Tuition and Affordability

The Department of Education is rolling out FAFSA Simplification, an effort to streamline the application process to make it more user friendly. These updates have caused the opening date to be delayed.

Click here to learn more about changes to FAFSA & WASFA.

Tuition and Scholarships

Nothing should stand in the way of you and your dreams. We understand that your financial needs play a part in your success as a student and a graduate—and that’s why we offer several ways for you to make your education more affordable.

May 1

WSU General Scholarship Application Deadline

May 1

First-Year Application Priority Deadline

July 15

Transfer Application Priority Deadline

Know FAFSA the code: 003800

File your FAFSA every year. The WSU school code for all campuses is 003800.

Washington Resident Scholarships

Tri-Cities First-Year Academic Distinction Award – Resident first-year students with a minimum of 3.75 unweighted GPA are automatically awarded $4,000 per year, for a total of $16,000 over four years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of May 1 to be considered.

Tri-Cities First-Year Academic Excellence Award – Resident first-year students with a minimum of 3.33 – 3.74 GPA are automatically awarded $3,000 per year, for a total of $12,000 over four years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of May 1 to be considered.

Tri-Cities First-Year Academic Success Award – Resident first-year students with a minimum of 3.0 – 3.29 GPA are automatically awarded $2,000 per year, for a total of $8,000 over four years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of May 1 to be considered.

Tri-Cities Transfer Cougar Award – Resident transfer students with a minimum of 3.5 unweighted GPA and at least 27 semester (40 quarter) credits are automatically awarded $2,000 per year, for a total of $4,000 over two years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of July 15 to be considered.

Non-resident Scholarships

Tri-Cities Distinguished Cougar Award (First-Year WUE) – Non-resident first-year students with a minimum of 3.0 unweighted GPA are automatically awarded $11,000 per year, for a total of $44,000 over four years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of May 1 to be considered.

Tri-Cities Transfer Cougar Award – Non-resident transfer students with a minimum of 3.0 unweighted GPA are automatically awarded $11,000 per year, for a total of $22,000 over two years. Students must apply by the priority deadline of July 15 to be considered.

Residents from bordering Oregon counties may qualify for in-state tuition rates. The I-82 Advantage program is for students who reside in Umatilla County and are enrolled in more than nine credits. The Border Bill is for students who live in neighboring counties who are enrolled in fewer than nine credits.

WSU General Scholarship Application

Students applying to WSU Tri-Cities should complete the WSU General Scholarship Application. This allows students to be eligible for WSU campus-wide and WSU Tri-Cities scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on major, grades, and financial need, in addition to other qualifiers.

The deadline to apply is May 1.

Navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming. Give us a call at 509-372-7250 or send us an email at tricities.admissions@wsu.edu and we will be happy to walk you through the process.

Note: Contact Student Financial Services to determine whether merit-based awards can be combined with other tuition waivers. Eligibility requirements and award amounts are subject to change. Funds are limited and priority will be given to students based on admission application date.