College is first and foremost an educational endeavor, but educating thousands of young adults seems to be financially simpler than entertaining them, keeping them healthy and engaged on campus, independent from schoolwork.
Outside of tuition, students are required to pay an average of $2,085.76 in student fees per year. This number is taken from the 2024-2025 budget spreadsheet, enumerating the mandatory fees that students must pay to attend the university in Pullman.
While this number may feel astronomically high, this money goes right back into student services and campus infrastructure. I will provide a breakdown of the various fees, explain how they are used by the university and advise you on how to make the most of your student fees.
Student Services and Activities Fee: $620 (Factored into Tuition Cost)
The money raised by this fee is directed towards any non-academic activities. Student organizations request money from the S&A Fee Committee, whose distribution is then decided by the WSU Board of Regents. This fee supports a variety of programs, such as ASWSU, SEB, KZUU, Student Media, Cougar Marching Band, and the Coalition of Women Students.
Student Recreation Center Fee: $382/year
This fee funds the SRC facilities and programs. Originally established by WSU students in 1997 to fund the construction and operation of the then non-existent SRC. After construction was completed in 2001, the fee was implemented to maintain the facilities and pay student employees. Make the most of this fee by visiting the SRC and exploring the rock climbing wall, joining an intramural sport team or taking advantage of the hundreds of weight and cardio machines to get your sweat on as we plunge into the cold winter months.
Health Fee: $512/year
Cougar Health Services is a great resource for all things medical. From vaccinations to X-rays and sexual wellness, WSU students have access to an array of health services through their health fee. While, like any doctor’s office, payment is required for specialized visits and medical care, WSU students should use their four free therapy sessions per semester, which are paid for by this fee. Take advantage of the on-campus health services, including free vaccinations, like the current Flu Shot Fridays initiative that is only available for the next two Fridays. Use your Health Fee to avoid illness this winter, physical and mental.
Transit Fee: $80/year
Public transportation in Pullman is free for students. Your student ID gets you on all of the bus routes around Pullman, including the new airport route that runs in time with flight departures, leaving enough time for security and to enjoy the newly renovated airport.
Stadium Fee: $50/year
WSU boasts impressive, diverse athletics, with the well-funded football team being the crown jewel. This charge was voted on by WSU students in 2006 and has not changed since. The $25 per-semester fee serves to pay for renovations to Martin Stadium and other football facilities. Cougar football is a must-see, especially on crisp, fall Saturdays.
Compton Union Building Fee: $290/year
This charge supports the CUB and the 400 student organizations that call the building home. In addition, the CUB is the heart of the Pullman campus and sees an average of 8,000 students traffic through its halls every day, according to the CUB Student Fees page. This fee helps keep the lights on and the projector running so stressed-out students can take a break by watching SpongeBob or access Student Legal Services, Multicultural Greek Council or the Gender and Sexuality Alliance.
Technology Fee: $40/year
Wifi, Internet and use of Canvas are all covered by this charge. This fee allows Wifi and internet to reach across campus, except the Fulmer Hall ‘Pit’, which allows you to work on assignments in the library and on Thompson Flats.
Chinook Fee: $216/year
The Chinook was renovated in 2014 to convert the old Bookie into a student center. The Chinook offers a wide array of services, including study spaces, workout equipment and houses the ESports Lounge. Between classes, grab a smoothie or salad bowl at Freshens, use the nap pods or hop on one of many treadmills to get your steps in.
Media Fee: $10/year
This fee supports the excellent journalistic work done by students at The Daily Evergreen and at the Chinook Yearbook. The Daily Evergreen is a great resource for students and its publication and continued financial support are important to keeping students informed about important school and community events.
Food Pantry Fee: $10/year
The Cougar Food Pantry is an excellent resource available to all students. Using a Cougar Card, WSU students are welcome to take what they need, including fresh produce, shelf-stable food and snacks. College is a financially difficult period, evidenced by the numerous fees we pay to merely stay enrolled at the university. The Cougar Food Pantry helps to partially relieve the strain on college students to balance nutrition with other essentials.
While the information concerning where our money goes is accessible, it is not easy to find. It helps to be reminded of the services the university offers so as to take advantage of the cost of our education, but also the cost, and conversely, the advantage of living on campus at a lively state university.
For a more thorough cost breakdown, visit studentfees.wsu.edu or the Bursar’s office webpage detailing student charges.
