Students at WA's private colleges would see financial aid slashed under new state budget
Financial aid for low-income Washington students at private four-year colleges will be cut under the state budget plan now on Gov. Bob Ferguson’s desk awaiting his signature.
Students attending any of the state’s nine independent colleges, such as Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University, and Whitman College, would see state tuition assistance under the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs cut to 50% of the average level awarded to students at public universities.
Aid for students in online programs, such as Western Governors University-Washington and certain apprenticeship programs, would also be reduced. And students at for-profit universities and private vocational schools would no longer qualify for the assistance.
Income eligibility guidelines would also change for the college grant program. For the 2024-25 academic year, students from a family of four with an income up to $78,500 would be eligible for the maximum award. That income amount is equal to 65% of the state median income. The latest budget calls for dropping the threshold for a full award to 60% of median income.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/05/08/students-at-was-private-colleges-would-see-financial-aid-slashed-under-new-state-budget/