Higher Education Coordinating Board


Limit to Research and Analysis.

Minimum College Admission Standards
for freshmen students at Washington’s
public baccalaureate institutions

The Higher Education Coordinating Board 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 Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted new minimum college admission standards for freshmen students seeking admission to public baccalaureate institutions (four-year colleges and universities) in Washington. 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

Minimum College Admission Standards and
College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADR)
- Guidelines for Educators -

Minimum College Admission Standards
- Overview for Students and 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:

The revised admission standards represent the minimum level of preparation required for a student to be considered for admission to one of the state’s public baccalaureate institutions.

Meeting state minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to a public baccalaureate institution.

Institutions retain the option of setting higher standards.

For additional background information, see the following links:

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

Minimum admission policy changes and impacts for K-12 and higher education -PowerPoint presentation

To view the state laws see:

State Statute - RCW 28B.76.290

HECB contacts:
Ricardo Sanchez, ricardos@hecb.wa.gov, 360-783-7833

Randy Spaulding, randys@hecb.wa.gov, 360-753-7823

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