First-Year Students

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Are you a First-Year Student?

For admission purposes, you are considered a “First-Year Student” if you will graduate from high school this academic year or if you have already graduated but haven’t been enrolled in college since the summer following your high school graduation.

If you haven’t already, review our degree offerings and reach out if you have questions about WSU Global Campus or the admission process. Our admissions counselors are here to help you.

If you think you may be an adult (25+) first-year student, Running Start student, homeschool student, or international student, consult the menu below to find out and explore unique admissions requirements.

Need help?

Contact Admissions

How to Apply

  • Get your required paperwork together. You will need:
    • Highschool transcripts or GED.
    • Review the application infomation by Student Type below for details.
  • The application fee for first-year students is $70 or eligible students can apply for a fee waiver.
Submit Your Application
  • SAT or ACT Scores: As of March 2021, WSU no longer requires students to submit SAT/ACT test scores as part of the application process.

What Happens Next?

  • WSU’s Office of Admissions will review your application materials and determine the number of transferable credits, if any.
  • Once a decision has been made regarding your application, we will notify you.

Application Information by Student Type

Are you an Adult First-Year Student?

For admission purposes, you are classified as an “First-Year Student” if you’ll be 25 or older on your first day of classes at WSU and have no college credits to transfer.

Because the usual application may not tell your story—it may have been a while since high school—we ask you to provide other information and tell us a bit about your experiences since then.

  • Get your required paperwork together. You will need:
    • Highschool transcript or GED.
    • A resume covering the last five years.
    • A brief essay (no more than one page) addressing why you want to attend WSU.
    • Learn more about what you will need on the First-Year Student admissions site under Students Over 25.

Were You a Running Start Student?

If you participated in Running Start, you are considered a “First-Year Student” for admission purposes.

  • Get your required paperwork together. You will need:
  • SAT or ACT Scores: As of March 2021, WSU no longer requires students to submit SAT/ACT test scores as part of the application process.

Are You a Homeschool graduate?

Did you complete some or all of your schooling at home? You’re welcome at WSU and your requirements are nearly the same as other first-year students!

  • Get your required paperwork together. You will need:
    • Official transcripts from any high schools attended.
    • An academic resume that provides documentation of all subjects studied and textbooks used, including the signature of the parent or guardian responsible for your curriculum.
    • Learn more about what you will need on the First-Year Student admissions site under Homeschool Graduate.
  • SAT or ACT Scores: As of March 2021, WSU no longer requires students to submit SAT/ACT test scores as part of the application process.

Dates and Deadlines

Be sure to stay up to date on upcoming dates and deadlines.

Cost

Many students work full- or part-time while attending WSU Global Campus. Financial aid and scholarships are available for transfer students. You can learn more about tuition and other costs on our cost page. Review financial aid priority deadlines for new students.

Are You TechReady?

For online students, understanding technical requirements and the skills you need to succeed is essential. No matter your level of comfort with technology or experience with online learning, we’re here to help!

Our TechReady site is your resource for ensuring that you are fully prepared to learn online at Washington State University.