This is a good page to share with students and parents. Below are answers to questions our admission counselors are most often asked. To ask a question or to request more information, please use the links below.

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Top 20 questions asked by students and parents

1. Can I graduate in four years?
   At WSU 97% of students obtain their preferred class schedules. However, the Four-Year Degree Agreement shows WSU's further commitment to helping you meet your educational and personal goals. This agreement, involving about 60% of WSU's major programs, guarantees that if you seek all the required course work to graduate in four years, the university will ensure your completion of the requirements or provide substitute courses or even pay the cost of an additional semester.
2. Do I need to bring a computer with me to campus? If so what kind?
   At WSU it is not necessary to own your own computer. There are eight student computing labs with hundreds of computers available and each lab is attended to by a lab monitor who is trained to help students. Also available are a wide variety of software, elaborate printing capabilities and Internet access. A lab fee of $60 per semester is charged. Students who bring their own computer can certify it through the WSU Web site or at the Information Technology Help Desk. Student Computing Services provides help with technology and computer support for all students. As to what kind to bring to WSU, some computers are better suited for certain majors so students may want to determine their field of study before making a purchase.
3. Should I have my own car?
   An array of transportation options in the Pullman-Moscow area enables many students to get along nicely without a car. One of the advantages of attending WSU is that most students live on or near campus, where they are within easy walking distance of central campus. Also, WSU has an agreement with Pullman Transit that allows students to ride the bus throughout the city of Pullman for free. Students who do bring cars to campus will pay from $54 to $215 per year for a parking permit, and parking adjacent to most residence halls is limited.
4. How big are typical freshman classes?
   --Classes range in size, but 63% of classes have less than 30 students, and 45% of classes have fewer than 19 students. There are only 6 classes with an enrollment greater than 300 students.
5. What is a typical freshman schedule?
   Typically, students take five courses per semester, spending 15 hours in class per week. The Student Advising and Learning Center recommends that students spend a minimum of 20 to 25 additional hours per week studying for their classes in order to be academically successful. Some majors require considerably more study time.
6. Does Pullman have an airport?
   Yes, only two miles from Pullman. Horizon Air flies out of the Pullman-Moscow Airport to Seattle and connects with national and international flights.
7. Can you have pets in the residence halls?
   Only pets that live in water-filled aquariums.
8. What is Dad's/Mom's weekend and can both parents come to the weekends?
   Dads' Weekend in the fall and Moms' Weekend in the spring are planned by WSU students. These are great times for students and parents to get together, meet friends, and experience Cougar Spirit. Many special activities are planned, such as open houses, plays, barbecues, art shows, films, concerts, and intercollegiate athletic events, Both parents are always welcome. Parents generally stay in local motels and need to make reservations a year in advance.
9. How do I find people with similar ethnic backgrounds?
   Multicultural Student Services can help you. The richness of American culture is very much in evidence at WSU. Students and faculty of color sponsor programs shared by the entire campus through multicultural student centers which include: the African American Student Center, the Native American Student Center, and the Chicano/Latino Student Center. Social, cultural, and academic activities at the centers and campus-wide recognize and support students' ethnic backgrounds. Some of these include the Native American Pow Wows, Black History Month activities, Semana de la Raza, and Asian Pacific American Awareness Month.
10. When is tuition due?
    Tuition is due the first day of class each semester and is payable to the Students Accounts Office.
11. How much is the mandatory health fee which enables you to use the Health and Wellness Services on campus?
    The mandatory health fee is $63.50/semester and is included in your tuition if you are a full-time student.
12. Am I required to live on campus?
    All single undergraduate freshmen under 20 years of age are required to live in organized living groups which are officially recognized by the university (residence halls, fraternities, and sororities) unless they are residing with parents or legal guardians.
13. Can I bring my own microwave and refrigerator to the residence halls?
    Refrigerators under 4.5 cu. ft. are allowed, but not microwaves. Microfridges and refrigerators can be rented from Housing Services.
14. Does WSU have a safe environment?
    WSU enjoys a lower crime rate than many more populated areas. It is important however, to remember that crimes do occur here. The most common crime committed at WSU by far is larceny, the vast majority of these incidents being "crimes of opportunity" in which victims leave valuable items in unsecured areas. The Department of Public Safety staff meets with student groups and is actively involved in promoting safe behavior.
15. What kinds of things do students do for fun at WSU?
    There are a great many activities available, from recreational sports to movies to clubs and more. Check out the University Recreation web site and the links on the Student Life page.
16. What if a student has difficulty adjusting to college life?
    The difference between high school and college is that students are on their own. For most students this is a major change, and at WSU help is readily available. Concerned faculty have their doors open, and support programs have trained staff members especially to work with students as they adjust to college life and learn to make decisions for themselves. The Student Advising and Learning Center, Career Services, Counseling Services, Multicultural Student Services, and the Cougar Academic and Transition Support Program (CATS) in the residence halls are several programs that support new students.
17. What if a student is not ready to choose a major?
    Thirty-five percent of entering students do not declare a major. College is a time to explore, and selecting a major is not required until the first semester of the sophomore year.
18. Are the teachers professors?
    WSU takes pride in having more faculty members teaching undergraduate courses than are taught by teaching assistants. WSU is committed to quality undergraduate education; and more full professors, department chairs, and renowned researchers are teaching in introductory-level classrooms than you would expect at a Research I caliber institution.
19. What does WSU do to help students find jobs after college?
    Career counselors work with students individually to assess interests and values, identify career options, relate academics to work, and prepare for graduate or professional schools. The Career Services Office hosts workshops, career fairs, and on-campus interviews; and maintains a resume referral service and current job listings, as well as a Web site accessible 24 hours a day.
20. Are part-time jobs available on or around campus?
    The Campus Student and Hourly Employment Office in the French Administration Building provides a central location where students can begin to search for part-time employment. Campus jobs, off-campus jobs, and Work/Study opportunities are posted.