Costs
Our student body represents a wide range of economic backgrounds and personal circumstances, and we know figuring out how to pay for college is an important part of your decision-making process. We encourage every Coug to apply for financial aid and scholarships and to make a budget based on their anticipated enrollment.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
To help you plan, our Estimated Cost of Attendance page provides estimates for additional costs like books, supplies, and living expenses. Check it out to get a full picture of what to expect.
Note: Tuition is based on your campus of admission and term. Be sure to select WSU Global Campus in the cost estimator. Summer tuition is the same at all WSU campuses.
Tuition
This is the primary cost of your education and is determined by several factors, including your enrollment status (part-time or full-time), residency (in-state or out-of-state), and academic level (undergraduate, graduate, or professional).
Full-time students pay a flat tuition fee for the semester, whereas part-time students pay a per-credit tuition fee. Your enrollment status can change from semester to semester, so you need to factor that into your planning based on your anticipated course load.
Tuition is posted to your student account.
Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, all enrolled students are required to pay certain mandatory fees. These may include transit fees, health fees, recreation center fees, and more. Global Campus does not assess any mandatory fees at this time.
Mandatory fees are posted to your student account.
Course-Specific Fees
Some online courses may have additional fees for materials or virtual lab access. These fees are listed on the More Information page in the Schedule of Classes and available from the course syllabus.
Course-specific fees can be posted to your student account or requested to have the student purchase directly. Be thorough when reviewing your syllabus.
Proctoring Fees
If your courses require proctored exams, there may be fees associated with online proctoring services. This information will be made available on the More Information page in the Schedule of Classes.
Proctoring fees are Ppaid for directly by the student.
Books and Supplies
WSU Global Campus strives to reduce the costs of course materials for students by creating digital and multimedia resources and leveraging open education resources.
While our goal is to help you save on physical textbooks, this is still a real expense that needs to be budgeted for.
Course materials are paid for directly by the student.
*Note, there are certain textbooks that are provided via First Day and will be posted to your student account. This should be stated clearly in your syllabus.
Technology and Internet
This is an indirect cost not associated directly with your course enrollment. However, as an online student, reliable internet access and a computer are essential. Budget for high-speed internet and any necessary software or hardware upgrades. (include link to tech readiness or whatever on GC site)
Technology and internet access are paid for directly by the student.
Student Financial Services helps connect students with opportunities for financial assistance that can help you reach your educational goals. If you have questions, you can book an appointment on the Student Financial Services website. There are some helpful videos on the SFS site to help you with your pursuit of financial assistance. .
Financial Aid
Fill out a FAFSA or WASFA application to determine what grants, waivers, or loans you may qualify to receive. Financial aid applications open each year by December. To maximize your aid, make sure to apply by the priority deadlines.
Every year, WSU awards approximately $170 million in scholarships, grants, and waivers. By completing the WSU General Scholarship Application, students are automatically considered for most WSU Scholarships. You could qualify for scholarships based on multiple factors including academic interests, financial need, community service, leadership, campus involvement, and more.
To maintain eligibility to receive financial aid each semester, students must remain in good academic standing. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of financial aid you receive. Here are the general guidelines for undergraduates:
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA: Ensure your GPA does not fall below 2.0.
- Consult Before Dropping Courses: Always check with your advisor and Student Financial Services before dropping a course.
- Stay on Track to Graduate: Be aware that there is a maximum time limit for receiving financial aid.
- Impact of Withdrawing from Courses: Withdrawing from a course after the semester starts can affect your financial aid. Always consult with Student Financial Services before making any changes to your course schedule to avoid negative impacts on your future aid.
Military Benefit
If you are eligible for education benefits or tuition assistance due to military service, please connect with the WSU Veterans and Military Affiliated Student Services Center for assistance.
Employer Reimbursement
If your employer is helping to pay your tuition, find out when this benefit will be paid. Pay attention to tuition due dates and become familiar with late fees.
You can direct payments to: Student Accounts, Rm 342, French Ad Bldg, Pullman WA 99164-1039.
We still recommend completing a financial aid application. Plan ahead to avoid late fees while you are waiting for your employer reimbursement.
Financial Planning Tips
Monitor Your Account
To ensure you’re aware of any new charges or payments, make it a habit to regularly check your student account. With various fees and charges that can be assessed throughout the semester, keeping an eye on your account will help you stay informed and avoid any surprises.
View your account balance and Pay Online.
Pay Attention to Deadlines
Keep track of deadlines for tuition payments, financial aid applications, and any additional fees to avoid late charges.
Visit the Academic Calendar for dates.
Create a Budget
Track your income and expenses to manage your finances effectively. Include costs for technology, internet, and any additional fees.
Be sure to budget for periodic upgrades to your computer and software to ensure you can meet the technical requirements of your courses.
Visit the Cougar Money Matters site for resources.
Expect Tuition Increases
Tuition rates can increase annually. On average, tuition and fees at public four-year universities have increased by about 2.7% per year.
Visit the Cost of Attendance site for information on the current year’s rates. Plan for at least a 2.7% increase annually to project your full cost of tuition for your degree.
Explore Payment Plans
WSU offers a payment plan to help spread out the cost of tuition over a semester. Each term you will need to enroll in a new plan.
Visit Payment Plans to learn more.