How To Get Free College in Washington

College tuition has become less affordable over the last few decades, resulting in many students having to delay their college education or take on large amounts of debt. Many federal grant programs are available to students, but financial aid programs don't stop there.

Eligible students in Washington state can access multiple state-funded programs that make postsecondary education available to all. These programs use factors like family income and residency status to decide award amounts. Beyond these programs, students can attend tuition-free online colleges in Washington.

Is Community College Free in Washington?

There are tuition costs at most community colleges in Washington, but the Washington College Grant offered through the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) can cover the costs for eligible students. Students qualify for this scholarship after enrolling in a recognized community or technical college.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Washington?

Eligibility for the various state need grants is based on financial need. Last-dollar scholarships help low-income students and middle-income families receive funding for public colleges. The College Bound Washington Commitment recently removed a requirement for students to have a high school GPA of 2.0 if they plan to attend a community college or a trade school.

What Is the Washington College Grant?

The Washington College Grant is a financial aid award for students displaying financial need. This free money program gives additional grant funding to students after other federal or state money has been applied. The award amount will be calculated based on your median family income, family size, any other grants and scholarships you qualify for, and the total cost of your selected school.

Who Is Eligible?

If your family has an adjusted gross income of $78,500 or less, the WCG can cover the entire cost of tuition for your college degree program or certified training program. You can still receive partial funding if your family's AGI is $120,500 or less.

Students also must be recent high school graduates and be accepted to an approved apprenticeship, training program, or college. Award money can be awarded to full-time and part-time students, but the amounts will reflect the total costs.

The final requirement for the WCG is residency. Students must qualify for in-state tuition rates at any school they apply for. Generally, students will be considered residents if they have lived in Washington for one calendar year before applying. This rule applies to both citizens and non-citizen residents. Citizen residents can determine their eligibility by filing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Non-citizen residents can complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Eligible Institutions

The Washington College Grant is accepted at nearly all higher education institutions in the state. The program can be used at schools like:

• four year public and private colleges & universities
• technical and community colleges
• tribal colleges

Schools must be accredited and result in either a two-year or four-year degree or certification that can be used for technical work. The WSAC has a complete list of approved schools on its website to help students find the right school for their needs.

How To Apply for the Washington College Grant

Students automatically apply for the Washington College Grant after completing their FAFSA or WASFA forms, depending on citizenship status and eligibility for federal aid. After completing their state or federal financial aid application, students will be submitted for review. Once financial need is established, an amount will be calculated based on any gaps between other grants and scholarships and the total cost of tuition.

Tips for Making College Affordable

The Washington College Grant is one way to increase the affordability of a college education, but students have additional opportunities. Begin by speaking with your school's financial aid office to learn about any school-specific programs you might qualify for. However, there are still other steps you can take.

Some of the best ways to make college more affordable include:

• start your education at a community college, these programs usually have more affordable tuition and can transfer to finish a bachelor's degree
• look into federal financial aid options, like the Pell Grant, to cover education costs
• find a work-study program
• withdraw money from a 529 or similar savings plan
• find tuition-free schools

Tuition-Free Colleges in Washington

Tuition-free colleges are schools that use alternate payment methods instead of traditional tuition. Sometimes these schools charge examination fees, while others use tuition reimbursements for students who maintain satisfactory academic progress or similar criteria.

Some of the schools that have free tuition programs include:

• Washington State University
• Green River College
• Northwest Indian College
• City University of Seattle

FAQs About Free College in Washington

Even though the Washington College Grant is one of the most comprehensive programs in the country, many prospective students still have questions. Answering these questions can help students get the funding they need to earn the degree of their dreams.

Does the University of Washington Offer Free Tuition?

The Office of the University Registrar at the University of Washington offers over 13 different waiver programs. These programs are applied automatically based on the needs or background of an applicant. Each program has authorization from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). This authorization often is limited to a certain number of students, so receiving one isn't guaranteed.

How Is Free College Funded in Washington?

The free college programs in Washington are funded in multiple ways. The biggest contribution comes from governmental endowments. These funds are then allocated to individual schools to divide among students. Although many of these programs come from state governments, city governments have established programs like the Seattle Promise that provide funding for city high school graduates to attend local community colleges. Another common funding source is endowments from private groups and organizations. These scholarships are often awarded to students from specific backgrounds or based on their chosen degree path.

What Are the Benefits of Free College for Washington Residents?

There are many benefits of free college for Washington residents with the main one being an affordable higher education without long-lasting college debt. Students with college degrees tend to make more money throughout their careers than workers without a degree, and earning one debt-free can help graduates keep more of their money.