Why Student Aid Matters
The Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs were designed to help students who work hard, dream big, and deserve a fair shot regardless of family income. Now, the state is pulling the rug out from under them – affecting their ability to stay in school, graduate, and launch their careers.
Cutting student aid hurts students, communities, and the future of Washington’s workforce. If you’re studying at a not-for-profit college, this is about your future—and your voice matters. And if you’re someone who believes that students should be able to attend the college or university that best meets their needs, we need your voice, too.
What’s Changing?
Washington College Grant Cuts (Starting AY 2026–27):
For eligible students attending a not-for-profit university, grants could drop by more than $3,200 per year—from $9,739 to just $6,454.
That’s a loss of more than $13,000 over four years.
College Bound Scholarship Cuts (Starting AY 2027–28):
College Bound students could see their scholarships cut in half—from $13,796 to $6,898 per year.
That’s a total loss of over $27,500 during their college journeys.
Who’s Most Affected?
At private, not-for-profit colleges in Washington:
67% of Washington College Grant recipients are students of color, and
65% are women
62% are first-generation college students
These students may be forced to stop or drop out, borrow more, or forgo enrolling altogether.
Student aid cuts are hitting not-for-profit colleges hard—and that affects you. These schools produce the grads who power Washington’s economy, and chances are, you’re one of them.
Why Student Aid for Not-for-Profit Colleges Matters
Employers across the state count on grads from Washington’s independent, not-for-profit colleges and universities.
They’re looking for exactly what higher education based in the liberal arts provides: teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills, and a strong work ethic.
washington businesses want independent college grads
Most grads from not-for-profit colleges go into fields with major growth in Washington over the next decade:
Independent college degree = high-demand jobs
Field
Business & Management
Engineering
Health Professions
Education
Computer & IT
Projected Jobs
55,000
29,000
45,000
8,000
35,000
