National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)
Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC)
$2,500-$6,500 a year (plus up to $500 for books) for Washington National Guard members and their dependents, in exchange for one more year of Guard service per year funded.
- How much
- 2026-27: $2,500 (community/technical colleges) to $6,500 (four-year institutions) per year, plus up to $500 one-time for books and supplies
- Who qualifies
- active drilling member in good standing of the Washington Army or Air National Guard, or a dependent/spouse of one (DEERS ID)
- Attend an accredited Washington institution or a Washington training program approved under the Montgomery GI Bill; satisfactory academic progress; one year of Guard service per year funded (signed promissory note).
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- When to apply
- Open now Rolling through the academic year; limited funds, apply early (2026-27 application open)
- How to apply
- Complete the online National Guard Grant application in the WSAC portal (ideally after registering for classes) and file the FAFSA or WASFA
- WSAC certifies good standing with your command and enrollment with your school (about 5-6 weeks)
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (wsac.wa.gov)
The details
Conditional scholarship for active drilling Washington National Guard members (new recruits awaiting basic training may apply) and their dependents/spouses with a DEERS ID, for undergraduate, graduate, professional and certificate programs at approved Washington institutions. First-time undergraduates are awarded first; graduate students currently get the same amount. 2026-27 maximum awards: two-year community & technical colleges $2,500; WGU Washington $3,500; applied baccalaureate at CTCs $4,500; four-year regional public, four-year private (nonprofit and for-profit) and four-year public research institutions $6,500; plus up to a $500 one-time books and supplies allowance. Pays part of costs not covered by other aid (can be a non-need award if you receive no other aid); never full tuition. Service obligation: one year in the Guard per year of funding (can run concurrently with an existing contract); otherwise it must be repaid under the promissory note. Sponsor and dependents share six years of eligibility.
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.