District of Columbia scholarships and grants
Every program the state of District of Columbia runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Open to most students
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
Up to $15,000 per year at public colleges ($75,000 lifetime); up to $3,750 per year at eligible private colleges ($18,750 lifetime) (2026-27)Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), District of Columbia
Opens laterPays up to $15,000 a year toward the out-of-state tuition gap at public colleges nationwide, or up to $3,750 a year at eligible private colleges, for DC residents.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads
- Who can get it: US citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Usual timing: Annual; DC OneApp opens early February and closes in mid/late August (2026-27: Feb 2 to Aug 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.). No waitlist after the deadline.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Mayor's Scholars Undergraduate Program
Up to $4,000 per year (lifetime cap $16,000 for an associate degree, $24,000 for a bachelor's) (2026-27)Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), District of Columbia
Opens laterNeed-based, last-dollar grant of up to $4,000 a year for DC residents earning a first associate or bachelor's degree at approved DC-area colleges.
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA + transcript
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2.5+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Usual timing: Annual; application opens early February and closes in mid/late August (2026-27: Feb 2 to Aug 21, 2026 at 3 p.m.). Funded first-come, first-served, so apply early.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. DC National Guard Retention and College Access Program (DC TA)
Up to $20,500 per fiscal year (up to $20,000 tuition + $500 fees; $16,000 max at schools without a DoD MOU)District of Columbia National Guard
Apply any timeUp to $20,500 a year in tuition assistance for current DC National Guard members (degrees, certificates, licensure and credentials).
- Who it's for: Current DC National Guard member (Army or Air)
- What it takes: state application + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
CFSA Education and Training Voucher (ETV) for Youth in Foster Care
Up to $5,000 per year (subject to available funds)DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Older Youth Empowerment
Apply any timeUp to $5,000 a year toward college or career training for young people in or formerly in DC foster care.
- Who it's for: Youth in DC (CFSA) foster care at 15 or older, or adopted/placed in legal guardianship from DC foster care at 16 or older
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Who can get it: US citizen or legal resident
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.