American Indian Endowed Scholarship (AIES)
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
$500-$3,000 scholarship for students with close social and cultural ties to an American Indian tribe or community in Washington who will use their education to benefit it.
- How much
- about $500 to $3,000 per year
- Who qualifies
- close social and cultural ties to an American Indian tribe or community in Washington
- Washington residency for state aid (tribal-member provisions apply); full-time enrollment at a participating Washington college; intend to use education to benefit the American Indian community in Washington; not pursuing theology; fewer than five years of AIES received.
- For undergrads, grad students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Opens later annual; application opens in December, closes about early March (2026-27 deadline was March 2, 2026); 2027-28 application available December 2026
- How to apply
- Apply in the online AIES Portal: application form, two personal statements, at least three recommendation letters (first-time applicants), transcripts
- Renewal applicants add an institutional certification form
- File the FAFSA
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA + essay + recommendation + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (wsac.wa.gov) and page 2
The details
Awarded from the earnings of an endowment the Legislature created in 1990 (with tribal and private matching contributions). 10-15 students are selected each year; awards range from around $500 to $3,000; recipients may get up to five years of funding but must reapply each year. Priority goes to upper-division and graduate students, but all applicants are considered. Selection emphasizes social and cultural ties and commitment to serve the American Indian community in Washington, plus academic merit and financial need. Usable at public and many independent Washington colleges; not for theology degrees.
More money from Washington
- Washington College Grant (WA Grant)up to full tuition; 2026-27 maximum $13,203/yr (University of Washington), $5,095 at community and technical colleges; partial awards (60%, 50%, 24.5%, 10%) at higher incomes
- WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS)$2,500 per year until accepted into the major, then $5,000, $7,500 and $5,000 in the following years
- WA Grant for Apprenticeship (WG-A)up to $2,548 (2026-27 maximum); based on family income, may be prorated
- College Bound (formerly College Bound Scholarship)free public-college tuition when combined with WA Grant; 2026-27 maximum combined awards from $5,595 (community/technical colleges) to $13,703 (University of Washington)
- Opportunity Granttuition and fees for up to 45 credits, plus up to $1,000 for books and supplies
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Idaho, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.