For Washington National Guard members juggling service, work and school, the state’s National Guard Grant can help with college costs. Eligible designated spouses and dependents can receive support, too.
Applications for 2026–27 are open. The grant has its own application, separate from the FAFSA or WASFA, and funding is limited. Before accepting an award, understand the service commitment attached to it.
Who can apply?
The program serves active drilling Washington National Guard members in good standing and their eligible designated spouses or dependents. Family-member applicants need an active Department of Defense/DEERS identification card, and the sponsoring Guard member must remain eligible.
Applicants must meet Washington resident-student requirements and attend an approved Washington institution or training program. Undergraduate, graduate, professional and certificate programs may qualify. Students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree receive priority. Recipients also need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Ask the college’s financial-aid office to confirm your program and resident-student classification; military-family residency rules can apply.
How much help is available?
WSAC lists these maximum base awards for 2026–27. They are annual limits, not a promise of full tuition or a guaranteed award.
| Institution or program | Maximum base award |
|---|---|
| Two-year community or technical college | $2,500 |
| Western Governors University Washington | $3,500 |
| Applied baccalaureate program at a community or technical college | $4,500 |
| Four-year regional public university | $4,500 |
| Four-year private nonprofit or for-profit institution | $6,500 |
| Four-year public research university | $6,500 |
An additional one-time allowance of up to $500 can help with books and supplies. Your award also depends on financial-aid limits and the other grants, scholarships and waivers in your package. Ask the aid office how this grant would fit with benefits you already use.
What to do next
- Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or WASFA and work with your college on financial aid.
- Register for classes and complete the separate National Guard Grant application through WSAC’s program page. Include every academic term for which you are requesting support.
- Watch for requests from WSAC and your school. A new grant application is required each academic year.
Applications are accepted throughout the academic year while funds remain. Applying early gives WSAC time to review your request while funding is available. WSAC checks eligibility with the Guard and the institution; grant payments go to the school. Ask its aid office about your disbursement.
Read the service terms before accepting
Under the 2026–27 program manual, the Guard member owes one full year of qualifying service for each funded academic year, even when support covers only part of that year. The grant-service period begins after the last funded term. It may run alongside an existing military-service commitment, although some members may need to extend their contract.
Family awards count, too. WSAC explains that an award for a member and another for a dependent in the same year create a two-year grant-service obligation. The member and designated family members share a six-full-time-year benefit limit.
The Guard member carries the service and potential repayment obligation, including for a designated spouse’s or dependent’s grant. State law provides for repayment with interest when the required service is not completed. Review the promissory note and ask WSAC how enrollment or service changes would affect your award. The law also provides for repayment rules addressing deferments and appeals; ask about those options if your circumstances change.
For help, email nationalguard@wsac.wa.gov or call 888-535-0747, option 7.
