Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2615
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: Modifying the requirements for renewing state need grants.
Sponsors: Representatives Pike and Magendanz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/14
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
The state State Need Grant (SNG) program was established in 1969 to assist financially needy or disadvantaged resident students attending a higher education institution. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (Office), within the Washington Student Achievement Council, administers the SNG in coordination with higher education institutions.
The SNG recipients are selected from residents applying for financial aid who have been ranked according to financial need and other considerations. Recipients are required to contribute a portion of the total cost of education through self-help. Students remain eligible for the SNG for up to five years, or the credit or clock equivalent of five years, or up to 125 percent of the published length of time of the student's program. The qualifications for renewal include maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an eligible program.
During the 2012-13 academic year, 73,985 Washington students received the SNG. At the same time, there were 32,443 students who were eligible but not served. The Legislature appropriated $303 million for the SNG for the 2013-14 academic year.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement for student eligibility is reduced to four years from five years, or the credit or clock hour equivalent of four years from five years.
In addition to maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an eligible program, all students, except those attending The Evergreen State College, must maintain at least a 2.75 grade point average. Those students attending The Evergreen State College must meet the requirements of the college's satisfactory academic progress policy to remain qualified for the SNG.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2014.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.