Washington College Grant

Overview: One of the Nation’s Most Generous State Grants

The Washington College Grant (WCG) transformed higher education affordability when it became an entitlement program in 2020. Unlike competitive scholarships with limited slots, the WCG guarantees funding to every eligible Washington resident who applies. Awards scale based on family income, covering up to full tuition at public universities, community colleges, and technical colleges, while also supporting private colleges and registered apprenticeships. In 2025 the state legislature reaffirmed its commitment by increasing the income ceiling to 100% of state median family income, allowing middle-income families to receive partial awards for the first time. Whether you are a high school senior, a working parent returning to school, or an apprentice in the trades, the WCG can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Eligibility Breakdown

Residency and Citizenship

You must meet Washington’s residency standards, which generally require you to have lived in the state for at least one year immediately prior to the term, demonstrate intent to remain (driver’s license, voter registration), and be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise eligible noncitizen. The program also welcomes undocumented and DACA students through the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). If you are a dependent student, your parents’ residency is considered. Military families stationed in Washington can qualify by establishing intent to stay.

Income Thresholds

The grant tiers correspond to percentages of the state median family income (MFI), adjusted each year. For 2024-25, maximum awards go to families at or below 55% MFI, substantial awards continue up to 65% MFI, and partial awards extend up to 100% MFI. To put numbers on that, a family of four can earn up to roughly $132,500 and still receive some funding. Income is measured using the prior-prior year tax data submitted on the FAFSA or WASFA. If your income changed drastically due to layoffs, illness, or divorce, file a financial aid appeal with your institution to adjust your income for WCG purposes.

Academic Progress and Program Limits

You must enroll in an eligible program leading to a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or participate in a registered apprenticeship. Graduate programs are not covered. Maintain satisfactory academic progress (typically 2.0 GPA and 67% completion rate). The grant is available for up to 15 quarters or 225 attempted credits. Apprentices must be registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Application Steps: FAFSA or WASFA

1. October 1: File the FAFSA (for U.S. citizens/permanent residents) or WASFA (for undocumented/DACA students) as soon as it opens. List all Washington colleges you are considering.
2. Residency Documentation: Respond promptly if your college requests proof such as leases, utility bills, or tax returns. Keep copies of your Washington driver’s license or state ID.
3. Verification: Around 30% of applicants are selected for verification. Submit tax transcripts, W-2s, or proof of untaxed income quickly to avoid delays.
4. Award Review: Colleges package the WCG with other aid. Review your financial aid offer and note the WCG amount. It may appear as “State Need Grant” on some portals during the transition; confirm with financial aid if unclear.
5. Enrollment Confirmation: Register for the required credit hours before census date. Awards adjust based on enrollment intensity.
6. Apprentices: Apply through your training center, which coordinates with the state to receive funds covering tuition and related supplemental costs.

Funding Mechanics and Stacking Strategies

The WCG is flexible and works with other aid sources. If you receive a Pell Grant, College Bound Scholarship, or institutional aid, the WCG fills remaining tuition and certain fees. Because the grant is entitlement-based, it does not reduce if more people apply; every eligible student gets what they qualify for.

Public vs. Private Institutions

At public institutions, the WCG can cover up to the full tuition rate (tuition + services & activities fees). For private colleges, the grant covers up to the statewide average of public tuition, so you may still owe the difference. Coordinate with private institutions for institutional grants to close the gap.

Apprenticeships and Career Training

Apprentices receive funding that can cover tuition for required classroom instruction plus a stipend for books, materials, and occupation-specific supplies. Many apprentices pair WCG funds with employer reimbursements, enabling them to finish training debt-free while earning wages.

Combining with College Bound Scholarship

Students who signed the College Bound pledge in middle school can stack both awards. The College Bound Scholarship covers tuition and some fees after other aid applies; the WCG ensures the tuition component is fully covered, freeing up College Bound dollars for housing or books depending on institutional policy.

Advanced Tips for Maximizing Benefits

• Appeal Early: If a parent lost a job or experienced reduced hours, submit an income adjustment request to your financial aid office before awards are finalized. Provide documentation like unemployment notices or letters from employers.
• Credit Load Planning: The WCG prorates based on credit load. Taking 15 credits per quarter keeps you on track for graduation and maximizes value. Dropping below full-time reduces your award proportionally; consult financial aid before withdrawing from a class.
• Summer Funding: Many institutions offer WCG funding in summer. File a summer aid request to cover condensed courses or apprenticeships that run year-round.
• Childcare & Housing Supplements: While WCG focuses on tuition, use it as a foundation to apply for additional supports—WorkFirst childcare subsidies, Washington’s Student Emergency Assistance Grants, or Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) for students facing homelessness.
• Financial Literacy Tools: WSAC partners with institutions to offer budgeting workshops. Attend early to learn how to stretch refunds, avoid predatory lenders, and plan for book costs.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Missing Deadlines: Each college sets a priority deadline (often January 31 or February 15). Filing after the date can delay disbursement even though funding is guaranteed. Mark your calendar with multiple reminders.
• Incorrect Residency Data: Students moving from out of state must demonstrate intent—register to vote, obtain a Washington ID, and document physical presence. If you claim residency in another state for tax purposes, you may be denied.
• Incomplete Verification: Respond within two weeks to verification requests. Create a digital folder with tax documents and proof of untaxed income.
• Overcredit Limits: Track your attempted credits; once you reach 225 attempted credits, funding stops. If you change majors, work with advising to minimize extra credits.
• Not Reporting Enrollment Changes: If you drop classes after census, you may owe a repayment. Always consult financial aid before making schedule changes.

Special Populations

Adult Reengagers

Washington’s “Career Connect” initiative encourages adults with some college but no degree to return. Use the WCG to finish credentials while pairing with the Washington Opportunity Grant for wraparound services like transportation or childcare.

Foster Youth

Students from foster care automatically qualify for maximum awards when meeting residency and enrollment criteria. Combine WCG with Passport to Careers and campus support programs to cover housing and living expenses year-round.

Veterans and Military Families

Active-duty members stationed in Washington can qualify if they intend to stay after service. Veterans can stack the WCG with GI Bill benefits. Coordinate with campus veterans’ centers to avoid duplication and ensure tuition is covered before GI Bill payments trigger housing allowances.

Undocumented Students

Through the WASFA, undocumented and DACA students can access the WCG. Provide alternative documentation such as Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) filings or high school transcripts to demonstrate residency. Campus Dreamer centers can assist with WASFA completion and legal resources.

Renewal Checklist

• October: File FAFSA/WASFA for the next academic year as soon as the application opens.
• December: Verify your residency documentation is up to date if you moved.
• March: Confirm your financial aid portal shows “satisfactory academic progress.” If not, appeal immediately with evidence of extenuating circumstances.
• April: Register for next year’s classes to show continued enrollment intensity.
• June: Request a summer award if you plan to attend.

Leveraging Support Systems

• Financial Aid Offices: Primary contact for eligibility questions and appeals.
• College Success Foundations: Provide mentoring, especially for College Bound Scholarship graduates transitioning to campus life.
• Basic Needs Centers: Many campuses operate food pantries, emergency grant programs, and housing assistance. These resources complement tuition support from the WCG.
• WorkSource Washington: Offers career counseling and may fund additional certifications or tools.

Final Steps to Secure Your Funding

Treat the Washington College Grant as the foundation of your college finance plan. File applications early, maintain academic progress, document residency, and coordinate with advisors when your circumstances change. With disciplined management, the WCG can turn Washington’s promise of affordable education into your reality—whether your classroom is on a four-year campus, a community college, or a job site where you’re earning while you learn.