The Washington College Grant provides guaranteed college funding to all eligible residents of Washington State, including low- and middle-income students. The first step toward getting funding through the grant is to complete a federal or state financial aid application FAFSA or WASFA.
The grant guarantees that you’ll get the full Washington College Grant award that you qualify for, eliminating wait lists and letting you start college any quarter with your full financial aid award.
Click here to login to the Student Financial Aid Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How and when do I submit the FAFSA?
Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible starting Oct. 1 for the following year. Include PC, school code 003786, in your list of schools. Need help? View the How to Fill Out the FAFSA video or contact Pirate Central in the D Building.
Should I fill out the FAFSA or WASFA?
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you are a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
Complete the WASFA (Washington Application for State Aid) if you are a Washington resident and not eligible to complete the FAFSA.
How much grant money will I qualify for?
As your income goes up, the award amounts go down. A family of four making $50,500 or less will receive a full financial-aid award that covers the full cost of tuition plus state-mandated fees. A middle-income family of four making up to about $92,000 will get some level of aid (i.e. a partial award). See the estimate award chart for details. Estimated award chart
Do I need to pay back the Washington College Grant?
No – grant funding is “free money” and does not need to be paid back.
Can I only use the Washington College Grant at PC?
No – the Washington College Grant preserves all the flexible ways financial aid can be used in Washington State so you can pursue the path that fits you best — whether it means a certificate, two-year degree, four-year degree, or an apprenticeship.
What happened to the Washington State Need Grant?
The Washington College Grant replaces the State Need Grant under a bill passed by the Legislature during the 2019 legislative session (HB 2158).
Is this grant different than the State Need Grant?
The Washington College Grant provides guaranteed funding to everyone who qualifies, while the State Need Grant had limited funding that left a significant gap of underserved students. Additionally, the Washington College Grant expands funding to middle-income families, or those making up to 100% of the median family income, while the State Need Grant capped at 70%.