Top 6 Washington Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Washington Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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

Washington offers one of the strongest state-supported financial aid systems in the country, giving college students access to a wide variety of scholarships and grants. These programs help reduce tuition costs at public universities, private institutions, community colleges, and approved technical or apprenticeship programs. The Washington College Grant remains the flagship need-based award, offering substantial tuition assistance for low- and middle-income students. In addition, statewide programs like the Washington Opportunity Scholarship support students pursuing high-demand STEM and healthcare fields. Individual universities, such as the University of Washington and Washington State University, also provide competitive institutional scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, major, or financial need. When combined with federal aid and local scholarships, Washington students have an excellent opportunity to build a strong, affordable financial aid package.

• Washington College Grant — major need-based program covering tuition for eligible students.
• Washington Opportunity Scholarship — supports STEM and healthcare majors.
• University of Washington scholarships — merit, need-based, and departmental awards.
• Washington State University scholarships — academic, leadership, and program-specific awards.
• Local and private foundation scholarships — available across all counties and school districts.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Students in Washington?

High school students in Washington have access to several important statewide scholarships, many of which are designed to prepare students early for college success. Programs like the College Bound Scholarship encourage middle school and high school students to commit to academic achievement and good behavior in exchange for future tuition assistance. The Washington Opportunity Scholarship provides additional support for students pursuing high-demand career pathways after graduation. Local community foundations, school districts, and nonprofit organizations across the state also offer scholarships recognizing academic achievement, community service, leadership involvement, and extracurricular accomplishments. Together, these programs ensure that Washington students from all backgrounds have multiple pathways to financial support.

• College Bound Scholarship — supports low-income students from middle school through college.
• Washington Opportunity Scholarship — focuses on STEM and healthcare degrees.
• Community foundation scholarships — offered regionally across Washington.
• School-based awards — for academics, leadership, athletics, and community involvement.
• Local nonprofit and civic scholarships — including Rotary, Kiwanis, and community groups.

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

Low-income students in Washington can access some of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation. The Washington College Grant provides substantial support for students with financial need and can fully cover tuition at many public colleges and universities. The College Bound Scholarship offers guaranteed tuition coverage for income-eligible students who sign a pledge in middle school and maintain academic and behavioral standards. Additional programs, such as the Leadership 1000 Scholarship, offer private funding for students with strong potential who need extra financial help. These resources help ensure that higher education remains accessible regardless of a student’s financial background.

• Washington College Grant — available to low- and middle-income residents.
• College Bound Scholarship — guaranteed tuition support for eligible students.
• Leadership 1000 Scholarship — donor-funded award for students with financial need.
• Local nonprofit scholarships — supporting high-need students statewide.
• Institutional need-based aid — offered through public and private universities.

What Is the Washington College Grant and Who Is Eligible?

The Washington College Grant is one of the most comprehensive need-based financial aid programs in the country. It provides significant tuition support to low- and middle-income students attending eligible public or private colleges, universities, vocational programs, and workforce training schools. Award amounts are determined by financial need and household income, often covering full tuition and fees for students at public institutions. Because eligibility includes a broad range of income levels, many families qualify even if they do not meet typical federal Pell Grant thresholds. Students apply through the FAFSA or WASFA and must meet basic academic progress requirements while attending an eligible institution.

• Be Washington residents.
• Demonstrate financial need based on FAFSA or WASFA results.
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements.
• Attend an approved Washington college, university, technical school, or training program.

What Is the College Bound Scholarship?

The College Bound Scholarship is designed to help low-income students plan early for college success. Students usually sign up in middle school and make a pledge to maintain good attendance, positive behavior, and strong academic performance through high school. In return, the program guarantees tuition coverage at Washington public colleges and provides partial tuition at approved private institutions. This early commitment model encourages long-term academic engagement and helps families prepare for college costs well before senior year. When combined with the Washington College Grant, many students receive full tuition support throughout their undergraduate education.

• Available to eligible middle school students who sign the College Bound pledge.
• Covers tuition at public colleges and partial tuition at private schools.
• Requires meeting academic, behavior, and income criteria.
• Designed to support long-term college planning for low-income families.
• Combines with the Washington College Grant for maximum financial support.

What Grants Are Available for Individuals in Washington State?

Washington supports students through several grant programs that help fund educational and career pathways. These programs can assist students pursuing academic degrees, technical training, apprenticeships, workforce credentials, or retraining after job loss. The Opportunity Grant provides funding for low-income adults pursuing high-demand fields, while the Worker Retraining Grant supports individuals changing careers or recovering from unemployment. The Passport to Careers program offers additional assistance to foster youth, unaccompanied homeless youth, and former foster care students to ensure they have equitable access to higher education and job training.

• Washington State Opportunity Grant — supports low-income adults in high-demand fields.
• Worker Retraining Grant — provides aid for displaced workers or those changing careers.
• Passport to Careers — supports foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth.
• Apprenticeship-related grants — available for students in registered apprenticeship programs.
• College and technical school grants — available through state-funded support programs.

How Can I Get Grants for College in Washington State?

Students seeking grants for college in Washington should begin by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA, depending on citizenship status. These applications determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional need-based aid. Washington residents who qualify may receive support from the Washington College Grant, Opportunity Grant, Federal Pell Grant, or additional state-funded programs. It is important for students to apply early, as some grants have priority deadlines or limited funding. Students should also explore institutional and local grants offered through their high schools, community organizations, or the colleges they plan to attend.

• Complete the FAFSA or WASFA to determine eligibility.
• Apply early to maximize access to limited-funding grants.
• Consider the Washington College Grant and Opportunity Grant.
• Explore local and institutional grant programs.
• Check school financial aid offices for additional support options.

Who Is Eligible for the Washington State Need Grant?

The Washington State Need Grant has now been incorporated into the broader Washington College Grant program. Eligibility remains focused on Washington residency, financial need, and enrollment in an eligible postsecondary program. Students must also maintain satisfactory academic progress. Although the program name has changed, the mission remains the same: making higher education accessible to residents who need financial assistance to cover tuition and related educational expenses.

• Washington residency required.
• Financial need determined through FAFSA or WASFA.
• Enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program.
• Satisfactory academic progress required for renewal.
• Replaced by the Washington College Grant but maintains similar eligibility standards.

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

Many students in Washington can attend college at no cost by combining state-sponsored programs with federal aid and institutional support. The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous programs in the country and fully covers tuition for eligible low- and middle-income students attending public colleges. The College Bound Scholarship further guarantees tuition coverage for students who sign the pledge and meet all program requirements. In addition, some universities, such as the University of Washington, offer the Husky Promise, which guarantees free tuition for students with significant financial need. These programs make Washington one of the strongest states for affordable higher education.

• Washington College Grant — covers tuition for many eligible students.
• College Bound Scholarship — guarantees tuition for qualifying students.
• Husky Promise (University of Washington) — free tuition for eligible students with financial need.
• Federal aid — can reduce additional costs like books, housing, and supplies.
• Local scholarships — help cover remaining educational expenses.