Get Started

We created this new student checklist to help you begin your journey here.

1. Apply for VA Education Benefits

If you're an Active-Duty Servicemember or Veteran, a member of the National Guard or Reserves, or a qualified survivor or dependent, you may qualify to get help from the VA to pay your tuition.

Using the following link, apply for benefits with the Veterans Administration under the Apply for GI Bill® Benefits tab. After applying, the VA will determine your eligibility and notify you by mail with a Certificate of Eligibility. Once you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, submit a copy to the Veteran and Military Resource Center.

Veterans applying for Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) start by requesting a meeting at uwtinfo@uw.edu. After their Admission meeting, prospective students will meet with their UWT Academic Advisors, uwtuaa@uw.edu, to assist with their academic plan and the required signature.

2. Contact the UW Tacoma Admissions Office

You can contact the Admissions Office at uwtinfo@uw.edu, and it is recommended that you bring unofficial transcripts from your high school, any other attended colleges, and a Joint Service Transcript (JST). Request your JST by visiting the Joint Service Transcript (JST) website and creating a login: https://jst.doded.mil/smart/welcome.do

3. Apply to UW Tacoma: https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/admissions/apply-now

You apply to UW Tacoma using CollegeNET, which requires you to create an account and submit a nonrefundable application fee. Your application does not have to be completed in one session; you can log in and work on your application whenever you want. You do not pay the application fee until you have completed your application. A credit or debit card is required to pay the fee.

If you have any questions about completing your application, please contact the Office of Admissions at 253-692-4742 or via email at uwtinfo@uw.edu.

4. Create your UW NetID

After submitting your application, you will need to set up a MyUW account and a UW email address. All official communication from UW will come to your UW email address. If you haven't already done so, create your UW Net ID and set up your email account. The University has information about setting up your MyUW account and setting up your UW email.

5. "Offer of Admission" letter

You should expect to receive an admissions decision within 4-6 weeks of completing your application with official transcripts. Once admitted, you will need to complete the steps below.

6. Pay the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee or request a Deferral

We encourage all students to pay the non-refundable New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF) within two weeks of receiving your offer of admission. Freshmen admitted for the Autumn quarter must pay by May 1st. NSEOF can be paid online. The NSEOF reserves your place at UW Tacoma. You will not attend orientation and register for classes until the NSEOF has been paid or deferred.

Qualifying GI Bill® benefits recipients may defer the NSEOF, and it will be paid with your first quarter's tuition. If paying the NSEOF is a hardship and other resources supporting your enrollment, you are encouraged to complete the NSEOF Deferral form.

7. Contact the UW Tacoma Veteran Military Resource Center (VMRC)

The VMRC staff can assist with any of the steps above or if you have any questions or concerns.

https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/veterans-military/veteran-military-resource-c…

Email: uwtva@uw.edu

8. Proof of Immunization

All newly enrolled students must provide proof of Measles, Mumps, and Meningitis ACWY (for students ages 16 to 21) vaccination or immunity, or request an exemption. You may use your DD-214 or DD-2766 forms to fulfill your Measles, Mumps, and Meningitis ACWY requirements. For more information, please review the Immunity Verification Program website. For further assistance, please email immunity@uw.edu or call (206) 616-4672. 

For students enrolled in health sciences programs, the Health Sciences Immunization Program (HSIP) ensures students enrolled in health sciences academic programs comply with the requirements detailed in the University's affiliation agreements with clinical and practicum training sites. For further assistance, please email myshots@uw.edu or call (206) 616-9074. 

9. Attend an orientation

As a new student, you are required to participate in an orientation program before the start of your first quarter at UW Tacoma and before getting your UW Husky ID card. Husky ID cards are issued at orientation on the day of attendance. An online option exists for transfer students. Sign up for Orientation.

10. Contact your Academic Advisor

Academic advising is required for all freshmen undergraduate students and though optional for transfer undergraduate students, is highly recommended. Your academic advisor will partner with you to support your academic plans and goals. To identify your advisor see the Undergraduate Advising Directory to get started. Graduate students will receive advice through their academic program.

11. Register for classes

The Time Schedule — or a list of courses offered — is available approximately three weeks before registration opens for a quarter. First-year students must meet with their academic advisor before registration. In contrast, transfer students can register before meeting with an advisor but are encouraged to meet regularly with your assigned academic advisor. Every quarter, using your MyUW account, you will register for classes using the registration tab and following the directions. If you haven't registered before or need a reminder on the process, these UW webcasts will walk you through the registration process.

Using the GI Bill® comparison tool, determine which benefits you are eligible for based on your time in service and military status. The benefit estimator can give you information such as how much of your tuition and fees will be paid, how much you will receive for your housing allowance and book stipend.

12. Start your classes

The Veteran and Military Resource Center are here to help UW Tacoma students with their military educational benefits. Please keep us updated on your enrollment changes for the quarter to ensure your benefits continue while pursuing your education.

13. Complete the Online Certification Request

To receive your VA educational benefits, each quarter, you will need to request certification at the following site: . Log in with your MYUW login name and password. The form will ask you a series of questions in addition to the classes you're requesting to be certified. You can also login to the website to request adjustments to your certification at any time during the quarter and to check the current status of your certification request. You will receive a confirmation email from VAOnce upon your initial certification to the VA.

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 website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.