Do you live in Washington DC and plan on staying in the area for college? There are several state grants dedicated to students in the DC area, even for those who are planning on leaving the city to attend college in another state! Below, we’ve outlined some of the grants the country’s capital offers and details on how you can find more information about affording college tuition.
Jason Pier in DC
Washington DC State Grants
1. DC Tuition Assistance Grant
Also known as the DCTAG, the DC Tuition Assistance Grant is for Washington DC residents who are planning on attending a participating college in the United States. Students are not restricted to attending school in the capital with this award! Recipients can receive up to $50,000.
To be eligible, students must submit their applications by mid-August and:
- Be under the age of 26
- Be earning their first associate or bachelor’s degree
- Show financial need
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) with the college
- Be attending college at least half-time
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. DC Futures Program
The DC Futures Program is a last-dollar scholarship for DC college students who are attending college in the capital. Eligible students can receive up to $8,000 per year that can be put towards their college expenses and it is renewable. There is an additional $2,000 in emergency funds each year for unexpected expenses.
Students interested in applying for the program will have to:
- Have been a resident of Washington DC for at least 12 months
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be attending a participating college. The three participating colleges in this specific program are The Catholic University of America, Trinity Washington University, and the University of the District of Columbia.
- Attend a college coaching program
- Be earning their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree
- Study a field that is considered high-demand
3. OSSE Scholars Summer Enrichment Program
For 10th and 11th-grade high school students, there is the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) Scholars Summer Enrichment Program. Over 250 students can be named an OSSE Scholar and receive financial assistance to attend summer college programs at participating colleges and universities throughout the United States (including Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and others).
In order to apply, students must:
- Be attending a Washington DC public high school
- Demonstrate financial need
- Earn a 3.2 GPA or higher
- Showcase leadership skills
- Be planning on attending college after high school graduation
And More
Three other grants for Washington DC students include:
- Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
- United States Presidential Scholars – Open to students from all over the country
- United States Senate Youth Program
Where Can You Find More Information on Washington DC State Grants?
To find more information about grants available to residents and students of Washington DC, head over to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education website. There students and their families can find details on all programs, deadlines, qualification requirements, and more. The website also offers additional resources for college planning, affording tuition, and advice.
Not a resident of DC? Find state grants for the state you reside in to see what’s out there that you might qualify for!
Even with state grants, affording college can be difficult. Scholarships can help bridge the financial gap. Use our Scholarship Search tool today to learn about hundreds of awards you may qualify for!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
|
|
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
