Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 1767

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: Adding a minimum grade point average to the state need grant renewal requirement.

Sponsors: Representatives Hargrove, Walsh, Zeiger, Scott and Muri.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires all students, except those attending The Evergreen State College (TESC), to maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to remain qualified for the State Need Grant (SNG).

  • Requires students attending TESC to meet the requirements of the college's satisfactory academic progress policy to remain qualified for the SNG.

Hearing Date: 2/13/15

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

The 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 2013-14 academic year, 70,109 Washington students received the SNG. At the same time, there were 33,557 students who were eligible but not served. Appropriations for the SNG were $303 million for the 2013-14 academic year and $308 million for the 2014-15 academic year.

Summary of Bill:

In addition to maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward completion of an eligible program, all students, except those attending The Evergreen State College (TESC), must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to remain qualified for the SNG. Students attending TESC must meet the requirements of the college's satisfactory academic progress policy to remain qualified.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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