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What is CAP?
The Course Materials Access Program (CAP) at Central Washington University ensures that every undergraduate student has day-one access to all required textbooks, digital resources, and course packs.
CAP Complete provides these at a predictable, flat rate per quarter.
CAP Select provides these on an a la carte basis. Only pay for what you choose to buy.
No more shopping around, unexpected costs, or waiting for financial aid disbursements—CAP puts your learning first.
Coming Fall 2026
Fall 2026 cost: $249 flat fee (inc. tax)*
*Automatically applied to your student account
CAP Comes in Two Flavors:
- CAP Complete: automatically have all required course materials on day one for a flat fee
- CAP Select: only pay for the items you choose
- Make sure you select the plan that is correct for you!
CAP Includes:
- Required digital materials accessed through Canvas for undergraduate students
- Required physical textbooks available for pickup at the Wildcat Shop or shipped for a small fee
- Digital and e-textbooks, physical textbooks, access codes, and consumable course supply kits intended to be used for a single class
CAP QuickStart Guide
YOUR TO DO LIST:
Expand each item for more info
| Tentative Key Dates | Fall Quarter | Winter Quarter | Spring Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charge Date | 8/1/26 | 12/1/26 | 3/1/27 |
| First Day of Class | 9/23/26 | 1/5/27 | 3/30/27 |
| Add/Drop Date | 9/30/26 | 1/11/27 | 4/5/27 |
You will see the CAP fixed rate charge appear on your student account on the Charge Date. You have until the end of Add/Drop to finalize your decision regarding utilizing the CAP program. Charges will be finalized and adjusted on the Add/Drop date.
These dates are not yet finalized and are subject to change.
How CAP Aligns with CWU's Mission & Values
At CWU, we are committed to providing students with an education that is affordable, innovative, and student-focused. CAP directly supports our university’s core values by:
Access &
Affordability
Making education more cost-effective by reducing financial barriers
Academic
Excellence
Ensuring every student has the materials they need to succeed
Student
Success
Providing consistent, reliable access to learning resources to all undergraduate students
Innovation &
Engagement
Leveraging digital-first strategies while supporting faculty’s diverse teaching styles
By reducing the financial burden of textbooks, CAP empowers students to focus on what truly matters—learning, growing, and achieving their academic goals.
Why CAP?
CAP ensures that students receive their required materials in the most affordable and convenient format while preserving faculty academic freedom.
Benefits for Students
- Guaranteed Access: Start learning on the first day of class
- Predictable Costs: A fixed pricing structure means no last minute surprises
- Financial Aid Compatible: Charges appear on your student account, making budgeting easy
- Convenient & Flexible: Get all of your required materials regardless of format
- Opt-Out Option: Not interested? You can opt out before the add/drop deadline
Benefits for Faculty
- No Last-Minute Stress: Early textbook adoptions promote smooth, on-time distribution
- Greater Student Success: Students arrive prepared and engaged from day one
- More Format Choices: Print, digital, OER, and library-licensed materials all supported
- Seamless LMS Integration: Digital resources are accessed via Canvas
- Supports OER Use: Faculty can incorporate free or open-access resources
How do Students support CAP?
Participate!
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The greater the participation, the lower the cost to all our students!
This program is an effort of the entire university. The more we participate together, the lower we can keep prices—helping everyone save.
How do Faculty support CAP?
Conscientious Course Material Selection!
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Focusing on affordable, accessible options!
CWU's faculty considers multiple factors when selecting course materials. Working with CAP, they help reduce costs while ensuring quality and accessibility.
Where do I manage my CAP enrollment?
Canvas!
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Manage your enrollment in Canvas!
Simply login to your Canvas application and manage your CAP Complete or CAP Select enrollment there. You can change your mind as many times as you would like before the end of the Add/Drop period!
CAP Complete
vs
CAP Select
vs
CAP Select
Course Material Access Program (CAP) Models
| CAP Model | Description | Course Materials Access | Billing |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP Complete |
CAP Complete is designed to ensure that students have day-one access to every required course material at the start of each term. It is an all-inclusive, access-first model for course material distribution. Students are automatically enrolled at the start of every quarter to ensure course material access but students have complete control over their enrollment status. For a flat quarterly fee of $249, including tax, required course materials are automatically identified, assigned, and distributed to students. This helps reduce access barriers and unnecessary stress at key points in the academic term. In addition to required course materials, CAP Complete may also cover certain consumable materials, such as art supply kits or lab equipment. Faculty may work with the Wildcat Shop to determine which materials can be included in CAP Complete. |
Comprehensive, including eligible consumables |
$249, including tax. Charged to the student account and payable with financial aid. |
| CAP Select |
CAP Select allows students to manage their course materials on an item-by-item basis. Depending on a student’s course load, purchasing or renting required materials individually may be less expensive than participating in the all-inclusive CAP Complete plan. CAP Select enrollment resets at the start of each quarter. Students may choose CAP Select in any quarter, and should review all required and optional course materials for that term before making their selection. Under CAP Select, students are responsible for confirming that all required course materials are accounted for and available to them. |
À la carte, paid per item |
Cost is based on the materials selected. Charged to the student account and payable with financial aid. |
| Opted Out |
Undergraduate students are automatically enrolled in CAP Complete each quarter to support comprehensive, day-one access to required course materials. Students may choose to provide for their course material needs independently by fully Opting Out of CAP. Once fully Opted Out, students are responsible for procuring all required course materials from vendors of their choice. Students manage their CAP enrollment status in Canvas, the campus-wide learning management system. |
Student is fully responsible for obtaining required course materials |
No CAP charge is applied. Student purchases materials directly and must pay with cash or card. |
Additional Questions?
Our team at the Wildcat Shop is happy to help! Reach out to us by emailing textbooks@cwu.edu, calling us at 509-963-1311, or stop by the store and chat with us in person.
Education should be about learning—not stressing over textbooks and course materials.