Transfer Out-of-State Scholarships
Fall quarter transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit-based, leadership, activity and diversity scholarships based on their application for admission.
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program
Based on the information in your application for admission, no separate scholarship application is required.
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program allows select non-resident students the opportunity to attend a participating university at a reduced tuition rate. Typically, the WUE program reduces non-resident tuition to 150% of the in-state rate for up to three years of study. The WUE will be calculated each year based on the annual in-state tuition rate. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the WUE award at Western is valued at over $15,000, which will significantly reduce tuition costs.
The WUE is a prestigious non-resident scholarship and is highly competitive. Selection for this scholarship is based on information provided in the application for admission, including cumulative transferable college grade point average (GPA); minimum eligibility for the WUE is set at a GPA of 3.75. Students with fewer than 40 transferable quarter college credits must also have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0.
Applicants who are residents of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FM), Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Marshall Islands, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Republic of Palau, South Dakota, Utah, or Wyoming may be considered for the WUE at Western. A select group of our incoming transfer students from participating states are granted this tuition waiver based on their academic performance. Unlike many universities participating in the WUE program, we do not limit or restrict the majors students can pursue while enrolled at Western.
Students are notified of their scholarship after the point of admission.
Western Award for Excellence (WAE)
Based on the information in your application for admission, no separate scholarship application is required.
For the 2025-26 academic year, the WAE is valued at $10,000-$12,000 for each year (for up to three years). The WAE is a prestigious non-resident scholarship and is a highly competitive merit scholarship for incoming first-year students. Selection for this scholarship is based on information provided in the application for admission, including cumulative transferable college grade point average (GPA); minimum eligibility for the WAE is set at a GPA of 3.50. Students with fewer than 40 transferable quarter college credits must also have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0. A select group of our incoming transfer students from both WUE and non-WUE states are granted this tuition waiver based on their academic performance.
Students are notified of their scholarship after the point of admission.
Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship
$2,000–$3,000 for up to four years
Requires an additional essay within your application for admission.
The Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship is for incoming first-year and transfer students whose applications demonstrate an ongoing commitment to access, diversity, equity and inclusion.
To be considered for the MAP Scholarship, submit an essay within the application for admission. You will be asked to describe your involvement in any activities related to diversity, multiculturalism or support of any historically underrepresented community. You should also explain how you will actively contribute to the diverse campus community at Western. Alternatively, you can email a separate MAP Scholarship essay to admissions.counselors@wwu.edu.
For this scholarship, we prioritize Washington state residents who have submitted their application for admission by the deadline.
National Merit Scholarship
Additional application materials may be required.
Western Washington University recognizes transfer students who are National Merit Finalists with a guarantee of a $1,000 scholarship for up to 3 years. To be eligible, National Merit Finalists must email a copy of their National Merit Finalist letter or certificate verifying their finalist status to lori.larkin@wwu.edu.
Phi Theta Kappa Service and Leadership Scholarship
Phi Theta Kappa members admitted to Western are eligible to be considered for Admissions Achievement Awards, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Selection is based on information provided in the application for admission and includes PTK chapter service and leadership, overall academic achievement and extracurricular activities.
To be considered, students should check the “PTK” box in the New Student Scholarships section of our Transfer Application for Undergraduate Admission and provide an essay that addresses involvement in PTK chapter activities and events, service and leadership experience, and any honors attained.
The WashBoard.org
Amount and renewability varies
Most scholarships require additional application materials.
We encourage all Western Washington University tudents to explore TheWashBoard.org, a free, student-centered, online clearinghouse for Washington state scholarships—both Washington residents and students attending Washington colleges and universities are eligible. TheWashBoard.org allows you to search and apply for verified scholarship opportunities that are specific to your academic interests, transfer student status, or other criteria.
Scholarship Opportunities Beyond Your First Year at Western
Western's Scholarship Center is your resource for finding and applying for Western Washington University scholarships beyond your first year at Western. With the launch of the new WWU Scholarship Portal, applying is easier and faster than ever! Plus, the system automatically matches you with scholarships you're eligible for, so you won't miss out on any opportunities.
The Scholarship Center can also provide information on scholarship opportunities outside of Western and give tips on how to apply for them.
Apply as a Transfer Student to Western Washington University
Our transfer scholarships contribute to Western Washington University’s commitment to foster an equitable, collaborative and forward-thinking learning environment. We’re eager to welcome you to campus.