College Bound Scholarship — WSAC

College Bound is a promise that begins before college. Washington enrolls eligible students during middle-school years and reserves a path to aid once they finish high school. It is not a check sent at graduation: seniors still need to apply for financial aid, attend a participating college and meet residency and income rules. The promise coordinates with Washington College Grant to cover public-college tuition or an approved equivalent.

First confirm that your enrollment appears in WSAC’s system. Enrollment generally happens in seventh or eighth grade, with pathways for some private-school, homeschooled or newly eligible students; WSAC publishes the exact categories. If you do not remember signing up, ask your school counselor, check the relevant portal or contact College Bound with your legal name and school information. A verbal expectation is not a substitute for confirmation in the state record.

As graduation approaches, complete FAFSA or WASFA for the aid year that matches your first college term and list the Washington school you plan to attend. College Bound considers family income at the time of use and annual program requirements; middle-school enrollment alone does not guarantee a payment. Eligibility may change if household income exceeds the limit for that year. Reapply for aid each year and notify the campus if you change institutions.

WSAC says some families interpreted the word “scholarship” as an immediate award, so it clarifies FAFSA, enrollment and participating-school requirements. Student forums also contain questions about when an offer arrives and how College Bound works with WA Grant, but comments do not determine eligibility. If the promise is missing from your offer, ask the college to confirm enrollment, receipt of FAFSA/WASFA and coordination with WA Grant; do not assume the two maximum amounts are simply added together.

Before accepting a place, confirm the school participates and that you meet income, residency and academic-progress rules, then ask which costs remain. College Bound is designed to reduce or cover tuition and certain educational charges; it does not guarantee housing, meals, transportation or every campus fee. Keep enrollment confirmation, annual applications, notices and the final offer. WSAC administers the program from Olympia, while the college financial-aid office certifies each student’s eligibility.