The Cougar First-Year Award helps eligible non-Washington residents reduce the cost of attending WSU Vancouver. Award amounts are based on your unweighted, cumulative high school and/or college GPA. The two highest award levels are part of WSU’s Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) award program.
The award is available to eligible first-year students.
Award information
The Cougar First-Year Award has three award levels based on your GPA:
| Award | High school GPA | Award amount |
|---|---|---|
| WUE Cougar Distinguished Scholars Award | 3.75–4.00 | $15,000 per year |
| WUE Cougar Scholars Award | 3.30–3.74 | $12,000 per year |
| Cougar Advantage Award | Below 3.30 | $5,000 per year |
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Cougar First-Year Award, you must:
- Be a non-Washington resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be admitted as an eligible first-year to WSU Vancouver
- Meet the GPA requirements for one of the award levels
- Enroll full time at WSU Vancouver
A limited number of awards are available. The Crimson First-Year Award not valid at WSU Global and WSU Spokane campus.
How to receive the award
No separate application is required.
To be considered for the Cougar First-Year Award, apply for admission to WSU Vancouver by the applicable priority deadline:
First-year students: March 31
Submit all required admission materials by the applicable deadline.
Eligible students will be notified if they qualify for the award.
Renewing your award
The Cougar First-Year Award is renewable for up to three additional years if you continue to meet the renewal requirements.
To renew your award, you must:
- Remain enrolled full time at WSU Vancouver
- Maintain good academic standing
- Complete the required number of credits each academic year
- Remain eligible for nonresident tuition
- Continue enrollment in an eligible undergraduate degree program
The award is renewable for up to three additional years, or until you complete your first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
Student Financial Services
Cougar Center Schedule
- Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 5:00pm