Scholarships can be an important part of paying for a college education. For the 2023/2024 school year, the Vancouver campus awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships and academic tuition waivers to over 500 students. The average award was $2,700.
The WSU General Scholarship Application for 2025-2026 is now open.
WSU General Scholarship Application
By applying for the WSU general scholarship application, you may become eligible for multiple scholarship opportunities. Even if your grades aren’t perfect, apply. Academic performance is important, but it isn’t the only thing that matters. Academic interests, talent, financial need, community service, leadership, career ambitions, campus involvement—any of these could qualify you for scholarship awards from WSU or from outside sources.
Scholarship 101: WSU General Scholarship
Hear all about the WSU General Scholarship, which is only available for students attending WSU. Learn tips and best practices as well as the scholarship questions, deadline and awards available.
*NOTE- The 2025/26 WSU General Scholarship application is due March 31st for the WSU Vancouver campus only.
Scholarships 101: Community Scholarships
Hear tips and best practices about Community Scholarships, which are scholarships funded and managed outside of the university. Learn how to start your research and what the scholarship cycle looks like—when applications typically open, when they are due, common eligibility requirements and more!
Shaniah's Story
Our Student Financial Services staff is eager to help you get the best financial aid package available. Listen to Shaniah's financial aid journey and why deadlines are an important part of the process.
WSU scholarships and awards
WSU Vancouver students are eligible for both WSU systemwide scholarships and WSU Vancouver-specific scholarships. Submit the WSU General Scholarship Application every year to be considered for all WSU scholarships.
Application deadline: March 31 (Vancouver campus only).
If you qualify, the following scholarships are automatically awarded when you are offered admission to WSU Vancouver:
- Cougar Committment Award
- PDX Tuition Advantage
- Vancouver Academic Achievement Award
- Vancouver Transfer Achievement Award
- Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
WSU scholarships and awards WSU Vancouver scholarships list
Undocumented student scholarships
WSU Vancouver has financial aid for you! Undocumented students should complete the Washington Application for Student Financial Aid (WASFA) every year to be considered for state aid and WSU funding. You can also apply for WSU scholarships.
For more information about aid for Undocumented students and more scholarship opportunities review Financial Aid Options for Undocumented Students.
Non-WSU scholarship opportunities
Many scholarships are available from outside sources. Take the initiative to research and apply for additional funding.
WWIN Star Scholars
WWIN Star Scholar is awarding up to $5,000 for the academic year. The scholarship may be renewed each year up to graduation with a first bachelor’s degree or up to $20,000.
The application deadline for the WWIN Star Scholars Program is April 17, 2025.
TwinStar Credit Union Higher Education Scholarships
TwinStar Credit Union offers $2,000 scholarships every year to nine members pursuing a higher education. Program begins on January 1.
To qualify you must meet the following criteria:
- Applicant must be out of high school for at least a year.
- Applicant must be a member of the Credit Union and in good standing.
- Application must be accompanied by a copy of school enrollment or acceptance letter.
- Application must be accompanied by a high school or college transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
- All application questions must be completed for consideration.
The deadline for the TwinStar's Higher Education Scholarship Program is March 15, 2025.
Vancouver Rotary Scholarship
Vancouver Rotary is awarding $100,000 in college scholarships to students in good standing committed to community and family service. Academics are important but not critical. Deadline: February 11, 2025
Vancouver Rotary Scholarship Application
CPT James Ahn Scholarship
Are you a former special forces service member? Are you a full time student pursuing degree/certification completion at an accredited post secondary institution including graduate school, university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institution? This award may be for you! Application deadline: June 1 (for following academic year)
CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship application information
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Are you a Pell grant eligible student who is planning to study abroad? This award may be for you!
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship application information
Passport to College
The Passport to College Promise Scholarship is for Washington residents who were in the foster care system at the age of 13+ or have experienced homelessness without a parent or guardian before the age of 21. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time in college. The maximum award is $2,500 per semester and is automatically renewed for up to 10 semesters including summer.
Passport to College application information
Goldwater Scholarship
Are you a WSU sophomore or junior currently and plan on pursuing a research career in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering? This opportunity may be for you! Awards range up to a maximum of $7,500 annually, covering eligible expenses for tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
Goldwater Scholarship application information
Udall Scholarships
Are you a WSU sophomore or junior who is interested in a career related to the environment, tribal public policy or Native American health care? This $5,000 opportunity may be for you!
Udall Scholarships application information
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates or apprenticeships in high-demand trade, health care or STEM fields and launch careers in Washington state. This opportunity may be for you!
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship information
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Scholarship
The Community Foundation scholarship program offers both need- and merit-based scholarships that increase access to post-secondary education and unlock greater prosperity in student's lives.
Community Foundation scholarship application information
Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth
The Washington State Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth is a scholarship program that helps young people from foster care continue their education and earn a college degree. Selected students can access the annual scholarship for up to five years to complete undergraduate studies. Students must be enrolled full time and maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to renew the scholarship each year. Application closes November 30, 2024.
Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth application information
Additional scholarship resources
- Things you should know about scholarships
- College Success Foundation
- Foster care resources:
- Official Washington State foster youth resource
- Washington foster youth specific scholarships (Passport to College and Governor’s Scholarship)
- Prestigious national scholarships