Awards for top out-of-state students.
The Cougar Academic Award
This award offers two levels of scholarships for top students from throughout the United States: $4,000 or $9,000 per academic year. At the higher level, the Cougar Academic Award serves as the WSU Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship. Because at WSU they are one and the same, students will not receive both a CAA and a WUE award.
For students from outside the state of Washington, this award (at both levels) can be renewed for 3 years. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher, earn at least 24 graded credits per year, and retain non-resident status.
What do you need to be eligible?
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The right mix of grades and test scores. Merit based scholarships for incoming freshmen look at a combination of high school GPA and best ACT/SAT scores. |
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Residency in the United States, outside the state of Washington. Students from every state are eligible. |
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Admission to the University as a freshman. You can receive this award only if you have been admitted to and enroll at the University's flagship Pullman campus as a freshman.** |
* Students admitted into the Pharm.D. and veterinary medicine professional programs, and transfer students, are not eligible for this award or for renewal.
* This award cannot be combined with the National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship.
Use the award calculator to check your eligibility for the Cougar Academic Award.
Apply for the award by applying for admission to the University.
Apply online. Your complete application (with transcripts, test scores, personal statement, and application fee) must be postmarked or received online by the priority application deadline of January 31.
More awards for
out-of-state students
Lighty Leadership Award
The Lighty Leadership Award is a full tuition scholarship for out-of-state students, with preference given to applicants from Northern California. To be considered for this award, submit the WSU scholarship application and a supplemental form.
Awards from WSU colleges, departments, and academic programs
700+ awards are available to you based on varying combinations of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, financial need, and academic interest area. Many are available to transfer students. Award amounts vary, and many are worth thousands of dollars.
To be automatically considered for these awards, submit the academic scholarship application by January 31.
Other types of aid
You may also be eligible to receive other types of aid based on financial need, such as grants, student loans, and work-study. Submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will enable you to be considered for all these types of financial aid.
Use our financial aid estimator to calculate the aid you might be eligible to receive.