Washington’s College Bound program encourages students from low-income families to prepare for college beginning in middle school. Enrollment usually starts in grades 7 or 8, and later funding depends on high-school completion, attendance at an eligible institution, and income and conduct rules. Aid combines with the Washington College Grant to reach a maximum by institution type; it is not a universal additional payment.
Students must have been enrolled through the school process or a special application pathway, graduate from a Washington high school, and meet conduct rules. Income ceilings are checked in the enrollment year, so a family may qualify in one year but not another. For 2026–27 WSAC publishes limits by household size and different combined maximums for public universities, community colleges, and private schools.
2026–27 College Bound maximums combined with Washington College Grant vary by institution: WSAC lists $13,703 at the University of Washington, $13,200 at Washington State University, and $5,595 at community and technical colleges. These are combined caps, not one guaranteed check; the final award depends on FAFSA/WASFA, income, and cost.
If the student is already enrolled, file FAFSA or WASFA each year and list Washington colleges; answer document requests and confirm WSAC has high-school completion records. Students from private school or homeschool should ask WSAC whether additional verification is needed. Contact collegebound@wsac.wa.gov or 888-535-0747, option 1.
A high figure in the chart represents College Bound plus WA Grant; do not count it twice or treat it as a guaranteed yearly award. Read the program profile and the administering office; ask your campus financial-aid office to review your individual file.
College Bound Program — Washington Student Achievement Council.
Washington College Grant Awards — WSAC.
State Aid Participating Institutions — WSAC.
Information checked on October 13, 2026 against official sources. Cycles, funding, and deadlines can change each year. Where the 2026–27 deadline has passed, this is stated clearly; check the next application cycle and do not assume an award is automatic.
A high figure in the chart represents College Bound plus WA Grant; do not count it twice or treat it as a guaranteed yearly award.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
College Bound Program
2026–27 caps combine College Bound and WA Grant and depend on the institution; annual FAFSA/WASFA and income verification are required.
Public student financial-aid program
Washington Student Achievement Council — College Bound
The council verifies early enrollment, graduation, conduct, annual need, and college eligibility.
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
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
WSAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
WSAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Washington Student Achievement Council · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of College Bound Program ↗
Primary source
WSAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Washington Student Achievement Council — College Bound ↗
Primary source
WSAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Washington Student Achievement Council — College Bound ↗
Primary source
WSAC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.