Washington’s National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant supports Guard members and eligible dependents in undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs at approved in-state institutions. It applies to authorized programs and campuses; it is not an automatic waiver at any school or payment for out-of-state tuition.
The 2026–27 application is open. Published base maximums are $2,500 at community and technical colleges; $3,500 at Western Governors University Washington; $4,500 for applied bachelor’s programs at CTCs and regional public universities; and $6,500 at four-year private or public research institutions. Up to $500 once for books and supplies may be added. The award does not automatically cover full tuition.
Eligible applicants include active participating Washington Air or Army National Guard members and dependents of an active member who are registered in DEERS. Applicants need FAFSA or WASFA, good standing, and satisfactory progress. Recipients commit to one Guard service year for each aid year; this may run concurrently with an existing contract.
The grant can help with costs after other aid and, if a student receives no federal, state, or institutional aid, WSAC says it may be used as a non-need award. Ask financial aid how it coordinates with FAFSA, military benefits, and outside scholarships, and confirm payment dates. WSAC lists nationalguard@wsac.wa.gov.
Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.
Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant — Washington Student Achievement Council.
2026–27 National Guard Grant Program Manual — Washington Student Achievement Council.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
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National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG)
Washington’s National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant supports Guard members and eligible dependents in undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs at approved in-state institutions. It applies to authorized programs and campuses; it is not an automatic waiver at any school or payment for out-of-state tuition. The 2026–27 application is open. Published base maximums are $2,500 at community and technical colleges; $3,500 at Western Governors University
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
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
Washington Student Achievement Council · 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 National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (NGG) ↗
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 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.