Washington Scholarships

Washington is one of the best states to pursue quality higher education with a choice of more than 100 higher education institutions and many scholarship opportunities. It boasts some of the best universities nationally like the University of Washington. The state of Washington ranks #3 in Higher Education and it is placed at #13 in Education overall by the U.S. News. Washington also offers extensive career resources and job opportunities, as well as support systems for those seeking to further their education, not to mention, the culture, history, and natural sites for students to explore.

Moreover, the average cost of in-state tuition is lower than the national average. This makes studying here more affordable compared to many other states. However, the cost of living may offset the low cost of tuition here as it is around 17% higher than the national average. Therefore, costs related to education like housing, rent, transportation, and groceries can raise the cost of attendance upwards.

Many students end up taking loans to complete their degrees and post-secondary diplomas/certificates. The average student loan in the state equals $35,611, which is slightly more than the national average. The loans help complete higher education but they create a long-term liability for student borrowers. After students graduate, their disposable incomes are reduced as each month they end up making repayments on their student loans. It is, therefore, best to fund higher education using financial aid that is non-repayable like scholarships and grants.

We have listed around 25 Washington scholarships for all kinds of students to choose from. These scholarships vary in award amounts and some even cover the full cost of tuition. We have also provided information on how to apply for these scholarships and have listed some tips and tricks to win one.

There are around 108 colleges and universities in Washington out of which 48 are public institutions while the rest are private. These institutions also include 14 community colleges and 22 trade schools. The top three institutions within the state include the University of Washington, Gonzaga University, and Seattle University. The University of Washington is a public institution while the other two are private.

The University of Washington is located in Seattle, WA. It is ranked at #40 on the list of the best national universities in America by the U.S. News. It has an acceptance rate of 48% and a total undergraduate enrolment of 36,872 students. The in-state tuition and fees here are $12,643, and out-of-state tuition and fees cost $41,997. There is also an option for on-campus housing and room and board equals $17,982 for the year ending 2024. Some of the more popular majors at the University of Washington include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services.

Gonzaga University, located in the city of Spokane, is a more expensive institution but it offers great educational opportunities. The tuition and fees amount to around $53,500 and more than 50% of the students complete their education here with loans. It has an acceptance rate of 70% and houses more than 5000 undergraduates and around 2,169 graduates. The room and board here are comparatively cheaper than the University of Washington and cost around $15,080 (2023-24). Popular majors at this university include Business, Management, Marketing, Social Sciences, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

Seattle University is the most expensive one out of the three as tuition and fees here equal $54,285. This university has a high acceptance rate of 85% and a total enrollment of 7,107 students including around 4,099 undergraduates. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services are the most popular major choices at Seattle University. However, more than 70% of the students here borrow student loans to pursue and complete their studies and the average debt per student at graduation is around $24,995.

Various Washington colleges accept students with an average GPA of around 3.0 including Central Washington University, Heritage University, and The Evergreen State College.

Central Washington University is located in Ellensburg, WA, and has a high acceptance rate of 95%. The average accepted GPA here is around 3.1 and it has a ‘test blind policy’ as it does not consider SATs/ACTs at all – even if submitted. It is also one of the more affordable public institutions in Washington as it charges around $8,339 for in-state tuition and fees. There is an application fee, however, of around $60.

Heritage University, situated in Toppenish, is another university that accepts students who generally have a GPA of around 3.02. It is an easy university to get into for everyone as long as they meet the basic minimum requirements due to its ‘Open Admission Policy.’ It is actually a private institution but compared to other private universities, the cost of tuition and fees here is more affordable – around $19,500. There is also no fee charged for submitting an application here.

The Evergreen State College is a public institution located in Olympia, WA. It has an acceptance rate of 96% and In-state tuition and fees here equals $8,965. Submitting SAT/ACT test scores is not compulsory for admission here and they are only considered if students submit them. Mostly, students here study majors including Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities. However, prospective students have to pay an application fee of around $50.

The average cost of in-state tuition in Washington is around $7,485 which is around 20% lower than the national average of $9,349. This makes Washington an affordable state for students looking to pursue higher education. However, the living costs here are slightly higher – around 17% higher than the national average – which can make the costs associated with completing a degree like housing, rent, food and groceries, and transportation higher.

The most affordable top national universities within Washington state include Washington State University and the University of Washington which charges less than $13,000 for in-state tuition and fees. Some other public regional universities charge even lower tuition and fees of around $8,000.

On the other hand, students can also find some of the most expensive universities in the state like Seattle University, Gonzaga University, and Seattle Pacific University. These are all private institutions and charge $54,285, $53,500, and $38,814 for tuition and fees respectively. They do provide great quality of education but most students at these universities graduate with the help of loans.

The best way to afford the universities in Washington without getting into debt is through scholarships. These are awards and gifts that can help pay a significant chunk of tuition and they do not require any payments. Some of the best Washington scholarships to consider include the Crabby Beach Scholarship in Art, the Baccalaureate Scholarship, the Washington Osteopathic Foundation Scholarship, the Foundation Fund Scholarship, and the Evans Scholars Program.

Washington colleges and universities have a total student enrolment of around 314,585; almost 88% of these students are undergraduates, and around 56% are women.

White students dominate the biggest proportion of the student population as there are about 147,963 white students in the state of Washington. Hispanics follow with a total of around 46,940 students and then comes the Asian population, contributing 35,512 to the total. American Indian/Native American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders contribute the smallest percentage to the total as their numbers are even less than 3000 each.

The state’s total student loan debt is around $28.4 billion and on average a student borrower owes around $35,611 – which exceeds the national average of $28,950. There are around 797,500 student borrowers in the state and almost 50% of them are under the age of 35. A considerable chunk of the total borrowers, around 20.6%, around $20,000 to $40,000 in student loans.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to ensure you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the student’s financial need, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Washington scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Washington. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Washington offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the number of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school seniors have various scholarship options to consider. Some of the best options are listed below.

1. Baccalaureate Scholarship
2. Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship
3. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
4. InspirASIAN Scholarships
5. Evans Scholars Program

The majority of the undergraduates complete their degrees with help from loans. Scholarships are a much better option as they do not create debt. They are like ‘gifts’ that help undergraduates pay for tuition partially or completely. Undergraduate students across all 4 years can consider the following Washington scholarships.

1. Giving Back General Scholarship
2. Alliance of Women in Washington Wine Scholarship
3. WTS Portland Chapter Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship
4. Washington Thoroughbred Foundation Scholarship
5. Davis Memorial Foundation

The following scholarships can help graduates pay for their tuition independently:

1. WCCMA Scholarship
2. NEWH | Northwest Chapter Scholarship
3. Foundation Fund Scholarship
4. Albert Don Memorial Scholarship
5. Horse Heaven Hills Scholarships
6. George & Susan Carter Scholarship
7. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
8. MGMA Western Section Scholarship

Students majoring in education degrees can get help from the following scholarships. These are not specific to any major and all students, regardless of their degree major, can apply for them.

1. InspirASIAN Scholarships
2. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
3. Evans Scholars Program

There are not many scholarships that are specifically for nursing majors in the state. Students can apply for all the general scholarships available that are not limited by a particular major. The following are some options to consider:

1. Korean American Scholarship Foundation-Western Regional Chapter
2. Cathay Bank Foundation Scholarship
3. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
4. Student Of Color Scholarship

Women student population in the state of Washington is higher than males. Moreover, many women face greater financial problems as compared to men. Scholarships are a great source of financial aid that can help these women complete their education. Some of the best women scholarships include:

1. Alliance of Women in Washington Wine Scholarship
2. WTS Portland Chapter Gail Achterman Leadership Scholarship

Universities in Washington provide various merit-based scholarships to their students. Some examples of such universities include Washington State University, Central Washington University, and Seattle University.

Washington State University automatically awards the $2,000 or $4,000 University Achievement Award to students with a 3.6+ high school GPA. There are many other merit-based scholarships offered at the university including the Crimson Transfer Award which awards $2,000 and requires a minimum GPA of 3.2, and the Regents Scholar with an award of $4,000. The university also supports full-ride scholarships like the National Merit Scholarships and Cougar Commitment Award.

Central Washington University, located in Ellensburg, also has various academic GPA-based scholarships in store for their new admissions. For those that have a GPA of 3.8 or above the university grants a total of $3,000 CWU Presidential Tuition Award. Their Trustee’s Tuition Award requires a high school GPA of between 3.5 and 3.79 for eligibility and awards $1,500. The other two merit scholarships they offer include the Wildcat Tuition Award of $1,000 which requires a GPA between 3.0 and 3.49, and the $500 Early Scholar Merit Award for students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Seattle University offers renewable merit-based scholarships to both state residents and international students and the awards for state residents range from $13,000 to $30,000 per year. First-years are automatically considered for these scholarships at admission if they meet the eligibility requirements. Students can always learn more about the scholarship opportunities at their institutions by contacting their financial aid office.

Students can find state-based scholarships in Washington through the Washington State Achievement Council (WSAC). Some scholarships the state offers are need-based like the College Bound Scholarship, which requires demonstrating financial need. This need-based scholarship covers full public college tuition or an equivalent amount for an approved private college or technical/career school. American Indian Endowed Scholarship awards between $500 to $2,000 to deserving students and is a merit-based scholarship but also requires students to demonstrate financial need. There are many more financial aid opportunities supported by WSAC and listed on their website.

The Washington City/County Management Association is another organization that awards scholarships to college students. It aims to increase the knowledge and quality of local government management by providing assistance in education and other areas to its members and their agencies. Therefore, it has a scholarship for students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration or Public Policy with a desire to work in City/County Management.

Students can also go through the College Success Foundation website to access their scholarships. This national nonprofit organization offers multiple Washington scholarships to college students with an aim to help underserved, low-income students complete their educational pursuits. Some of their scholarships include the Governors’ Scholarship for Foster Youth, the Leadership 1000 Scholarship, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship. Students who are pursuing wine or viticulture-related disciplines can also refer to the Washington Wine Industry Foundation for related scholarship opportunities.

Most educational institutions offer scholarships to their enrolled students too. Students can contact their school’s financial aid office to find out about in-house opportunities available to them.

The state provides the Washington College Grant to complete certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college education. This need-based grant requires students to demonstrate financial needs through state or federal financial aid applications. The grant amount depends on various factors like family size, income, and the cost of your school or program. Students can also get full tuition compensation if they are eligible. Those eligible include Washington residents, recent high school graduates or working-age adults, and individuals from low- to middle-income families. Moreover, students can be part-time or full-time but must be enrolled in an approved certificate program, job training, apprenticeship, or college for eligibility.