WSOS Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS)
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) — state public-private partnership
Up to $1,500 per quarter, every quarter until completion, for low- and middle-income Washington students in eligible trades, health care or STEM certificates, associate degrees or apprenticeships.
- How much
- up to $1,500 per quarter
- Who qualifies
- Washington resident; family income at or below 125% of median family income; high school credential (any state) by June of the application year; no bachelor's degree; not planning to go straight on to a bachelor's; enroll in at least 3 credits each fall, winter and spring (some apprentices exempt).
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For trades, health care, STEM students
- no citizenship requirement — WSOS accepts undocumented applicants (WASFA)
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Opens later twice a year: winter-spring cycle (2026: Sept 29 - Oct 15, 9 p.m.) and fall cycle (2027: Mar 17 - Apr 15); FAFSA/WASFA by the same date
- How to apply
- Complete the WSOS online application (short-answer questions
- No references or transcripts) and the FAFSA or WASFA by the deadline
- What you'll need
- state application + essay + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 19, 2026, against the official page (waopportunityscholarship.org) and page 2
The details
Funds one eligible associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship at an eligible community or technical college (or the AJAC Advanced Manufacturing and Evergreen Rural Water apprenticeship sponsors), up to $1,500 per quarter until the credential is completed; can cover housing, transportation, food and more. Not for bachelor's degrees (Scholars moving into a bachelor's are withdrawn; apply for the Baccalaureate Scholarship). Includes career support. Two application cycles a year.
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.