This bill amends the Washington college grant and college bound scholarship program to enhance financial support for students attending private four-year not-for-profit institutions of higher education in Washington. Key changes include an increase in the maximum Washington college grant for these students from 50% to 90% of the average awards granted to students at public regional universities and the state college, as defined in RCW 28B.10.016, starting in the 2026-27 academic year. Additionally, the bill specifies that the maximum grant for students attending private four-year institutions will be $9,739 for the 2019-20 academic year, with annual increases tied to the tuition growth factor until the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

The bill also outlines the eligibility criteria for the college bound scholarship program, which includes automatic enrollment for eligible students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, are dependents under chapter 13.34 RCW, or were adopted with a negotiated adoption agreement. The scholarship award amounts are adjusted to reflect the average of awards granted to students in public research universities, with similar provisions for vocational schools and Western Governors University-Washington. The legislation aims to ensure that eligible students receive adequate financial support to pursue higher education while maintaining a focus on affordability and accessibility.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28B.92.030
Substitute bill: 28B.92.030