DC Futures is a public support program—not only a scholarship—for District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at a local university. The scholarship works as last-dollar aid toward eligible tuition and costs after other funds are considered. The program also combines college coaching and, subject to need and funding, emergency support; eligibility depends on institution, major, residency, and available resources.
Only Catholic University of America, Trinity Washington University, and University of the District of Columbia participate. A student’s major must align with high-demand industries, and the applicant must be pursuing a first associate or bachelor’s degree. The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. EDT. That date has passed, and OSSE says funding constraints prevent new applicants in this cycle; only current participants may apply.
The 2026–27 policy document sets a maximum of up to $8,000, but the partner university determines an individual award after Pell and other aid are applied. Some students may have their assessed need fully covered; others may still owe housing, transportation, books, or costs outside the calculation. OSSE also recommends completing the DC OneApp/DCTAG application where appropriate. Eligibility does not guarantee an award if funding or coaching capacity is exhausted.
New residents should check whether OSSE opens places in a later cycle and should not rely on old pages displaying historical forms. Current participants must follow renewal dates, remain enrolled at an eligible institution, and meet coaching and progress responsibilities. For budgeting, request a written financial-aid offer from the campus and confirm how prior balances, stipends, or emergency funds work; each component has separate rules.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
DC Futures Program — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Information for Students — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
2026–27 DC Futures Policy Document — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
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DC Futures Program
DC Futures is a public support program—not only a scholarship—for District of Columbia residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at a local university. The scholarship works as last-dollar aid toward eligible tuition and costs after other funds are considered. The program also combines college coaching and, subject to need and funding, emergency support; eligibility depends on institution, major, residency, and available resources.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Futures Program ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Futures Program ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.