Overview of Washington Scholarships & Grants

Washington offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Washington more affordable.

The Washington College Grant (WCG) offers generous need-based tuition support.

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students in Washington?

Washington offers scholarships and grants like the Washington College Grant, the Opportunity Scholarship, and institutional awards at schools such as the University of Washington and Washington State University. These programs help reduce tuition costs and support students pursuing higher education.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students in Washington?

High school students in Washington can apply for the College Bound Scholarship, the Washington Opportunity Scholarship, and local community foundation scholarships. Many schools also offer awards based on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

What Scholarships Are Available for Low-Income Students in Washington State?

Low-income students in Washington can access scholarships like the Washington College Grant, the College Bound Scholarship, and the Leadership 1000 Scholarship. These programs are designed to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate significant financial need.

What Is the Washington College Grant and Who Is Eligible?

The Washington College Grant is a need-based program that provides financial aid to low- and middle-income students attending eligible colleges, universities, or career training programs in Washington state. To qualify, students must:

Be Washington residents.
Demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA or WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) results.
Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements.

What Is the College Bound Scholarship?

The College Bound Scholarship is a state program for low-income middle school students who pledge to meet certain academic and behavior requirements. It covers tuition at public colleges and universities, as well as partial tuition at private institutions in Washington. Students must sign up in middle school and meet income eligibility requirements.

What Grants Are Available for Individuals in Washington State?

Grants for individuals in Washington include the Washington State Opportunity Grant, the Worker Retraining Grant, and the Passport to Careers program for foster youth and homeless students. These grants support various educational and career pathways.

How Can I Get Grants for College in Washington State?

To get grants for college in Washington, students should complete the FAFSA or WASFA. Programs like the Washington College Grant, Opportunity Grant, and Federal Pell Grant are awarded based on financial need. State-funded grants often prioritize Washington residents attending in-state institutions.

Who Is Eligible for the Washington State Need Grant?

The Washington State Need Grant (now integrated into the Washington College Grant) is available to students who demonstrate financial need, are Washington residents, and are enrolled in eligible degree or certificate programs. Students must also meet satisfactory academic progress requirements and apply through the FAFSA or WASFA.

How Can I Go to College for Free in Washington State?

Students can go to college for free in Washington state through programs like the Washington College Grant and the College Bound Scholarship, which fully cover tuition for eligible low- and middle-income students at public colleges and universities. Additionally, some schools, such as the University of Washington, offer “Husky Promise,” which guarantees free tuition for students with financial need.

Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025 Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.