DCTAG is a federally authorized grant administered locally by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to expand college choices for District residents. It can support undergraduate study at hundreds of eligible institutions outside Washington, DC; it is not open to everyone living in the metro area. For 2026–27, OSSE lists up to $15,000 at eligible public colleges outside the District and up to $3,750 a year at certain four-year private institutions—national HBCUs or regional nonprofits—with an $18,750 lifetime cap.
Eligibility includes US citizenship or an eligible immigration status, actual DC domicile for at least 12 months before beginning college and continued District domicile while enrolled, a recent high-school or equivalent credential, satisfactory academic progress, no prior bachelor’s degree, and income limits that vary by entry year. A dependent student may need to establish a parent or guardian’s domicile. A post-office box does not prove residency. Check the official eligible-college list before committing to enrollment.
For 2026–27, the DC OneApp ran from February 2 through August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; it is closed as of October 13. Students apply every year and provide FAFSA plus proof of domicile, income, and graduation. OSSE’s schedule may be updated for future cycles; a 2027–28 date should not be guessed. Gather residency documents and ask a DCTAG advisor about the next opening while exploring other institutional and state aid.
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.
DCTAG: requisitos y solicitud 2026–27 — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Aumento de DCTAG y cantidades privadas 2026–27 — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Lista de programas de ayuda del Distrito — 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.
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
DCTAG is a federally authorized grant administered locally by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to expand college choices for District residents. It can support undergraduate study at hundreds of eligible institutions outside Washington, DC; it is not open to everyone living in the metro area. For 2026–27, OSSE lists up to $15,000 at eligible public colleges outside the District and up to $3,750 a year at certain four-year private institutions—nati
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 application and program information ↗
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 Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) ↗
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 Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) ↗
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.