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 2025-2026 WSU General Scholarship Application
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 Vancouver Scholarships 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 Scholarships 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
The WWIN Star Scholars Program 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, for a total of up to $20,000.
Application Deadline: April 17, 2025
To apply, visit the WWIN Star Scholars Program website.
TwinStar Credit Union Higher Education Scholarships
The TwinStar Credit Union Higher Education Scholarship offers $2,000 each year to nine members pursuing higher education. Applicants must be a member of TwinStar or Northwest Community Credit Union in good standing, and they must be out of high school for at least one year.
Application Deadline: March 15, 2025
To apply, visit the TwinStar Scholarship Program website.
Vancouver Rotary Scholarship
The Vancouver Rotary Scholarship is awarding $100,000 in college scholarships to students in good standing committed to community and family service. Academics are important but not critical.
Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
To apply, visit the Vancouver Rotary Scholarship website.
Clark County Fair Association 2025 Exhibitor Scholarship
The Clark County Fair Association is awarding scholarships to high school seniors or graduates who have been actively involved in 4-H, FFA, Grange Youth, or Open Class at the Clark County Fair. Dependents of the Clark County Fair Association Board of Directors and FSMG employees are eligible to apply.
Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
To apply, visit the Clark County Fair Scholarship website.
CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship
The CPT James Ahn Scholarship is for former special forces service members who are full-time students pursuing degree or certification completion at an accredited postsecondary institution, including graduate school, university, college, community college, or vocational/technical institution.
Application deadline: June 1 (for following academic year)
To apply, visit the CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship website.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers financial assistance to Pell Grant-eligible students planning to study abroad.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship website.
Passport to College
The Passport to College Promise Scholarship offers financial support for Washington residents who were in the foster care system at age 13+ or have experienced homelessness before age 21. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time in college. The scholarship is automatically renewed for up to 10 semesters, including summer.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Passport to College website.
Goldwater Scholarship
The Goldwater Scholarship is awarded to WSU sophomores or juniors who plan to pursue a research career in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering. Awards range up to a maximum of $7,500 annually, covering eligible expenses for tuition, fees, and books.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Goldwater Scholarship website.
Udall Scholarships
The Udall Scholarship offers $5,000 for WSU sophomores or juniors interested in a career related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Udall Scholarship website.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship helps low- and middle-income Washington students earn degrees, certificates, or apprenticeships in high-demand fields like STEM, health care, and trade. Students must plan to launch careers in Washington state.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship website.
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Scholarship
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Scholarship program offers both need- and merit-based scholarships to help increase access to postsecondary education and unlock greater prosperity in students' lives.
Application deadline: Varies (check website for specific deadlines)
To apply, visit the Community Foundation scholarship website.
Washington State Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth
The Washington State Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth helps young people from foster care continue their education and earn a college degree. The scholarship can be accessed for up to five years to complete undergraduate studies, provided students maintain full-time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress.
Application deadline: November 30, 2024
To apply, visit the Governors' Scholarship for Foster Youth website.
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