Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Postsecondary Education & Workforce Committee
SB 5711
Brief Description: Extending the terms of eligibility for the Washington college grant program.
Sponsors: Senators Nobles, Liias, Frame, Hasegawa, Hunt, Lovelett, Nguyen, Pedersen, Salda?a, Shewmake, Valdez and Wilson, C.; by request of Student Achievement Council.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Extends eligibility for the Washington College Grant from five years or 125 percent of the published length of the student's program to six years or 150 percent of the published length of the student's program.
Hearing Date: 3/10/23
Staff: Saranda Ross (786-7068)
Background:

The Washington College Grant (WCG) is the state's largest financial aid program and provides grants to low-income students to pursue postsecondary education.  The WCG is an entitlement program administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council with guaranteed grants for students who qualify.  To qualify, a student must:

  • demonstrate financial need;
  • be a state resident;
  • be enrolled at a Washington higher education institution or be enrolled in an approved, registered apprenticeship program;
  • file a financial aid application; and 
  • not already have a bachelor's degree or higher.

 

The maximum WCG award covers tuition, and services and activities fees, for 15 quarter credits or the equivalent at the state's public institutions.  A student is eligible to receive the WCG for five years or up to 125 percent of the published length of the student's program.
Summary of Bill:

A student is eligible to receive the WCG for six years or up to 150 percent of the published length of the student's program or the credit or clock-hour equivalent.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on July 1, 2023.