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:
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.
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.
(In support) The WCG is one of the most generous financial aid programs on a state and federal level. This bill will align state and federal aid so students have access to both at the same time. This change will allow students to maximize their eligibility and give them the time and space they need to complete their programs. This bill is a modest expansion of the eligibility, as only about 5 percent of Washington College Grant recipients need more than four years to complete their degree. The Washington State Education Resource and Data Center states that one in 20 public, four-year university WCG recipients will extend their degree into a sixth year, and that two in three of those that go into a sixth year will finish their degree. This bill will provide life-changing opportunities to up to 6,000 students.
(Opposed) None.