Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

College & Workforce Development Committee

HB 2514

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Creating the Washington common application.

Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Rude, Slatter, Ortiz-Self, Kilduff, Valdez and Goodman; by request of Lieutenant Governor.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Student Achievement Council (Council) to develop a common application for admission to Washington's public higher education institutions.

  • Requires the Council to develop a common application fee, in addition to a fee waiver policy for certain prospective students.

  • Requires the public higher education institutions to accept the common application for admission.

Hearing Date: 1/22/20

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

Higher education institutions have authority to determine individual admissions policies and procedures. This includes creation of an application form for admission and setting an application fee. Application fees for prospective undergraduate students range from $50 to $80 at public higher education institutions in Washington. Most institutions have application fee waivers available for certain students. In addition, some public higher education institutions are members of college websites that include free, online college planning tools, such as college essay writing prompts, and a common application form. For example, the University of Washington is a member of Coalition for College.

Summary of Bill:

The Student Achievement Council (Council) must develop a common application for admission to Washington's public higher education institutions. The Council must consult with the institutions to determine the required elements of a common application, develop an online application tool through which prospective students can apply, and establish a uniform college application fee which may be adjusted annually. In addition, the Council must develop a common application fee waiver policy for eligible prospective students. Eligible prospective students are those who are residents, apply to an institution through the common application, have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, and demonstrate financial need in accordance with the Washington College Grant. Public higher education institutions must accept the common application for admission, but may require additional supplemental materials. Additionally, the institutions may not charge additional fees beyond the uniform college application fee created.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 14, 2020.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.