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 previously enrolled at WSU as a degree-seeking student at any WSU campus and have been away for more than one semester excluding summer..

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 or transfer 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.

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.

To go the on-campus route, use the former student application and follow the standard admission process.
To finish your degree online, apply through the WSU Online Degrees and Certificates program (not all majors are offered online; check the WSU Online site to make sure).

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

Contact the Center for Advising and Career Development (CACD) for advising. The CACD is part of the University College, which will be your academic "home" until you certify in your intended major.

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.

Admissions

Former Student