The dream of higher education is not just a distant hope, but a tangible reality for many students in Washington State, thanks to the transformative power of the College Bound Scholarship program. This need-based scholarship opens the door to college by covering tuition, some fees, and a small book allowance for four years. At Believe in Me, our mission is to empower marginalized youth with the opportunities they need to succeed, and the College Bound Scholarship aligns perfectly with this vision by making higher education accessible to those who need it most. But like any opportunity, it requires understanding and timely action. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of the Washington College Bound Scholarship, from what it is and who qualifies to the steps needed to secure this invaluable financial aid.
What is the Washington College Bound Scholarship?
The Washington College Bound Scholarship is designed to help low-income students in Washington State afford the cost of college. The program provides funding that covers tuition, specific fees, and a small allowance for books, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder a college education.
However, timing is critical. Students must apply by June 30th of their 8th-grade year to be considered for this scholarship. This early application process ensures that students and their families start thinking about college and planning for the future well before high school graduation.
Who Qualifies for the Scholarship?
Eligibility for the Washington College Bound Scholarship is based on two main criteria: income and academic commitment.
Income-Based Criteria
To qualify, students must come from families that meet specific income requirements. The income guidelines are adjusted annually and take into account the size of the household. For instance, in the 2024-25 school year, a household of four must have an annual income of $78,500 or less to qualify.
Student Enrollment
Students must apply for the scholarship in 7th or 8th grade, making early awareness and action crucial. Auto-enrollment is available for students who are in public school and eligible for free-and-reduced-price lunch during these grades. Students in state foster care or those dependent on the state between 7th grade and high school graduation are also automatically enrolled.
For those who don’t fit into these categories—such as students attending private school, being homeschooled, or in other types of foster care—there are alternative pathways to apply, provided they meet the income requirements. No matter your circumstances, there is a way for you to access this vital support for your education.
The College Bound Pledge
To receive the scholarship, students must pledge to fulfill specific commitments:
Graduate from a Washington State high school or homeschool program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher if they plan to attend a four-year college. However, starting in the fall of 2023, the GPA requirement was removed for community or technical college students.
Stay out of legal trouble (no felony convictions).
Apply for financial aid by submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the WASFA (Washington Application for State Fi
Navigating the College Bound Commitment
Commitment to Washington State Schools
The scholarship is tied to attendance at one of the over 65 participating colleges, universities, or programs in Washington State. This commitment ensures that students who receive the scholarship invest in their education within the state, further enriching Washington’s educational ecosystem.
Meeting the Financial Aid Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the pledge, students must complete and submit the FAFSA or WASFA during their senior year of high school. This step is critical, as it determines their final eligibility based on the income requirements. Students must also renew their financial aid application each year they are in college to continue receiving funds.
Degree Completion Timeline
Students must complete their degree within five years of graduating from high school. This timeline encourages students to stay focused and complete their education promptly.
Key Considerations and Caveats
While the College Bound Scholarship is a tremendous opportunity, there are some important considerations and caveats to keep in mind:
High School Graduation Requirement
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must graduate from a Washington State high school. Unfortunately, students who receive a GED do not qualify for this program.
Part-Time Enrollment
Scholarship funds will be reduced accordingly for students who choose to attend college part-time. Consider how this might impact your financial planning if you’re not attending full-time.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Once enrolled in college, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress, typically meeting a minimum GPA and adhering to the student code of conduct. The specific requirements may vary by institution, so staying informed about your school’s standards is essential.
Maximizing the Scholarship
Using the Scholarship
The College Bound Scholarship can be used at various institutions across Washington, including public universities, private colleges, community colleges, and technical schools. This flexibility empowers you to choose the educational path that best fits your goals, ensuring that you can pursue the education you desire.
Award Amounts
The scholarship award amounts vary depending on the type of institution attended. For example, the maximum award for the University of Washington is $12,878 for the 2024-25 school year, while for a public community college, it’s $5,263. Understanding these amounts helps students and families plan their college finances more effectively.
Renewing the Scholarship
Students must renew their financial aid applications each year to maintain eligibility. This ensures that they continue to meet the income requirements and remain eligible for the scholarship throughout their college education.
Special Circumstances
Homeschooled Students
Homeschooled students have additional documentation requirements to qualify for the College Bound Scholarship. They must submit transcripts, a Letter of Intent to Homeschool, and one of several possible standardized test scores or college coursework transcripts. This process ensures that homeschooled students are evaluated fairly and given the opportunity to access this funding.
Private School Students
Students attending private schools in Washington need to submit an unofficial copy of their final high school transcript showing their graduation date and GPA. This step ensures they meet the same academic standards as their peers in public schools.
Catalyst for Change
The Washington College Bound Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it’s a pathway to a brighter future for thousands of students across the state. By applying early, fulfilling the pledge requirements, and staying committed to their education, eligible students can secure a college education that might otherwise be out of reach.
At Believe in Me, we are dedicated to empowering marginalized youth with the confidence and opportunities they need to succeed. The Washington College Bound Scholarship aligns perfectly with our mission by providing a pathway to higher education for those who need it most. Together, we can create a brighter future for all children.
If you or someone you know is eligible, don’t wait—take the first step today by exploring the College Bound Scholarship and ensuring that no opportunity is left unexplored.
Additional Resources
Please visit https://wsac.wa.gov/college-bound for more information on the Washington College Bound Scholarship, including application forms, eligibility checklists, and contact details.
You can also reach out directly via email at collegebound@wsac.wa.gov, fax at 888-974-4217, or mail at College Bound, PO Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
By understanding and utilizing this scholarship, students across Washington can unlock the door to a future filled with potential and opportunity.
