FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 6358

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: Requiring institutions of higher education to provide certain financial aid information to admitted and prospective students.

Background: The State Need Grant (SNG) program assists needy and disadvantaged students by offsetting a portion of their higher education costs. To be eligible, a student's family income cannot exceed 70 percent of the state's median family income, which is currently $57,500 for a family of four. Approximately 74,000 low-income recipients received SNG funds during the 2012-13 academic year. However, 32,000 students were unserved for one or more terms.

According to the Washington Student Achievement Council, eligible students not receiving SNG funds are less likely to persist and re-enroll the following year. They are also less likely to attend fulltime and for the entire academic year, and they borrow more student loans than those with SNG assistance.

Summary: The Legislature recognizes that not all SNG-eligible students receive awards due to limited funds or unfamiliarity with aid policies. Thus, the Legislature intends to ensure that colleges and universities clearly disseminate their financial policies to students.

Community and technical colleges must provide financial aid application due dates and information on whether or not financial aid will be awarded on a rolling basis to admitted students at the time of their acceptance.

All institutions of higher education are encouraged to post financial aid application dates and distribution policies on their websites.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	0
House	97	1