Minimum College Admission Standards
for admission as freshmen students to Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions

The Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is required by state law to establish minimum college admission standards for use by all of Washington's public baccalaureate institutions (four-year colleges and universities).

The standards apply to students who seek admission as freshmen to Washington’s public baccalaureate institutions: University of Washington, Washington State University, Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Western Washington University, and The Evergreen State College.

REVISED Minimum College Admission Standards - policy changes and implementation timeline

In May 2007, the HECB adopted new minimum college admission standards for freshmen students seeking admission to public baccalaureate institutions (four-year colleges and universities) in Washington.

The HECB worked with high schools and institutions during implementation to ensure there were no unintended consequences from these changes. Over the past two years, feedback from high schools and institutions resulted in minor modifications in two particular areas.  

The modifications assure the intent of changes is upheld without limiting options for students or creating undue burden on institutions.  The revisions were adopted by the Board in September 2009, and are reflected in the documents below.

The standards, including revised College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR), will be fully implemented by baccalaureate institutions beginning with the 2012 summer academic term. 

See links below for resource documents: Guidelines for Educators and an Overview for Students & Parents

In revising the standards, the Board seeks to ensure that students admitted to Washington’s baccalaureate institutions are academically prepared to enter college and to earn their degrees.  The revised minimum college admission standards also are intended to encourage students to enroll in challenging coursework throughout their high school careers.

In reviewing the revised standards, educators as well as students and parents should understand the following:

For additional background information, see:

Revisions to Minimum College Admission Standards - College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR) (Sept. 2009)

Presentation - High School-College Relations (2009)

Minimum college admission policies approved by HECB (May 2007) - Policies approved by the Board in 2007 regarding minimum college admission standards.

State laws

State Statute - RCW 28B.76.290

HECB contacts

Email: Jim West - Phone: 360-783-7890

Email: Randy Spaulding - Phone: 360-753-7823