State Need Grant

The State Need Grant (SNG) program helps the state’s lowest-income undergraduate students pursue degrees, hone skills, or retrain for new careers. Students can use the grants at eligible institutions (public two- and four-year colleges and universities, and many accredited independent colleges, universities, and career schools) in Washington. 
 

Eligibility

To be eligible for a State Need Grant, you must:

  • Submit an approved FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov .

  • Have a family income of equal to or less than 70 percent of the state median, see: Family Income Chart

  • Be a Washington state resident.

  • Enroll at an eligible institution.

  • Enroll, with a minimum of three credits, as an undergraduate student in an eligible program.

  • Be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, a certificate, or first associate degree.

  • Not be pursuing a degree in theology.

  • Not have exceeded five years of SNG term usage or exceeded 125% of program length.

  • Not owe a repayment to another student aid program.*

         *If you owe a repayment on a Washington State Need Grant, please read 
          SNG Repayment Frequently Asked Questions.
 

SNG Program - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Award

State Need Grant amounts vary by the type of school you attend. The chart below shows the maximum you may be eligible to receive, if enrolled full-time.

2011-12 Maximum SNG Award Amounts

Sector/Type of school

Median Family Income
0-50%

Public Research:

  • University of Washington &
  • Washington State University


$9,280

Public Comprehensive:
 - Western Washington University

 - Central Washington University

 - The Evergreen State College

 - Eastern Washington University

 - Applied Baccalaureate Programs

 

$6,751

$6,629

$6,629

$6,446

$6,446

Public Community & Technical Colleges

$3,256

Private 4-year Universities & Colleges

$8,214

Four-year Private/Proprietary Colleges
  - New students
Two-year Private/Proprietary Colleges
  - New students
Two-year Private/Proprietary Colleges
  - Continuing students

$4,107

$1,357

$2,713

Dependent Care Allowance

   $862

 

How to Apply

You will be considered for a State Need Grant when you file a FAFSA, (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - go to: www.fafsa.gov to apply online or review your status.

For more information on applying for aid, contact your high school counselor or college financial aid office.

 

State Need Grant Program
Higher Education Coordinating Board

Email: finaid@hecb.wa.gov
Phone: 360-753-7850