Students who receive ABD, HEN, PWA or EcSA benefits can now access full Washington College Grant without filing a financial aid application.
“The most equity-focused free college program in the country”
Education Trust
Washington State residents enrolled in qualified state support programs are now able to access the maximum Washington College Grant earlier and easier than ever before through the state’s new program, Washington College Grant-Connect!
The Washington College Grant has long been one of the most generous financial aid programs in the United States, available to:
- Washington residents
- Low- to middle-income families and individuals
- People who plan to attend an accredited college, enrolled at least half time
The amount you get through Washington College Grant scales in proportion to family size, income and the cost of your schooling. For the 2024-25 academic year, in-state WSU students can take advantage of Washington College Grant for up to $11,887 per year in grant funding for tuition and educational expenses!
What’s New?
Traditionally all state funding, including the Washington College Grant, has been locked behind the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Only students who completed one of these applications could be considered for Washington College Grant funds.
However, those who are enrolled in certain state support programs are now considered eligible for full Washington College Grant through the Connect program, meaning some students can get their grant money without an aid application at all.
What is Washington College Grant-Connect?
Washington College Grant-Connect is a new program designed to help more qualifying students access the Washington College Grant by removing barriers. In 2022, the Washington State Legislature recognized that despite having one of the best free college programs in the nation, many low-income residents were unaware of their eligibility or struggling to navigate the financial aid application process.
With Washington College Grant-Connect, WSU students who qualify for the following approved public support programs can get full Washington College Grant without completing a FAFSA or WASFA:
- Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) program
- Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) referral program
- Pregnant Women Assistance (PWA)
- Economic Security for All (EcSA)
Additional public programs may be added to this list in the future, so check out the Washington Student Achievement Council’s website for an up-to-date list of qualifying programs!
Another way to access Washington College Grant
Washington College Grant-Connect is a new way for some students to access Washington College Grant. It is not a separate grant. Qualifying for Washington College Grant-Connect gets you your maximum Washington College Grant for the year.
Benefits of Washington College Grant-Connect
The Connect program does not replace the Washington College Grant, but instead makes it easier for low-income future students to plan their academic careers. Benefits of the Washington College Grant-Connect program include:
- Knowing Your Aid Sooner
- If you qualify for Connect, you could know as soon as your 11th grade year of high school, allowing you to make informed plans about your education.
- Getting Aid Before Your Aid Application is Finalized
- Through Connect, your Washington College Grant money will come through even if your FAFSA or WASFA isn’t complete yet, removing some of the stress that can occur if your aid application is delayed.
How to Apply for Washington College Grant-Connect
Washington College Grant-Connect aims to remove barriers and simplify the grants process for low-income students, making it easier than ever to get your aid for school!
If you are eligible through Washington College Grant-Connect, WSU Student Financial Services will send you a Washington College Grant offer automatically! Getting your Washington College Grant is as easy as 1-2-3:
- Apply for WSU admission
- Input your Social Security Number in your WSU student portal
- WSU regularly checks Connect eligibility and will automatically offer you Washington College Grant if you qualify.
- If you do not have an SSN, you will need to file a WASFA to be considered for Washington College Grant.
- Enroll in classes and start your educational journey!
Contact the Washington Student Achievement Council
Documentation confirming your eligibility in one of the approved state programs is handled through WSAC. If your information is not accurate in their system, WSU will not be able to award your Washington College Grant through the Connect program.
WSU awards grant money to Washington College Grant-Connect students on a monthly basis, so please allow up to 30 days for us to process your information. If it has been more than 30 days since you put your SSN in your WSU student portal or you have additional Connect eligibility questions, please contact our state aid team.
Filing Your FAFSA or WASFA
Many students who qualify for Washington College Grant are eligible for other forms of financial aid, as well. Remember that Washington College Grant and Washington Bridge Grant are the only grants you can get without filing your financial aid application. Once you’ve secured your Washington College Grant, be sure to fill out your FAFSA or WASFA to make sure you’re not leaving additional grants, loans or scholarships on the table!
Also, those not eligible for full Washington College Grant through Washington College Grant-Connect may still be eligible for Washington College Grant! Connect is only for a select portion of students enrolled in state support programs, so not qualifying for Connect does not mean you aren’t still eligible for Washington College Grant funds. If you do not qualify through Connect, file your WASFA or FAFSA to see how much aid you qualify for!
Don’t Forget!
Remember to file your financial aid application each year you plan to attend school. All students should file a FAFSA or a WASFA, regardless of whether they qualify for Washington College Grant-Connect. Many other aid opportunities like the Federal Pell Grant and work study still require a financial aid application.
Do I File a FAFSA or a WASFA?
Most students will file a FAFSA, though some students who are ineligible for the FAFSA may file a WASFA, instead. Visit our Getting Started page to determine which aid application you should fill out!
Am I a Washington State Resident?
Washington College Grant is available to all qualifying Washington residents, including undocumented residents.
Not sure if you’re a Washington resident or hoping to become a resident in the future? Visit WSU’s residency page to see all your options.
Additional Grants Opportunities
Visit our grants page to learn more about the unique educational grants offered by WSU, as well as additional state and federal grants you may qualify for.