If you’re a Washington resident planning to start or continue an eligible trade, health care, STEM, certificate, associate-degree, or apprenticeship program this winter or spring, mark your calendar. A short scholarship window is about to open, and it only stays open for a little over two weeks.
This is the Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS), run by the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS). It’s not a loan, and you don’t pay it back. Eligible students can receive up to $1,500 per quarter, and the money can help with more than tuition.
Here’s what you need to know before applications open.
The Dates That Matter Most
The next Career & Technical Scholarship application opens September 29, 2026 and closes October 15, 2026 at 9 p.m.
Funding for students selected during this application cycle can begin in winter or spring 2026-27.
WSOS doesn’t specify a time zone next to the 9 p.m. cutoff on its current CTS page, so don’t wait until the final minutes to submit. Check the official WSOS Career & Technical Scholarship page for the latest application information.
There’s another deadline you shouldn’t miss: applicants must complete their 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA by October 15, 2026 as well.
Completing your WSOS application doesn’t complete your FAFSA or WASFA. They’re separate steps, and WSOS recommends completing your financial aid application as early as possible because processing can take time.
Selection notifications for this cycle are expected in late November 2026.
Who Can Apply?
The Career & Technical Scholarship isn’t limited to recent high school graduates. Eligible students can include people pursuing career training, certificates, associate degrees, and apprenticeships.
You must meet WSOS’s residency requirements. In most cases, this means being a Washington state resident for at least one year immediately before starting your college or program.
Undocumented students may also qualify. Citizenship status by itself doesn’t prevent someone from receiving the scholarship, but applicants still need to satisfy the applicable Washington residency and other CTS requirements.
You’ll also need to meet the program’s income requirement. CTS applicants must generally have household income at or below 125% of Washington State Median Family Income, adjusted for household size.
For the 2026 application cycle, WSOS’s published limits include:
- 1 person: $90,500
- 2 people: $118,000
- 3 people: $146,500
- 4 people: $174,500
- 5 people: $202,000
- 6 people: $230,000
The program uses its own income rules and current WSOS income chart, so check the official CTS eligibility information for the limit that applies to your household.
Applicants must also meet additional requirements, including:
- You do not already have a bachelor’s degree
- You do not intend to earn a bachelor’s degree immediately after completing your CTS-funded program
- You have a high school diploma or equivalent, or will earn one by June of the year you apply
- You’re pursuing an eligible certificate, associate degree, apprenticeship, or other approved career or technical program
- You meet the program’s enrollment requirements
For most CTS students, you need to enroll in at least three credits during fall, winter, and spring quarters to receive funding. Eligible apprenticeship programs may be exempt from this credit requirement.
Students taking 3 to 11 credits can receive a prorated award, while students taking 12 or more credits can receive the full eligible award amount, subject to the program’s other funding rules.
How Much Can You Get?
Career & Technical Scholarship recipients can receive up to $1,500 per quarter.
The scholarship can help with costs beyond tuition, including expenses such as:
- Tuition and required fees
- Housing
- Transportation
- Food
- Childcare
- Other eligible costs associated with attending school
Your actual WSOS payment can be affected by your enrollment level, Cost of Attendance, and other financial aid.
WSOS funding can be provided up to your school’s Cost of Attendance after other financial aid has been applied. That means assistance such as the Pell Grant, Washington College Grant, or other scholarships may affect the amount of WSOS funding you ultimately receive.
Recipients may continue receiving CTS funding while they remain eligible and enrolled in their approved program, subject to the program’s limits. WSOS states that funding can continue until a recipient has received 18 terms of state financial aid.
Some Rural Students May Qualify for More
CTS also includes the Rural Jobs Initiative (RJI), which can provide additional funding to certain eligible students in rural Washington.
CTS applicants are automatically considered for RJI. There is no separate RJI application.
Selected RJI recipients can receive total quarterly awards of up to:
- $3,500 in the first quarter
- $2,500 in the second quarter
- $2,000 per quarter after that
However, simply living in a rural area doesn’t automatically qualify someone for RJI.
Applicants must meet the CTS requirements plus additional RJI rules involving factors such as residence or school-district eligibility, household income, financial need, eligible high-demand programs, and attendance at a participating rural community or technical college.
RJI also has a limited number of seats, so meeting the eligibility requirements doesn’t guarantee selection.
Check WSOS’s current Rural Jobs Initiative requirements before assuming you’ll receive the higher award.
How to Apply
1. Check Your Program
Start with the official WSOS Career & Technical Scholarship page and make sure the school and program you’re pursuing are eligible.
2. Complete the WSOS Application
Once the application opens on September 29, apply through the WSOS Scholar Portal.
WSOS estimates that the application takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. You can save your progress and return later, as long as you finish and submit everything before the deadline.
WSOS does not require transcripts or references as part of the CTS application.
3. Complete Your FAFSA or WASFA
You must also complete your 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA by October 15, 2026.
Don’t wait until the scholarship application is finished to start this step. FAFSA and WASFA processing can take time, and WSOS recommends completing the appropriate financial aid application as early as possible.
You don’t need to submit your FAFSA or WASFA information separately to WSOS.
4. Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure your CTS application is submitted by October 15 at 9 p.m.
Watch your email after applying, including your spam or junk folder. Selection notifications are expected in late November 2026.
5. Complete the Next Steps if Selected
If you’re selected, WSOS will send instructions for accepting your scholarship and completing the required online orientation.
Follow those instructions carefully so your award can move forward.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the Career & Technical Scholarship or your application, WSOS lists the following contact information:
Local: 206-800-8025
Toll-free: 877-899-5002
Email: info@waopportunityscholarship.org
Relief Recap
Washington’s Career & Technical Scholarship can provide eligible students with up to $1,500 per quarter while they pursue approved career and technical education programs, and some students qualifying for the Rural Jobs Initiative may receive even more.
For the upcoming cycle, remember these two dates: applications open September 29, 2026 and close October 15, 2026 at 9 p.m. Your 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA must also be completed by the October 15 deadline.
If you’re looking for additional ways to pay for school, check out our Master List of Scholarships for Low Income Students for more programs and funding opportunities.
