DCTAG is local support for students and families domiciled in the District of Columbia who choose to study elsewhere. It does not pay any college bill: for public colleges, it helps with part of the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition. For 2026–27, the District raised the annual maximum from $10,000 to $15,000 and the lifetime cap to $75,000. The actual award depends on the tuition difference and individual eligibility.
A separate category serves students at private nonprofit colleges in the DC metropolitan area and four-year private HBCUs nationwide: the maximum is $3,750 per year and $18,750 lifetime. Payments are reduced for less-than-full-time enrollment, and students are limited to six award years. Check OSSE’s participating-school list; a college’s name alone does not establish that a particular campus qualifies.
The 2026–27 window opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; it is closed as of this review. Confirm future-cycle dates with OSSE when they are announced. The annual process uses DC OneApp, FAFSA, and documents proving residency and eligibility. If the deadline has passed, do not assume late documents will be accepted; ask OSSE and the college aid office about other available support.
The 2026–27 window opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; it is closed as of this review. Confirm future-cycle dates with OSSE when they are announced. The annual process uses DC OneApp, FAFSA, and documents proving residency and eligibility. If the deadline has passed, do not assume late documents will be accepted; ask OSSE and the college aid office about other available support.
Before applying, confirm that the cycle is open and that you meet the official requirements. Gather FAFSA or the alternative form, transcript, supporting documents, and essays when required; keep a copy and receipt. Track the deadline separately from supporting-document dates. Check the portal until the file is complete and ask financial aid how the award coordinates with other aid. Do not budget money that has not been awarded.
When comparing options, distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans: not all are repaid or cover the same charges. Ask for a balance estimate after FAFSA and other aid, and confirm the rules before relying on the funds.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Scholarships and Grants for Students — Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
DCTAG Awards, Funding, and Disbursement Process — Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
25 years of DCTAG; 2026–27 increase — Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and calendars can change; confirm the current cycle with the administrator and your school financial-aid office. Applying does not guarantee an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
DCTAG is local support for students and families domiciled in the District of Columbia who choose to study elsewhere. It does not pay any college bill: for public colleges, it helps with part of the gap between in-state and out-of-state tuition. For 2026–27, the District raised the annual maximum from $10,000 to $15,000 and the lifetime cap to $75,000. The actual award depends on the tuition difference and individual eligibility.
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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education · 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.