DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
DCTAG is a federally authorized grant administered locally by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to expand college choices for District residents. It can support undergraduate study at hundreds of eligible institutions outside Washington, DC; it is not open to everyone living in the metro area. For 2026–27, OSSE lists up to $15,000 at eligible public colleges outside the District and up to $3,750 a year at certain four-year private institutions—nati
About DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG)
DCTAG is a federally authorized grant administered locally by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to expand college choices for District residents. It can support undergraduate study at hundreds of eligible institutions outside Washington, DC; it is not open to everyone living in the metro area. For 2026–27, OSSE lists up to $15,000 at eligible public colleges outside the District and up to $3,750 a year at certain four-year private institutions—national HBCUs or regional nonprofits—with an $18,750 lifetime cap.
Eligibility includes US citizenship or an eligible immigration status, actual DC domicile for at least 12 months before beginning college and continued District domicile while enrolled, a recent high-school or equivalent credential, satisfactory academic progress, no prior bachelor’s degree, and income limits that vary by entry year. A dependent student may need to establish a parent or guardian’s domicile. A post-office box does not prove residency. Check the official eligible-college list before committing to enrollment.
For 2026–27, the DC OneApp ran from February 2 through August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; it is closed as of October 13. Students apply every year and provide FAFSA plus proof of domicile, income, and graduation. OSSE’s schedule may be updated for future cycles; a 2027–28 date should not be guessed. Gather residency documents and ask a DCTAG advisor about the next opening while exploring other institutional and state aid.
Who it serves and what it can cover: DCTAG is a federally authorized grant administered locally by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) to expand college choices for District residents. It can support undergraduate study at hundreds of eligible institutions outside Washington, DC; it is not open to everyone living in the metro area. For 2026–27, OSSE lists up to $15,000 at eligible public colleges outside the District and up to $3,750 a year at certain four-year private institutions—national HBCUs or regional nonprofits—with an $18,750 lifetime cap. Eligibility includes US citizenship or an eligible immigration status, actual DC domicile for at least 12 months before beginning college and continued District domicile while enrolled, a recent high-school or equivalent credential, satisfactory academic progress, no prior bachelor’s degree, and income limits that vary by entry year. A dependent student may need to establish a parent or guardian’s domicile. A post-office box does not prove residency. Check the official eligible-college list before committing to enrollment.
How to apply or get help: For 2026–27, the DC OneApp ran from February 2 through August 21, 2026, at 3 p.m.; it is closed as of October 13. Students apply every year and provide FAFSA plus proof of domicile, income, and graduation. OSSE’s schedule may be updated for future cycles; a 2027–28 date should not be guessed. Gather residency documents and ask a DCTAG advisor about the next opening while exploring other institutional and state aid. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program