Undergraduate Admission

Former Student

Admission for former students

We're glad you're thinking of coming back to WSU! Once a Coug, always a Coug, we like to say. :)

Returning to WSU to complete your degree

You're considered a former student returning (an FSR, for short — your very own acronym!) if you were previously enrolled at WSU and if it's been more than one semester since you last attended.

If you attended only a summer session (and applied through the Summer Session office), you're not considered a former student returning, and you'll need to fill out a freshman admission application.

If you've been absent for only one semester, you don't need to reapply. Contact the Center for Advising and Career Development (CACD) to plan your next steps.

So...what now?

You have a few options to choose from. In planning your return to WSU, you may need to consider what your situation was when you left, how many college credits you have, and what kind of degree you want.

+See your options

Online or on campus?

If you have at least 27 transferable college credits

You can choose to finish your degree either on campus or from a distance through WSU Online.

What about your major?

Whether you do WSU Online or take classes on campus, you'll probably want to check up on what courses you might need to take.

If you certified a major at WSU

  • To finish the major you certified, contact the program you were majoring in and talk to an advisor about what requirements you'll need to finish.
  • If you want to study a different major, contact the Center for Advising and Career Development (CACD)  for advising; the CACD will help you figure out what you'll need to certify in a new major.

If you haven't certified a major yet

Do you have a solid academic record?

If your GPA at WSU never went below 2.0, no worries. If you earned below a 2.0 GPA in your last semester at WSU (or had a cumulative GPA below 2.0), you'll need to complete a reinstatement application and a personal statement.
More about academic reinstatement.

Applying for admission

Admission steps

Here's how to apply to the WSU Pullman campus.

For online degrees, apply to WSU Online.

1. Fill out the Former/Returning Student admission application.

  • Complete the personal statement when you fill out the admission application. (It's not mandatory, but a good personal statement may increase your chance of admission and is required for the scholarship application.)
  • Remember to apply for scholarships.

2. If you've taken college courses elsewhere since you left WSU, request official transcripts from all colleges you attended.

Colleges should send transcripts directly to WSU:
Office of Admissions
370 Lighty Student Services Bldg
Washington State University
PO Box 641067
Pullman, WA 99164-1067

3. If you're currently taking college courses, have a copy of your final transcript sent to the WSU Office of Admissions when your coursework is complete.

Application deadlines

Fall semester

January 31

  • Priority date for fall semester admission applications
  • Scholarship application deadline

February 15

  • Submit the FAFSA by this date for priority financial aid consideration

Spring semester

November 15

  • Priority application date for spring semester

See the full list of important dates and deadlines to find out when to apply for financial aid (fill out that FAFSA!), visit campus, apply for housing, make your tuition deposit, etc. Oh yeah, and when do classes start?


Note: This is a guide to the admission process, not a statement of policy. See the WSU General Catalog for official requirements and regulations.

Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment, Washington State University, PO Box 641067, Lighty Student Services 360, Pullman WA 99164-1067
509-335-5586 Contact Us