Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding to District residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at approved area colleges. Funds go to the institution for tuition and fees rather than to the student as a reimbursement; it is also last-dollar aid, so Pell and other assistance can reduce the remaining amount. The published bachelor’s cap is up to $4,000 per year, subject to funding and individual review. For 2026–27, OSSE require
About Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding to District residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at approved area colleges. Funds go to the institution for tuition and fees rather than to the student as a reimbursement; it is also last-dollar aid, so Pell and other assistance can reduce the remaining amount. The published bachelor’s cap is up to $4,000 per year, subject to funding and individual review.
For 2026–27, OSSE requires District domicile, graduation from a DC public high school or a qualifying GED/NEDP credential within the applicable year window, financial need below 300% of the federal poverty guideline, and enrollment at an approved college. High-school graduates need a final GPA of at least 2.5; GED/NEDP applicants have separate recommendation and college-transcript requirements. The income cap depends on household size—for example, $99,000 for a family of four—and must be checked in the current-year table rather than an older chart.
The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; the deadline has passed. Students reapply each year, meet satisfactory academic progress, and complete at least 12 credits annually for an associate degree or 24 for a bachelor’s. If you applied, share your award letter with financial aid and confirm how it is coordinated with other aid. For the next cycle, prepare FAFSA, residency and income documents, and transcripts before APS opens.
Who it serves and what it can cover: The Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program provides need-based funding to District residents pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s degree at approved area colleges. Funds go to the institution for tuition and fees rather than to the student as a reimbursement; it is also last-dollar aid, so Pell and other assistance can reduce the remaining amount. The published bachelor’s cap is up to $4,000 per year, subject to funding and individual review. For 2026–27, OSSE requires District domicile, graduation from a DC public high school or a qualifying GED/NEDP credential within the applicable year window, financial need below 300% of the federal poverty guideline, and enrollment at an approved college. High-school graduates need a final GPA of at least 2.5; GED/NEDP applicants have separate recommendation and college-transcript requirements. The income cap depends on household size—for example, $99,000 for a family of four—and must be checked in the current-year table rather than an older chart.
How to apply or get help: The 2026–27 application opened February 2 and closed August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; the deadline has passed. Students reapply each year, meet satisfactory academic progress, and complete at least 12 credits annually for an associate degree or 24 for a bachelor’s. If you applied, share your award letter with financial aid and confirm how it is coordinated with other aid. For the next cycle, prepare FAFSA, residency and income documents, and transcripts before APS opens. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program