Veterans Resource Center

Eastern Washington University

Ten Steps to Enrollment

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Ten Steps Handout

1. Apply for your VA education benefit.  The official Dept of Veterans Affairs educational benefits website lets you compare benefits and decide which one is best for you. https://benefits.va.gov/gibill/.  Once you know what benefit is best for you – apply using the online application at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Select EWU as your school.  Processing time is approx. 30 working days.  Continue your EWU enrollment process while waiting for your Certification of Eligibility.

2. Apply to Eastern Washington University at

There is a $60 application fee.

Priority deadline date is February 1.  You will need to request official transcripts from any and all colleges you have attended be sent to EWU Admissions: 304 Sutton Hall, Cheney, WA 99004. As well as official military transcripts.

If you are a transfer student with less than 40 transferrable credits you will be asked to have an official high school transcript sent as well as SAT or ACT test scores.  A letter of recommendation from a supervisor can be submitted in lieu of the test scores if you have been out of high school more than five (5) years.

3.  Receive email verifying receipt of your application.  This email is sent out within a week after an application is submitted. It will contain important information about your next steps to set up your Eagle accounts.  A follow up letter will be sent to you listing any missing paperwork still required to complete the processing of your admissions application.

4.  Receive Admissions Acceptance letter.  These letters are mailed out 2-5 weeks after all transcripts are submitted, the application is complete, and you are admitted.  When admitted go to https://www.ewu.edu/apply/admitted/ and confirm you will attend by following the directions provided.  This includes paying the one time New Student Enrollment Fee of $250.  Fee will be reported to VA for Post 9/11 students.

5.  Academic Advising.  Academic Advising is required for all incoming students. After you have been admitted and you confirm your enrollment, contact the Center for Academic Advising and Retention (CAAR) at 509-359-2345 to schedule an advising appointment. During your appointment with an advisor you will discuss your plans, your progress so far, and they will explain your next steps.  Their website is at https://inside.ewu.edu/advising/students/

6.  EWU Veterans benefits. Bring a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility and class schedule to the EWU Veterans Resource Center. The center is located at 122 Showalter Hall, Cheney WA 99004.  Phone number is (509) 359-7040.  Notify the EWU Veterans Resource Center whenever you register for classes or change your schedule.   Register/enroll as early as possible because last minute enrollments hold up the VA notification benefits process.

7.  Financial Aid/Scholarships. The Financial Aid Office ( https://www.ewu.edu/apply/financial-aid-scholarships-office/) is located at 102 Sutton Hall.  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Remember to apply even if you are receiving benefits.  February 1 is the priority deadline for the FAFSA to be submitted to the Federal Government.  You can submit the FAFSA beginning October 1. EWU school code is 003775.  There are some SCHOLARSHIPS specifically for veterans. Be sure to complete the EWU online Scholarship application ( http://www.ewu.edu/scholarships ). The EWU Scholarship applications annually become available by November 1 and have a final deadline the following February 1.

8.  EWU Veteran Tuition Waivers.  http://inside.ewu.edu/veterans/waivers

  • EWU Veteran Waiver. 
    • Must be honorably discharged, a Washington State resident and working towards your first bachelor’s degree.
    • Cannot be used with the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®.
    • Provides a 50% reduction in tuition
  • EWU Spouse Dependent Tuition Waiver.
    • Must be a dependent, spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran who has been rated 100% disabled as determined by the VA.
    • The student and sponsor (veteran) must be a Washington resident.
    • Eligibility extends to first undergraduate degree only.
    • Waives tuition and course fees (does not waive EWU mandatory fees)
  • In-state tuition (for non-residents)
    • Veterans, Active Duty members and their family members, and WA State National Guard who are not WA State residents
      if they qualify may receive in-state tuition.
  • Tuition Assistance

9.  Visit the Veterans Resource Center and call upon our helpful staff and the Vet Corps Representative for assistance with any of the above steps, or if you have any questions or concerns. Enjoy fellow veterans and study between classes in your lounge, use the computer lab, or relax and watch the big screen TV.

10.  Go to class. Get good grades. Enjoy life. Thank you for your service!

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.