Returning Students

Application Deadlines

We accept applications for returning students on a rolling basis, and processing times vary depending on the first day of the term. The sooner you apply, the more quickly you will receive a decision and be eligible to register for classes.

Application Priority Dates

Fall Quarter
May 1
Winter Quarter
November 5
Spring Quarter
February 15
Summer Quarter
May 1

While we welcome applications received after the priority date, applying by the this date will ensure you can register along with continuing students during Phase I Registration.

Do you need to reapply?

Previous Western students who have not been enrolled for one or more quarters (excluding summer) need to reapply for admission. Students who don’t reapply won’t be able to register for classes. The Returning Student Application can be used by former Western undergraduates and post-baccalaureates returning to complete those degrees.

If you were academically dismissed, you need to petition for scholastic reinstatement. There are special circumstances for students enrolled in Outreach and Continuing Education supported location programs, too.

Don’t use this application if

Contact the Registrar's Office at (360) 650-3432.

Visit www.wwu.edu/summer for more details.

Visit https://www.wwu.edu/locations for more information.

Readmission

You'll likely be readmitted to Western if you:

  • left Western in good academic standing
  • are pursuing your first degree
  • complete your application by the application priority date

Readmission to Western does not imply you are qualified for your intended major. Contact your intended academic department as soon as possible to discuss how to declare a major. This is especially important for programs with separate application processes.

Application checklist

A complete application includes:

Applying by mail

While a PDF version of the Returning Student Application for Admission is available, we recommend you apply online for faster processing. (Note: If you choose to apply by mail, mail your application and a check or money order for the $70 application fee to the address below. To expedite processing, please include your Western student number on both your application and check.)

Western Washington University
Office of Admissions
Old Main 200, MS 9009
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9009

Updated college transcripts

While not required at time of admission, if you enrolled at another college or university since leaving Western, you should request to have an official transcript sent to the address above as soon as possible to be added to your student record. 

Major-Specific Requirements

Admission to the University does not imply admission to a specific major. Most Western majors have separate application processes, and many have selective admissions requirements such as prerequisite course work, minimum GPA, audition, or portfolio. You should familiarize yourself with admission requirements and deadlines as soon as possible. 

All students should review the catalog details available in Western's Majors Page to become familiar with major-specific admission requirements, major declaration procedures and department advising contacts. We encourage you to complete as many of the courses for your intended major as possible prior to transferring.

The below-listed programs are just some of those that require a separate application, audition, or portfolio.

Financial Aid

While not required as part of the admissions process, we encourage you to apply for financial aid.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • FAFSA priority deadline: January 31
  • Western's Federal School Code: 003802

Complete Your FAFSA

House Bill 1079 & The Real Hope Act

Western Washington University extends educational opportunities and resident tuition to all students who meet the criteria of Washington House Bill 1079, established by the State legislature in 2004. Supporting all students persisting to degree, Western ensures confidentiality and protection of student education records, including immigration status. We also celebrate the passage of the Real Hope Act in Washington State and encourage eligible students to apply for the Washington College Grant using the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Complete Your WAFSA

What to expect after applying

After you submit your application for admission online, you will receive an email confirming that we received it. 

You will be prompted to pay the application fee (we cannot process your application without it) and provided with a link to check your application status using the Student Admission Portal. The portal provides a personalized checklist of items we've received, as well as any missing items needed to make your application complete. 

Students will be notified in writing of their admissions decision and it will also be made available in the Student Admission Portal. We appreciate your patience in this process to ensure every application is carefully reviewed. 

While we will accept late applications, those who apply after the Priority Date may not be eligible to register during Phase I.

Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation

WWU is an equal opportunity institution. To request an accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Access Center (DAC), (360) 650-3083 (voice), (360) 255-7175 (VP), drs@wwu.edu. One week advance notice is appreciated.