Tuition Waiver for Children and Surviving Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, State Patrol Officers and Highway Workers
Washington public colleges and universities (state-mandated, RCW 28B.15.380 / 28B.15.520)
Free tuition and services-and-activities fees at Washington public colleges for children and surviving spouses of Washington police, firefighters, state troopers or highway workers killed or totally disabled in the line of duty.
- How much
- all tuition and services & activities fees at Washington public colleges and universities
- Who qualifies
- child or surviving spouse of a Washington law enforcement officer, firefighter, State Patrol officer or highway worker who died or was totally disabled in the line of duty
- Children must begin college within 10 years of high school graduation. 'Totally disabled' = totally and permanently disabled for life and unable to work.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, grad students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Ongoing; apply through your college
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office at the Washington public college or university you plan to attend
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (apps.leg.wa.gov) and page 2
The details
State universities, regional universities and Evergreen must exempt eligible students from all tuition fees and services and activities fees (RCW 28B.15.380); community and technical colleges must waive all tuition and services and activities fees (RCW 28B.15.520). Covers children and surviving spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters (full-time or volunteer), Washington State Patrol officers and highway workers who lost their lives or became totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty in Washington. Children must begin their studies within ten years of high school graduation.
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.