Historic investment in Washington College Grant opens doors to college and career education
Washington鈥檚 new two-year budget makes a historic commitment to educational opportunity for Washington residents. Beginning in the 2020-21 academic year, the Washington College Grant will be a guarantee for eligible state residents at or below median family income (MFI), which is currently $91,766 for a family of four.
The state鈥檚 existing financial aid program, State Need Grant, is not a guarantee for all eligible students. This year alone, 18,000 did not receive grants because of budget constraints. By 2020-21, the new budget will eliminate the waitlist of students who are eligible, but unserved, and expand service to many new families as well. Currently, the state鈥檚 financial aid program doesn鈥檛 serve families with incomes higher than 70 percent of MFI, or $61,500 for a family of four.
For eligible students, the maximum award will cover full tuition and fees at public colleges and universities. Students can also use the grant at any of Washington鈥檚 . Another significant change to state financial aid is that the Washington College Grant will also serve people in registered apprenticeships. They can use the grant to pay for tuition and required equipment. The budget included apprenticeships as part of Career Connect Washington, an initiative that creates new pathways to postsecondary credentials.
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