DC Futures is a District of Columbia program combining tuition aid and coaching for DC residents pursuing approved majors at three partner campuses: Catholic University, Trinity Washington University, and the University of the District of Columbia, including UDC Community College. It may include up to $8,000 in last-dollar tuition aid, a coaching stipend, and needs-based emergency support under the handbook and available funding.
The key current-cycle fact is that OSSE said budget constraints mean new applications will not be funded for academic year 2026–27; current participants may continue if they meet renewal rules. The 2026 application closed August 21. This guide therefore does not present the program as open to a new graduate or invite an unfunded application. Check whether a future reopening is officially announced.
For active participants, the handbook describes tuition-balance coverage after other aid, with eligible campuses and majors, continued enrollment, and coaching sessions. Some support benefits—such as monthly stipends, emergency aid, or books—may depend on engagement, need, and funding; do not assume they post automatically. Keep FAFSA, enrollment, and academic progress current and confirm the award with your college.
If you are a new applicant, ask OSSE about current alternatives such as DCTAG or Mayor’s Scholars, but each has different residency, income, and deadline rules. Do not budget the $8,000 maximum as available credit for 2026–27. Current participants should report a major change, credit drop, or transfer to their coordinator and request an explanation of how support is recalculated.
Do not compare programs by the phrase “free tuition” alone. Ask the college for a written budget separating tuition, mandatory fees, books, transportation, housing, and meals, and ask which other grants are deducted before this award is calculated. A last-dollar scholarship may cover only eligible charges left after Pell and institutional aid.
Keep confirmation for every application and check your student portal: FAFSA/CADAA, residency verification, a transcript, education plan, or data-release consent may still be missing. If the current cycle deadline has passed, ask whether an appeal or late list exists, but prepare for the next cycle without assuming late documents will be accepted. Use the linked profiles to identify the administrator and official channel.
Aid can affect other awards and renewals. Before dropping credits, changing campuses, taking a break, or accepting a loan, ask in writing how your award would be recalculated and what academic progress is required. A published maximum is not an individual offer: the final amount depends on funding, eligible charges, other aid, and your file.
DC Futures — DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
DC Futures Information for Students — OSSE.
DC Futures Policy Document 2026–27 — OSSE.
Information checked on October 12, 2026 against official sources. Past deadlines are identified as such; eligibility does not guarantee an award. Before enrolling, confirm the current cycle, available funding, and covered charges with the program and your college financial-aid office.
DC Futures has no new awards for 2026–27; current participants should follow their plan and ask OSSE about alternatives.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
DC Futures
Up to $8,000 in last-dollar aid and engagement-based supports; no new 2026–27 applicants funded.
District tuition and coaching program for current participants
District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
Publishes DCTAG, DC Futures, Mayor’s Scholars, handbooks, and budget notices.
District education agency and scholarship-program administrator
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
OSSE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
OSSE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
OSSE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Futures ↗
Primary source
OSSE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) ↗
Primary source
OSSE · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.