completed and submitted online. Applicants are reviewed individually.
Accessing the Online Application
Visit the online application for admission. For inquiries or to contact admissions staff, email admissions@ewu.edu or call 509.359.2397.
Mail official documents to the following address:
EWU Admissions–Eastern Washington University
304 Sutton Hall 333 Eagle Lane
Cheney, WA 99004-2447
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall Quarter and Semester—Feb. 1
Winter Quarter and Semester—Oct. 15
Spring Quarter—Feb. 15
Summer Terms—Feb. 15
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 fall term or within two weeks of the start of all other terms may be deferred for consideration until the next quarter.
Note: Students who were academically dismissed from EWU must apply for reinstatement to good academic standing. Petitions for Academic Reinstatement are available from the General Undergraduate Academic Advising website.
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.
Graduate Studies Admission
206 Showalter Hall
509.359.6297
email
The Graduate Studies 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 to Graduate Studies requires—at minimum—completion of a baccalaureate degree.
Student Athletes
In addition to meeting admission criteria for the Graduate Studies 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 (recommended);
- 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 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 show that they graduated from high school or secondary school with the equivalent of a "C" grade (≥2.0). 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.
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 transferrable 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 (http://www.ncaa.org/) 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
- Transcripts showing proof of high school or secondary school completion. Note: Foreign language transcripts must be translated to English
- ELI Program Director Interview
ELI Online Required Admission Materials
- Open on a limited basis. 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 or fee waiver, 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.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Eastern Washington University will award credit for minimum scores of 3 or above on AP examinations given by the College Board. Credit is awarded upon receipt of official score reports to the Office of Admissions. May be subject to credit limits. See Sources of Credit for current score requirements and corresponding credits awarded.
Cambridge International
Eastern Washington University recognizes the Cambridge International examination for A and AS level exams with scores of E or higher. Up to 15 quarter credits will be granted for each A-level exam with a passing grade of E or above for approved examinations. May be subject to maximum credit limits. Duplicate credit for the same subject taken on different exams will not be granted. See Sources of Credit for current score requirements and corresponding credits awarded.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Eastern Washington University may award credit for Standard and Higher Level IB exam results of 4 or above. Acceptability of credits toward major requirements or Breadth Area Core Requirements (BACRs) is determined by the appropriate department. Additionally, EWU recognizes the IB diploma and awards three courses (15 quarter credits) distributed evenly among the three breadth areas (Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities). May be subject to credit limits. See Sources of Credit for current score requirements and corresponding credits awarded.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Eastern Washington University will award credit for CLEP tests. Acceptability of credits toward major requirements or general education core requirements is determined by the appropriate department. See Sources of Credit for current score requirements and corresponding credits awarded.
College in the High School Credits (Dual Enrollment)
Applicants with credits earned through College in the High School programs must meet freshman admission criteria. College in the High School courses will be accepted as transferable college credit if they are from a regionally accredited college or university and are consistent with Eastern Washington University’s general transfer credit policy. If you have questions or interested in College in the High School through EWU, email cihs@ewu.edu or call 509.359.6187.
Running Start (Dual Enrollment)
Applicants with credits earned through Running Start programs must meet freshman admission criteria. Running Start courses will be accepted as transferable college credit if they are from a regionally accredited college or university and are consistent with Eastern Washington University’s general transfer credit policy. If you have questions or interested in EWU's Running Start Program, email runningstart@ewu.edu or call 509.359.6155.
Experiential Credit
For information on evaluation of experience for credit, see Interdisciplinary Studies or visit 361 Senior Hall, EWU, Cheney, WA 99004-2442; phone 509.359.2402.
Military Credit
Students may earn up to 45 quarter hours of credit for military educational experiences. This includes credits awarded for CLEP/DANTES tests.
Eastern Washington University may award credit for military training applicable to the student's intended certificate or degree requirements. Documentation of successfully completed military training or program as part of his or her military service, such as the Joint Services Transcript or the Community College of the Air Force transcript, would be submitted to the Office of Admissions for credential evaluation. Determination of the course applicability will be supported through the use of the American Council of Education Military Guide.
Note: Any student pursuing a bachelor of arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Prior Learning Option) will not be awarded more than 90 quarter hours in credit from a combination of military experience and prior learning block credit. See Interdisciplinary Studies.
Credit Totals
Eastern Washington University will accept in transfer toward a bachelor’s degree no more than 90 lower-division credits. After a student has been admitted to a university major, additional lower-division credit may be allowed when the additional credit will advance the student toward degree completion and the smallest unit responsible for the student’s degree approves a petition filed by the student to allow more than 90 lower-division credits.
No more than 135 credits (lower- or upper-division) may be accepted in transfer for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer credit shall be accepted for upper-division credit only when earned at an accredited four-year, degree-granting institution as upper-division credit.
Transfer Agreements
Students may transfer associate degrees designed for academic transfer earned from regionally accredited public colleges and universities anywhere in the United States. Determination of associate degree eligibility for those who are not under current direct transfer agreements will occur on an individual basis at the time of application. Approved degree types will meet Eastern Washington University’s (EWU) lower division general education core requirements. Students will receive a total of 90 quarter-credits, junior standing and are eligible for reverse transfer at EWU.
Intercollegiate (ICAO Policy)
Students transferring to Eastern Washington University from a Washington public baccalaureate institution who have official documentation certifying completion of all the lower division general education requirements from the sending institution have satisfied EWU’s general education core requirements and university competencies and proficiencies. These are described in the sections titled "Core Requirements and University Competencies and Proficiencies" and are detailed shown in the shaded portion of the diagram labeled "The Undergraduate Degree."
Transfer Credit And Evaluation Of Other Forms Of College Credit
Transfer credit is generally awarded for courses completed at regionally accredited two-year or four-year institutions. When determining transferable credit, EWU adheres to the standards and practices of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. Questions about the transferability of credits completed at institutions that are not regionally accredited should be directed to the Office of Admissions.