WA SB6209

Beginning in the 2026-27 academic year, students at private four-year not-for-profit institutions will receive Washington College Grant awards equal to 50% of the average award given to students at public research universities, replacing the previous formula tied to the tuition growth factor

Private four-year for-profit institutions must meet new "gainful employment" standards to participate in the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs starting in 2026-27, with eligible institutions receiving the same 50% award formula as not-for-profits

Gainful employment standards require that graduate debt payments not exceed 8% of annual earnings or 20% of discretionary earnings (annual earnings minus 150% of federal poverty guideline for a single individual)

College Bound Scholarship awards for private four-year institutions transition in 2027-28: not-for-profit students receive 50% of public research university average awards, while for-profit students must attend institutions meeting gainful employment requirements

Western Governors University-Washington maximum grant is set at $4,150 starting in 2026-27 (with tuition growth factor increases), and College Bound Scholarship award is set at $4,650 starting in 2027-28