If you’re worried about paying for college or career training in Washington State, there’s good news. The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) can provide thousands of dollars in financial aid each year, and many middle-income families qualify.
In fact, a family of four earning up to $139,500 per year may still receive some assistance for college or training costs. Families with lower incomes may qualify for grants large enough to cover full tuition at public colleges.
What is the Washington College Grant?
The Washington College Grant is a state-funded financial aid program that helps Washington residents pay for education after high school. Unlike student loans, this money does not need to be repaid.
The grant can be used at:
- Public universities
- Community and technical colleges
- Private nonprofit colleges
- Certain apprenticeship programs
- Tribal colleges
Award amounts vary based on your family size, household income, and the type of school or training program you attend.
Who Qualifies?
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in Washington State
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- Meet income requirements
- Have not already earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Do not owe a repayment on a state financial aid program
- Are enrolled in an eligible college, university, career training program, or approved apprenticeship
- Complete the FAFSA or WASFA application
Students must reapply for financial aid every year to continue receiving assistance.
How Much Can You Get?
That’s a complicated question. It depends on your household income and what school you want to attend.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Grant Percentage
For the 2026-27 school year, families of four with incomes up to $83,500 can qualify for the maximum Washington College Grant award. The table below can help you figure out what percentage of grant you may qualify for.
| Family Size | 100% Grant | 60% Grant | 50% Grant | 24.5% Grant | 10% Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $43,500 | $47,000 | $50,500 | $54,500 | $72,500 |
| 2 | $57,000 | $61,500 | $66,500 | $71,000 | $94,500 |
| 3 | $70,000 | $76,000 | $82,000 | $88,000 | $117,000 |
| 4 | $83,500 | $90,500 | $97,500 | $104,500 | $139,500 |
| 5 | $97,000 | $105,000 | $113,000 | $121,000 | $161,500 |
| 6 | $110,500 | $119,500 | $128,500 | $138,000 | $184,000 |
If you aren’t sure how much you qualify for, there is a helpful calculator in the Washington State financial aid calculator.
Step 2: Figure Out Your Maximum Grant Amount
After you know what your percentage is, you need to figure out what your maximum grant amount is.
| Program | 100% Grant | 60% Grant | 50% Grant | 24.5% Grant | 10% Grant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | $13,203 | $7,992 | $6,602 | $3,235 | $1,320 |
| Washington State University | $12,700 | $7,620 | $6,350 | $3,111 | $1,270 |
| Central Washington University | $8,615 | $5,169 | $4,307 | $2,111 | $861 |
| Eastern Washington University | $8,035 | $4,821 | $4,018 | $1,969 | $804 |
| The Evergreen State College | $8,640 | $5,184 | $4,320 | $2,117 | $864 |
| Western Washington University | $8,804 | $5,282 | $4,402 | $2,157 | $880 |
| Independent/Private Four-Year Nonprofit Universities and Colleges | $6,476 | $3,885 | $3,238 | $1,587 | $648 |
| Independent/Private Four-Year For-Profit Universities and Colleges | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| WGU Washington | $4,150 | $2,490 | $2,075 | $1,017 | $415 |
| Community and Technical Colleges | $5,095 | $3,057 | $2,548 | $1,248 | $510 |
| CTC Applied Bachelor's Programs | $8,134 | $4,881 | $4,067 | $1,993 | $813 |
| Northwest Indian College | $3,694 | $2,216 | $1,847 | $905 | $369 |
| WSAC-Approved WA Grant for Apprenticeship Programs | $2,548 | $1,529 | $1,274 | $624 | $255 |
| Private Two-Year Nonprofit Colleges | $3,694 | $2,216 | $1,847 | $905 | $369 |
| Private Two-Year For-Profit Colleges | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
How to Apply
To be considered for the Washington College Grant, you should:
- Complete the FAFSA or WASFA.
- Apply to an eligible Washington school or training program.
- Respond quickly if your school requests additional documents.
- Reapply for financial aid each year you attend school.
As of June 10, 2026, applications are currently open for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Washington College Grant can provide thousands of dollars toward college or career training, but the rules can get confusing—especially when you’re trying to figure out income limits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply. To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions readers ask about the Washington College Grant below.
Many people assume financial aid is only for low-income families. However, partial grants remain available for many middle-income households. State officials encourage students to apply even if they assume their income is too high.
According to the Washington Student Achievement Council, a single parent with three children earning approximately $40 per hour could qualify for a full award, potentially covering tuition at a public college.
For example, a family of four earning up to $139,500 may still qualify for some assistance.
No. The Washington College Grant can also help students attending community colleges, technical colleges, tribal colleges, and certain apprenticeship programs.
The Washington College Grant is not awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. However, colleges may have their own priority deadlines, so applying early is still recommended.
Relief Recap
The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous state financial aid programs in the country. Depending on your family size and income, you could receive anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $13,000 per year toward college costs.
Even if you think you earn too much money to qualify, it’s worth completing the FAFSA or WASFA. Many Washington families are surprised to learn they are still eligible for help.
