Seattle Promise is a local tuition-support program that lets eligible graduates of Seattle public high schools study for up to two years at North Seattle, Seattle Central, or South Seattle College. Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle administer it with funding from the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy. The official Class of 2027 page says eligibility does not depend on GPA, income, or country of birth. That does not mean anyone can attend a private or out-of-city university and receive the same benefit: the institution and graduating class are central to eligibility.
For the Class of 2027, students must complete a Seattle Promise application and, separately, admission to the North, Central, or South campus. The posted deadline for both is February 13, 2027. Then submit FAFSA or WASFA by April 30, 2027, and complete the college financial-aid file by July 30. Promise is not calculated from its own application alone: the campus must process the financial-aid application and apply federal, state, and institutional grants first. Save each confirmation and check the portal for outstanding tasks.
The Class of 2027 starts in fall 2027 and must enroll full time with at least 12 credits. The official calendar lists Readiness Academy in May and June and Campus Connect in August and September. Ask the Promise team about Running Start or dual-enrollment credits: the family page says some participants remain eligible with fewer than 90 college-level credits and no completed associate degree. Do not extend that rule to a different situation without a transcript review. A change of class year, pause, campus, or credit load can affect the path and should be confirmed before registration.
“Up to two years without tuition” does not mean every college expense is covered. Promise applies to the eligible tuition balance after other grants and scholarships. Seattle Colleges separately describes equity support that may help qualifying students with books, supplies, transportation, or other costs; ask which support applies and how to request it. Before comparing Promise with another institution’s offer, request a budget showing tuition, fees, books, housing, food, and transportation. Seattle’s cost of living and program charges may leave a gap even if tuition is covered.
Program continuity is supported by the levy renewal Seattle voters approved in November 2025, with funding planned through 2032; dates and steps still change by cohort. Begin through the official links and email Promise@seattlecolleges.edu if an application does not appear or your high school is missing from the system. Do not pay a company that promises to secure a public scholarship. Seattle Promise opens a local college pathway and support, but admission to capacity-limited programs, help with additional costs, and continued eligibility depend on steps and conditions that each campus must confirm.
Seattle Promise application and Class of 2027 timeline — Seattle Colleges.
Seattle Promise about and levy renewal — Seattle Colleges.
Complete FAFSA/WASFA for Seattle Promise — Seattle Colleges.
Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy — City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning.
2025 FEPP levy renewal: Every Child Ready — City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning.
Seattle Promise FAQ for parents and families — Seattle Colleges.
Informational guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Award amounts, eligibility, and deadlines depend on the award year, institution, and individual record; confirm your file on StudentAid.gov and with the campus financial-aid office.
Seattle Promise combines local funding with federal and state aid and may cover tuition at three colleges for eligible public-school graduates. Track the 2027 deadlines, file FAFSA or WASFA, and request a campus breakdown of costs not covered.
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Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges
Up to two years of tuition at North Seattle, Seattle Central, or South Seattle College for graduating seniors from Seattle public high schools; eligibility is not based on GPA, income, or birthplace, but requires FAFSA or WASFA, admission, and full-time enrollment.
Seattle-funded local college-tuition and student-support program
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
City of Seattle, Department of Education and Early Learning · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Seattle Promise Scholarship — Seattle Colleges ↗
Primary source
Seattle Colleges · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.