College Bound (formerly College Bound Scholarship)
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
Early commitment of state aid: low-income students who enroll in 7th-9th grade and meet the requirements get public-college tuition covered (with WA Grant), or an equivalent at approved private schools.
- How much
- 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)
- Who qualifies
- Income-eligible for free/reduced-price lunch in 7th/8th (or newly in 9th) grade, or in state foster care; at college, family income at or below the program's MFI chart (e.g. $95,500 for a household of 4 on the chart WSAC currently posts); 2.0 high school GPA required only for students going straight to a four-year college; no felony convictions; enroll within one year of high school graduation.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Apply any time Enrollment in 7th, 8th or (if newly income-eligible) 9th grade; then FAFSA/WASFA every year, no separate deadline
- How to apply
- Most students are enrolled automatically in middle school (free/reduced lunch or foster care)
- Private-school or homeschooled students contact collegebound@wsac.wa.gov or 888.535.0747 option 1
- File the FAFSA or WASFA senior year and every year in college and attend a participating college
- What you'll need
- FAFSA only
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (wsac.wa.gov)
The details
Students are auto-enrolled if they are in public school and income-eligible for free/reduced-price lunch in 7th or 8th grade (or newly eligible in 9th), or are in state foster care between 7th grade and high school graduation; private-school and homeschooled students can apply by contacting the program. To receive funds: graduate from a Washington high school/homeschool or earn a WA GED; 2.0+ cumulative high school GPA if starting at a four-year college right after high school (no GPA requirement for community/technical colleges); file FAFSA/WASFA senior year and every year; enroll within one year of high school graduation; meet income (65% of median family income) and residency requirements each year; no felony convictions; attend one of 60+ participating colleges. 2026-27 maximum awards (combined with Washington College Grant, 3 quarters/2 semesters): UW $13,703; WSU $13,200; CWU $9,115; EWU $8,535; Evergreen $9,140; WWU $9,304; private four-year $13,452; WGU Washington $8,800; community and technical colleges $5,595; CTC applied bachelor's $8,634; private career colleges $5,595. Usable for six years after college enrollment or until a bachelor's degree.
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
- Opportunity Granttuition and fees for up to 45 credits, plus up to $1,000 for books and supplies
- Student Teaching Grantnot stated on the official page
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.