2024 Washington State Scholarships Guide

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✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

Washington State is home to some of the world's most innovative tech companies from Microsoft to Amazon, not to mention Starbucks, Zillow, T-Mobile, Redfin and Costco, that are also headquartered in the Evergreen State! Washington is known for its gorgeous mountain ranges, volcanoes, coastline, and the eclectic excitement of Seattle, known as the "Emerald City."

You may have the chance to add to your college savings fund with these Washington scholarships. We’ve already done the searching for you; all you need to do is apply! Browse through our list of awards for Washington students to see all the awards available to you.

List of Washington State Scholarships in 2024

Pride Foundation Associates in Behavioral Health Scholarship

$12,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 8 Deadline

This award is available for gay, lesbian, or transgendered students who are enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students majoring in social work. Applicants must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.

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Don Renschler Scholarship

$12,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 8 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state and are enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program studying mental health. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.

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Bucknell University Campus Enrichment Scholarship

$100,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 15 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students enrolling at Bucknell University. First generation college students, students from outside the university's traditional geographic area, and those who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to the campus will be considered.

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Nancy Penn Lyons Scholarship Fund

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jan 22 Deadline

This scholarship is available to Georgia high school seniors with demonstrated financial need who have been accepted for enrollment at selective private or out-of-state institutions (students attending public Georgia institutions ineligible). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and an SAT score of 1000 or higher or an ACT score of 22 or higher.

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SWE Region J Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to female re-entry/non-traditional students who are majoring in engineering or computer science and are members of SWE. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and attend an institution within the SWE Region J boundaries.

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Wanda Munn Scholarship (SWE Eastern Washington Section)

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This award is open to re-entry/non-traditional female students who plan to major in engineering and have completed two or more years of full-time credits (does not have to be in an engineering curriculum). Students must reside or attend school in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 17 Deadline

This scholarship is open to students who are accounting majors and will be college juniors or higher in the upcoming fall term at an accredited Washington college or university. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be involved in on-campus, off-campus, or community activities.

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MathWorks Math Modeling (M3) Challenge

$20,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 21 Deadline

This award is for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who participate in a mathematical modeling challenge as part of a school-based group.

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Jack and Dede Hill WSU Exchange Club Scholarship

$900 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Jack and Dede Hill WSU Exchange Club Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Wenatchee High School who are planning to attend Washington State University.

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Hal Newman Memorial Music Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Hal Newman Memorial Music Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Wenatchee High School who are planning to major in music.

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Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Douglas County Waste Management Environmental Studies College Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Douglas County, Washington who are planning to major in environmental engineering or a related environmental degree.

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Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Howard and Beverly Murray Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors who plan to major in math or science. Applicants must attend a high school in Chelan or Douglas counties of Washington and must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

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J.D. Riggs Memorial Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The J.D. Riggs Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Wenatchee High School who plan to major in acting or singing.

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Lewis-Clark State College Presidential Out-of-State Scholarship

$20,238 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

High school seniors and transfer students who are not residents of Idaho and are planning to enroll at Lewis-Clark State College for the first time are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must plan to enroll full time.

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Dorothy Prewitt Pohlman and AAUW Scholarship

$1,800 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Dorothy Prewitt Pohlman and AAUW Scholarship is available for women who are graduating from Wenatchee Valley College and planning to pursue a four-year degree at another college or university in Washington state.

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Brock Lindberg Pi Kappa Phi Senior Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Brock Lindberg Pi Kappa Phi Senior Scholarship is available for juniors at Washington State University who are members of Pi Kappa Phi.

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Brewster High School Rawson Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Brewster High School Rawson Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Brewster High School in Brewster, Washington.

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Bob and Valerie Valaas Health Sciences Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Bob and Valerie Valaas Health Sciences Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Wenatchee or Westside High Schools who are planning to enroll in the Allied Health Program at Wenatchee Valley College.

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Bob and Nita Paine Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Bob & Nita Paine Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Wenatchee or Eastmont High Schools who plan to attend Washington State University.

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Cancer Care Betsy Tontini Nursing Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Cancer Care Betsy Tontini Nursing Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Chelan or Douglas county high schools or undergraduate students at Wenatchee Valley College. Applicants must be majoring in or planning to major in nursing.

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Doell Family Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Doell Family Scholarship is available for high school seniors in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties of Washington. Applicants must plan to major in journalism or music.

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deRubertis Family Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The deRubertis Family Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Cashmere High School. Applicants must have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.5, and must plan to pursue a bachelor's degree upon graduation.

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David M. Bohr Memorial Baseball Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The David M. Bohr Memorial Baseball Scholarship is available for graduating seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, Cashmere, Leavenworth or Waterville High School. Additional preference is given to students active in baseball.

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Cone Family Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Cone Family Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Chelan High School in Chelan, Washington.

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Clarence and Della Murray Scholarship

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

The Clarence and Della Murray Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties of Washington state.

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Washington is known for its world-renowned colleges and universities including University of Washington (UW), Washington State University (WSU), Seattle University, Evergreen State College, Whitworth University, University of Puget Sound, and Gonzaga University! With all these great institutions, Washington State takes pride in keeping college affordable!

Washington State is a highly desirable place to study with 291,303 students enrolled across 37 colleges and universities, as of spring 2024.

Understanding Scholarships in Washington State

Mount Rainier looming over a serene forest lake.

Before we look at the grants and scholarships that can help make attending college in Washington more affordable, it is important to understand how much going to college in the Evergreen State will cost.

Tuition and fees to attend UW in 2024-25 is $ 12,973 for residents of the state of Washington and $ 43,209 for out-of-state students. At WSU tuition and fees for in-state residents is $ 13,372. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students at WSU is considerably more affordable than at UW, at $ 29,930. At Evergreen State College, which is a very popular option for students who live in Washington as well as out-of-state students, resident tuition and fees for a full-time student in 2024-25 is $ 8,988 and just over $ 36,000 for out-of-state students. If you live in California, Oregon, Colorado, Oregon, and 11 other states, several public colleges and universities including Evergreen State and WSU participate in the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which will provide substantial savings on out-of-state tuition for students who are not Washington state residents!

Many Washington students are eligible for federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships that can make the cost of college more manageable. Even with generous financial aid opportunities like these, students often find they will still incur out of pocket costs associated with pursuing their education in the state of Washington. For this reason, private scholarships can play an important role for many students in keeping college costs affordable!

Washington State Scholarships for College

If you plan to attend school in the state of Washington, here are some grants and scholarships to consider.

Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) is a need-based grant with annual awards of between $ 282 and $ 12,378 for 2024-25. Your actual award amount will be based on your family income, the school you are attending, and whether you are attending part or full-time. WA Grant can even be used for certain apprenticeship training. Awards can only be used at eligible colleges, universities, and apprenticeship programs in the state of Washington. Unlike federal grants, WA Grant is also available to undocumented students.

College Bound Scholarship

The College Bound (CB) Program and Scholarship is a need-based program. Public school students in the state of Washington who meet certain income requirements are enrolled in this program as early as the 7th grade. Students who are homeschooled or in private schools will need to apply to participate. The maximum annual award amount for College Bound is $ 12,456 each year when combined with WA Grant and other programs.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for Baccalaureate Students

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is a generous scholarship program that provides baccalaureate students who are majoring in certain eligible health care and STEM-related majors that lead to high-demand careers with scholarships of up to $ 22,500. Awards can be used at any eligible college or university in the state of Washington. Recipients must meet certain income and GPA requirements. WSOS is available to residents of Washington state including undocumented residents.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for Career and Technical Students

Students pursuing an apprenticeship, certificate, or associates degree in certain health care, STEM, and trade fields may be eligible for the Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS) offered by WSOS. CTS recipients receive up to $ 1,500 per quarter and if you are pursuing a career in certain high-demand fields in specific rural areas of Washington state, you may be eligible for up $ 3,500 for the first quarter of your studies, up to $ 2,500 for the second, and up to $ 2,000 per quarter until you graduate (up to a total of 18 terms). Awards for CTS may be used at one of Washington state’s eligible public community or technical colleges. To be eligible, you and your family must not have income that exceeds 125% of Washington’s median family income.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship for Graduate Students

Students who are pursuing their Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at any of Washington state’s nursing programs, with the goal of becoming a nurse practitioner may be eligible for the WSOS for Graduate Students (GRD). GRD provides awards up to $ 25,000.

Opportunity Grant

The Opportunity Grant program helps low-income students complete up to one year of college and a certificate in a high-wage, high-demand career. Awards are up to full tuition and fees for up to 45 units of study. Additional awards of up to $ 1,000 for books and supplies are also available. The Opportunity Grant also provides certain recipients with tutoring, emergency child care and transportation, career advising, and mentorship.

National Guard Postsecondary Grant

Members of the Washington National Guard with financial need can apply for the Washington National Guard Grant (NCG) to fund earning a first-time undergraduate degree. Awards of up to $ 6,500 are available. Awards may be used at eligible public and private colleges and universities in Washington as well as at Western Governors University (WGU).

American Indian Endowed Scholarship

If you have close cultural or social ties to a Native American tribe or community in the state of Washington, you may be eligible for the American Indian Endowed Scholarship (AIES). This program provides awards for up to 10-15 students each year. AIES award amounts range from $ 500 to $ 2,000. Recipients must be residents of the state of Washington, be enrolled full-time, and intend to use their education to benefit Native American communities in the state of Washington. Awards can be used at eligible public and private institutions in Washington state, including for graduate studies.

Washington Workforce Programs

If you are interested in pursuing a career in teaching, certain health card fields, or aerospace, various opportunities for scholarships, grants, and low interest loans may be available to you from the Washington Student Achievement Council.

Institutional Grants and Scholarships for Colleges and Universities in Washington State

Grants and scholarships awarded by colleges and universities are available at most schools in the state. Such institutional grants and scholarships are designed to supplement federal and state grants many students receive. Institutional awards vary in size They can be need-based, merit-based, or a combination thereof. These types of grants and scholarships are designed to attract students by making the complete cost of education including tuition and fees, books, room and board, and other educational-related expenses more affordable for students.

Federal Grants

Washington state students that are legal US residents or U.S citizens who come from lower income households may qualify for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, with a maximum award for 2024-25 of $ 7,395. Pell and other federal grants are need-based and do not require repayment so they can make a big difference in keeping education costs low!

Private Scholarships for Students In Washington State

Washington has very generous scholarships and grants for its residents. For many students, these opportunities coupled with federal financial aid programs and institutional aid can make a big difference in making college more affordable. At the same time, eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants and scholarships is not guaranteed. While many students do qualify for government and institutional aid programs, many students will still experience a gap between the aid packages they receive and the cost of attendance. This is where private scholarships can be a big source of support and why all students should consider applying for private scholarships.

Private scholarships do vary in criteria and eligibility, offering opportunities for students pursuing a college education at colleges and universities in Washington state and across the United States. For this reason, you should plan to apply broadly for as many private scholarships as you may qualify. Websites like unigo.com provide comprehensive listings and application details for many private scholarships.

Tips for Washington Students for Applying for Scholarships and Grants

Dramatic aerial view of Seattle skyline with Space Needle.

There is a lot of money available for Washington state students to help make college more affordable. Since many Washington students rely heavily on grants and scholarships to attend school, scholarships and grants can be competitive. By applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible, you will increase your chances of being awarded scholarships and grants that can make your college dreams within reach! Here are some tips to live by!

Start As Soon As Possible: Many scholarships and grants have deadlines well before the academic year starts. Some scholarships and programs in Washington such as College Bound can be applied for as early as the 7th grade! It’s never too soon to begin your search and apply for scholarships.

Get Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship and grant applications like a pro!

Personalized Approach: Make sure and personalize your essays and applications to align with the specific criteria and mission of each scholarship or grant you are applying for.

Get Solid Recommendations: Ask your teachers, counselors, church leaders, or community leaders for letters of recommendation.These letters can help you shine. It is important to ask for these letters as early as possible as other students may also be asking for letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, etc.

Highlight Achievements: Be sure to spotlight your various academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and future plans.

Complete the FAFSA: The majority of Washington’s state financial aid programs as well as grants awarded by colleges and universities will require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for grants and scholarships. Since you will also need to complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, you should plan to submit your FAFSA as soon as you can.

Complete the WASFA: If your immigration status does not qualify you for federal student aid or to complete the FAFSA, you will need to complete the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA). Most of Washington’s state financial aid programs are open to undocumented students but to be considered for grants or scholarships under any of these programs, students must complete the FAFSA or WASFA.

How about student loans?

Relying on student loans can make the difference between being able to afford going to college or not. Deciding to borrow to cover your educational expenses is a decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Even with grants and scholarships, you still may have educational expenses that are owed. Taking a student loan out is one way of addressing these expenses.

The first thing to remember is that student loans must be repaid and accrue interest until they are paid. That’s why scholarships and grants that do not need to be repaid are always preferable! Student loans are available through the federal government as well as private student loan providers. Federal student loans will typically have more favorable terms as it relates to repayment and the amount of interest you will pay to borrow. At the same time, lower loan limits on federal student loans may require you and your family to consider private student loans.

A college education is within every student’s reach in the Evergreen State! Applying for all available scholarships and grants can make a big difference in you being able to achieve your educational goals without breaking the bank!