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.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Chelan County Cattlemen’s Scholarship is available for current seniors at a Chelan County high school as well as previous graduates of a Chelan County high school. Applicants must be majoring in or planning to major a field related to agriculture such as home economics, family studies, or related fields such as veterinary medicine.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Women's Service League of Wenatchee Scholarship is available for graduating high school senior women at Wenatchee, WestSide, Eastmont, Cashmere, Cascade, and Quincy High Schools in north central Washington State.
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Ferguson Family Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Chelan or Douglas Counties, as well as current students at Wenatchee Valley College. All applicants must be majoring in or planning to major in physics or mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for currently enrolled U.S. college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. Students must be pursuing a degree in music therapy or interning for music therapy, and must attend a school accredited by the American Music Therapy Association.
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$1,250
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students majoring in environmental health who are enrolled in an approved college/university that is accredited by the Environmental Health Accreditation Council or is a NEHA Educational or Sustaining Member School. For a current list of accredited environmental health programs, please visit www.ehacoffice.org.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. and international students who are majoring in civil engineering, welding engineering, welding engineering technology, or a related field. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must be enrolled in the junior or senior year of an accredited undergraduate program.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who are majoring in welding or a related metalworking field. Applicants must reside in Alaska or Washington.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Alex O. Santillanes Scholarship is available for Hispanic high school seniors in the Yakima Valley area of Washington State. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Fern Cousineau Duncan Art Scholarship is available for graduating seniors in north central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties) who are planning to pursue a career in art.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Jerry Van Winkle Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Waterville High School, as well as seniors at Chelan, or Eastmont High School who attended Orondo Elementary School.
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$9,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Everett & Roy Hill Music Scholarship is provided annually for graduating high school seniors from Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties who are planning to major or minor in music.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Eric DePersio Memorial Scholarship is available for graduating seniors of Wenatchee or Westside High School who demonstrate academic achievement and unmet financial need.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Entiat Scholarship Foundation Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Entiat High School in Entiat, Washington.
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$1,300
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Dr. Patrick Molloy Migrant Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors in Chelan, Washington. Applicants must be migrants to the United States and must qualify for other migrant-assistance programs.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Dr. N.K. Bhide Band Scholarship is available for graduating seniors at Wenatchee High School who were active with the school marching band for at least one year.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Fisk and Lila Gerhardt Scholarship is available for seniors from Wenatchee High School who have a grade point average of 3.8 or higher. Applicants must plan to attend a four-year college or university upon graduation.
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$6,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Gerald E. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is available for current or previous graduates of a Okanogan, Ferry, or Lincoln County High School who are majoring in veterinary science.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
The Marjorie M. and William H. Griffin Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors and non-traditional students in Washington State. Applicants must plan to attend an accredited college or university in the State of Washington.
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$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 15
Deadline
This essay contest is open to individuals who are 13 years of age or older and reside, work, or attend school in Seattle, Washington. Applicants must have a Seattle Public Library card and must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as an undergraduate student.
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$9,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Mar 31
Deadline
The Leslie Ebert Legacy of LIfe Essay/Video Scholarships is available to a current high school senior who both resides and attends high school, or is home schooled, in one of the following locations: Northern Virginia (specifically the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Clarke, Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George, and Fauquier as well as the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park); Maryland (Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Charles counties only); and the District of Columbia; and plan to attend a college, university or community college in the 2020 fall semester.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
The Cakes for College Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Cashmere, Eastmont, River Academy, Wenatchee or Westside High Schools in north central Washington State. Applicants must plan to attend Wenatchee Valley College.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who have been involved with Becca's Closet are eligible to apply for this award. Students must enroll full time and have an unweighted grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
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$18,000
Award Amount
8
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
The Cashmere Schools Foundation Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Cashmere High School in Cashmere, Washington.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
This award is available for students who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender or are the children of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons who reside in Oregon or southwest Washington. Applicants must plan to enroll in an undergraduate program and demonstrate financial need.
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$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
The Kellen Biggar Athletic Scholarship is available for graduating high school seniors at Waterville High School who have participated in school sports for at least two years.
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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
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
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!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff