DCTAG may help students who live in Washington, DC and plan to attend a public college outside the District or a private institution in certain categories. Its main purpose is to reduce part of tuition, not automatically pay the entire bill or send cash to a student. The DCTAG profile explains the new 2026–27 cap, domicile rules, and the actual application status.
Beginning in academic year 2026–27, the program allows up to $15,000 per year toward the difference between in-state and nonresident tuition at eligible public institutions, with a $75,000 lifetime cap. At private four-year HBCUs nationwide and private nonprofit colleges in the DC metropolitan area, the maximum may be $3,750 per year and $18,750 over a lifetime. These are caps, not guaranteed awards: the college must qualify, part-time enrollment reduces the amount, and funding depends on annual appropriations.
The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed Friday, August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. As of October 12, it is past the deadline, and the page reviewed does not announce next year’s dates. Applicants must apply annually; domicile must be established in DC for 12 months before first enrolling in college and maintained while enrolled. For dependent students under 24, the parent’s or guardian’s domicile is considered. A post-office box alone does not prove domicile.
Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, have completed secondary school within the 15-year window, enroll at least half time in a regular first-degree program, maintain satisfactory academic progress, have no bachelor’s degree or federal loan default, and meet the income limit. The threshold depends on the year postsecondary study began, so check OSSE’s table instead of relying on an old number. Confirm that the college appears on the official participating-institution list.
For a future cycle, gather residency proof, identification, diploma, household information, and tuition records early. The award is credited directly to the institution after it submits a bill; do not expect it in your bank account. Include housing, books, transportation, insurance, and excluded fees in your budget, and contact a DCTAG adviser if a college bill still shows a balance. Completing the form does not guarantee payment: OSSE reviews eligibility and available funding.
DCTAG 2026–27: solicitud, elegibilidad y documentos — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Instituciones, montos y topes DCTAG — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Cómo se paga DCTAG y cuánto puede cubrir — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Tabla de ingresos máximos 2026–27 — Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC.
Aumento de DCTAG desde 2026–27 — Office of the Mayor, DC.
Informational guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Application periods and funding may change; confirm the current cycle with the program and the financial-aid office before making decisions.
DCTAG raised its caps for 2026–27, but the application has closed and eligibility requires documented domicile and income.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) — OSSE
1050 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Starting in 2026–27, it may cover up to $15,000 per year of the in-state/out-of-state tuition difference at public colleges, or up to $3,750 at eligible private institutions. The 2026–27 application is closed.
District of Columbia college tuition assistance grant
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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 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 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Office of the Mayor, DC · Accessed October 12, 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, District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) — OSSE ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) — OSSE ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) — OSSE ↗
Primary source
Office of the State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) — OSSE ↗
Primary source
Office of the Mayor, District of Columbia · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.