The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding to District residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at approved area colleges. Funds go to the institution for tuition and fees rather than to the student as a reimbursement; it is also last-dollar aid, so Pell and other assistance can reduce the remaining amount. The published bachelor’s cap is up to $4,000 per year, subject to funding and individual review.
For 2026–27, OSSE requires District domicile, graduation from a DC public high school or a qualifying GED/NEDP credential within the applicable year window, financial need below 300% of the federal poverty guideline, and enrollment at an approved college. High-school graduates need a final GPA of at least 2.5; GED/NEDP applicants have separate recommendation and college-transcript requirements. The income cap depends on household size—for example, $99,000 for a family of four—and must be checked in the current-year table rather than an older chart.
The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; the deadline has passed. Students reapply each year, meet satisfactory academic progress, and complete at least 12 credits annually for an associate degree or 24 for a bachelor’s. If you applied, share your award letter with financial aid and confirm how it is coordinated with other aid. For the next cycle, prepare FAFSA, residency and income documents, and transcripts before APS opens.
Before accepting, compare the final balance with tuition, fees, and other aid; confirm the rules with the official source and ask the college financial-aid office for guidance.
Read the official program profile and FAFSA guide; request an individual review before enrolling.
Mayor’s Scholars: elegibilidad 2026–27 — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Página del programa en español — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Preguntas y respuestas para estudiantes — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Programs, funding, and deadlines correspond to the stated cycle and may change. Eligibility does not guarantee an award: confirm your file, covered costs, and any service obligation with the agency and college.
Compare net costs and confirm requirements, funding, dates, and obligations with the program and institution before committing.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding to District residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at approved area colleges. Funds go to the institution for tuition and fees rather than to the student as a reimbursement; it is also last-dollar aid, so Pell and other assistance can reduce the remaining amount. The published bachelor’s cap is up to $4,000 per year, subject to funding and individual review. For 2026–27, OSSE require
College 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 website of Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate 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 Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate 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 Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate 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.