Education Grants for Single Mothers in Washington
Education Grants for Single Mothers in Washington: The No‑Fluff 2025 Guide
Last updated: September 2025
This guide is written for single moms in Washington who need clear, current, and verified steps to pay for college, short‑term training, or apprenticeship—plus the childcare and basic‑needs help to make school possible. Every dollar amount, deadline, phone number, and rule below is sourced to official state or federal pages or established nonprofits, and we update quickly when policies change.
We reviewed the top search results for “Washington Education Grants for Single Mothers.” Most articles were either outdated, missed exact dollar amounts, skipped application timelines, or didn’t include childcare and emergency aid that student parents rely on. This guide closes those gaps with verified numbers, direct links, and Plan B options for when the first path doesn’t work.
Quick Help Box (start here)
- File a financial aid application now: FAFSA (for U.S. citizens/eligible noncitizens) or WASFA (for undocumented and others). Both are free and open for 2025‑26. FAFSA federal deadline: June 30, 2026. WASFA is open now and reviewed by colleges on a rolling basis. Fill out FAFSA or Complete WASFA. (usa.gov, fsapartners.ed.gov, wsac.wa.gov)
- Washington College Grant (WCG) can make public college or approved training free if your income is within the state’s median‑income chart. Max awards for 2025‑26 range up to about public tuition (see table below). Questions? WSAC Student Financial Assistance: 888‑535‑0747 (option 3). WCG page and award charts. (wsac.wa.gov)
- Need childcare to attend class? Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) sets flat monthly copays (as low as 0–0–215) based on income; student parents in approved education/training can qualify. Apply via Washington Connection or call DCYF Child Care Contact Center 844‑626‑8687. WCCC eligibility and copay chart. (dcyf.wa.gov)
- Short‑term training or community/technical college? Opportunity Grant can cover tuition/fees for up to 45 credits plus up to $1,000 for books/supplies, with added supports. SBCTC Opportunity Grant info + contacts. (sbctc.edu)
- Already on SNAP (Basic Food)? BFET can fund training, books, fees, transportation (up to 1,600/year∗∗),andemergencyhousinghelp(upto∗∗1,600/year**), and emergency housing help (up to **5,000/year) depending on provider. DSHS BFET overview + reimbursement limits and state plan caps. (dshs.wa.gov, wioaplans.ed.gov)
- Single mom scholarships to stack on top: WWIN Star Scholars (up to 5,000/year∗∗,upto∗∗5,000/year**, up to **20,000 total), Soroptimist Live Your Dream (1,000–1,000–16,000), and Patsy Mink Foundation (up to $5,000). Links in the Nonprofit Scholarships section below. (wwin.org, soroptimist.org, form.jotform.com)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (scan this first)
Program | Who it helps | 2025–26 amount (max) | How to apply | Typical timeline |
---|---|---|---|---|
Washington College Grant (WCG) | WA residents in college, training, or apprenticeship (income‑based) | See award table below; up to public tuition at your school type | File FAFSA/WASFA; college calculates | School packages aid in 2–6 weeks after they receive your FAFSA/WASFA. (wsac.wa.gov) |
Federal Pell Grant | Undergrads with financial need | 7,395∗∗max;∗∗7,395** max; **740 min (2025–26) | FAFSA only | Processing 1–10 days; school adds to award. (fsapartners.ed.gov) |
College Bound Scholarship (CBS) | WA students who signed up in middle school and meet pledge | Covers public tuition + small allowance; 2025–26 dollar caps listed below | FAFSA/WASFA + meet CBS rules | Aid posts with WCG; ask your financial aid office. (wsac.wa.gov) |
WSOS (CTS/BaS/GRD) | High‑demand fields (trades, STEM, nursing) | CTS up to 1,500/quarter∗∗;BaS∗∗upto1,500/quarter**; BaS **up to 22,500 total; GRD up to $25,000 | Apply at WSOS after FAFSA/WASFA | Selection cycles; allow 6–10 weeks from deadline. (waopportunityscholarship.org) |
Opportunity Grant (SBCTC) | Low‑income adults in high‑demand programs | Tuition/fees up to 45 credits + up to $1,000 books | Contact college Opportunity Grant coordinator | Often same quarter; ask your college. (sbctc.edu) |
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) | Parents in work/approved education | Flat copays 0–0–215 depending on income | Apply via Washington Connection or call 844‑626‑8687 | 2–4 weeks to decision; backdate to auth. date. (dcyf.wa.gov) |
BFET (for SNAP recipients) | Students on Basic Food (not TANF) | Examples: transport up to 1,600/year∗∗;housingupto∗∗1,600/year**; housing up to **5,000/year; books/supplies varies | Enroll with a BFET college/CBO provider | Typically 1–3 weeks after intake. (wioaplans.ed.gov, dshs.wa.gov) |
State Work Study (SWS) | Low/middle‑income students who can work part‑time | Students generally earn 2,000–2,000–5,000/year | FAFSA/WASFA; school places you | Jobs can start within 2–4 weeks of hire. (wsac.wa.gov) |
Note: Amounts are maximums; your exact award depends on income, family size, school type, and cost of attendance. Always confirm with your college’s financial aid office.
First things first: apply for aid correctly
- Action now: submit FAFSA (citizens/eligible noncitizens) or WASFA (undocumented or other non‑FAFSA‑eligible). Federal 2025–26 FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2026; do not wait—campus and state funds can run out. FAFSA deadlines and WASFA application. (usa.gov, wsac.wa.gov)
- Create your FSA ID and any parent/partner “contributor” accounts before you start to avoid delays. Online FAFSA processing usually takes 1–3 days; paper can take 7–10 days. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
- Reality check: some schools set earlier “priority” dates (often Jan–Mar). If you miss them, you can still get Pell/WCG—but campus grants/work‑study may be gone. Ask your college for its priority date. (bankrate.com)
- Plan if you’re undocumented: WASFA is open for 2025–26; it’s free and used for WCG and other state aid. WSAC helpline: 888‑535‑0747 (option 2 for WASFA). (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work:
- Reach out to WSAC Student Financial Assistance at 888‑535‑0747 (option 3) for help troubleshooting FAFSA/WASFA issues, or ask your college’s financial aid office to help you resolve “unmatched contributor” or tax transfer errors quickly. (wsac.wa.gov)
Washington College Grant (WCG): the backbone of your funding
Start here if your income is under the figures below—WCG can cover up to public tuition depending on your school type and income band.
Key 2025–26 eligibility income points (household annual income, by family size):
Family size | Full award (Band A) up to | Partial award available up to |
---|---|---|
1 | $41,000 | $68,000 |
2 | $53,500 | $89,000 |
3 | $66,000 | $110,000 |
4 | $78,500 | $131,000 |
5 | $91,000 | $152,000 |
6 | $104,000 | $173,000 |
Source and full chart through family size 20: WCG income bands (2025–26). (wsac.wa.gov)
2025–26 maximum annual WCG by school type (full‑time student; your income band determines your award):
Institution/Program | Band A | Band B | Band C | Band D | Band E |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Washington | $12,780 | $7,668 | $6,390 | $3,131 | $1,278 |
Washington State University | $12,287 | $7,372 | $6,144 | $3,010 | $1,229 |
Public comprehensives (examples: WWU, CWU, EWU, Evergreen) | 7,711–7,711–8,510 | 4,662–4,662–5,106 | 3,885–3,885–4,255 | 1,904–1,904–2,085 | 777–777–851 |
Community & Technical Colleges | $4,923 | $2,954 | $2,462 | $1,206 | $492 |
CTC Applied Bachelor’s | $7,865 | $4,719 | $3,933 | $1,927 | $787 |
WGU Washington | $5,619 | $3,371 | $2,810 | $1,377 | $562 |
WSAC‑approved non‑college apprenticeships | $4,923 | $2,954 | $2,462 | $1,206 | $492 |
Get the full table by institution: WCG awards for 2025–26. Note: The one‑time $500 “Bridge Grant” that existed in earlier years is not available in 2025–26 due to budget reductions. (wsac.wa.gov)
How to apply
- File FAFSA or WASFA and list a Washington college or an eligible apprenticeship program. Your college calculates your WCG after they receive your FAFSA/WASFA. Questions? 888‑535‑0747 (option 3) or Washington College Grant overview. (wsac.wa.gov)
Timeline
- Schools begin packaging aid within 2–6 weeks after receiving your FAFSA/WASFA. Apprentices applying for WCG‑Apprenticeship: WSAC notes processing can take 4–6 weeks; renewals for 2025–26 are processed beginning August 1, 2025. (wsac.wa.gov)
Real‑world example
- A single mom with two kids (family of 3) earning 48,000∗∗fallsinBandA(≤∗∗48,000** falls in Band A (≤ **66,000). If she attends a community college, her WCG could be up to 4,923∗∗fortheyear,coveringmosttuition;ifsheattendsUW,theBandAmaximumis∗∗4,923** for the year, covering most tuition; if she attends UW, the Band A maximum is **12,780 toward costs. Stack Pell and other aid to cover the rest. (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If your school says you’re ineligible but your income fits the chart, ask them to review your “residency” or “program eligibility” status and confirm your income band. If still unresolved, contact WSAC Student Financial Assistance at 888‑535‑0747 (option 3). (wsac.wa.gov)
Federal Pell Grant: stack this with WCG
- Maximum 2025–26 Pell: 7,395∗∗.MinimumPell:∗∗7,395**. Minimum Pell: **740. Amounts are confirmed for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. ED Dear Colleague Letter GEN‑25‑02. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
- Apply via FAFSA only; no separate application. Pell posts to your aid offer once FAFSA is processed.
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If your FAFSA shows no Pell but your income is low, check whether your Student Aid Index (SAI) was calculated correctly and whether your enrollment intensity (credits) reduces the disbursed amount. Ask the aid office about a “special circumstances” review if your 2025 income dropped vs. your 2023 tax year. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
College Bound Scholarship (CBS): for those who signed the middle‑school pledge
If you were auto‑enrolled in middle school (free/reduced‑price lunch or foster care), CBS combines with WCG to cover public tuition and a small book/fee allowance. For 2025–26, WSAC posts CBS maximum award caps (3 quarters/2 semesters combined with WCG):
Institution | 2025–26 max CBS combined cap |
---|---|
UW | $13,280 |
WSU | $12,787 |
Western | $9,010 |
Central | $8,822 |
Eastern | $8,271 |
Evergreen | $8,857 |
Public CTCs | $5,423 |
CTC Applied Bachelor’s | $8,365 |
Private non‑profit four‑year | $13,034 |
WGU Washington | $8,800 |
Private career colleges | $5,423 |
Income eligibility to receive CBS in college is ≤ 65% of Washington’s median family income (see chart on WSAC’s CBS page). CBS contact: 888‑535‑0747 (option 1); email: collegebound@wsac.wa.gov. Details and full table: College Bound page. (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you believe you’re CBS‑eligible but it’s missing from your award, contact WSAC CBS at 888‑535‑0747 (option 1) and your college aid office. If you’re homeschooled, see document requirements on the CBS page for verification; submit via email/fax/mail. (wsac.wa.gov)
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
- Career & Technical Scholarship (CTS): up to $1,500 per quarter for eligible associate degrees, certificates, or certain apprenticeships at WA CTCs (and two approved apprenticeship sponsors). Funds can cover non‑tuition costs like housing/transportation. CTS info and deadlines. (waopportunityscholarship.org)
- Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS): up to $22,500 total for high‑demand STEM/health majors at eligible WA colleges. BaS details + 2025 timeline. (waopportunityscholarship.org)
- Graduate Scholarship (GRD – Nurse Practitioners): up to 25,000∗∗overupto3years,pluspossible∗∗25,000** over up to 3 years, plus possible **500/term travel stipend for remote clinical sites. GRD program page. (waopportunityscholarship.org)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you miss a WSOS deadline, set calendar alerts for the next cycle and use theWashboard.org to find similar private scholarships to fill the gap. (washboard.wsac.wa.gov)
Opportunity Grant (community and technical colleges)
- Covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 45 credits (about 1 year full‑time) plus up to $1,000 for required books/supplies. Must meet income (≤ 200% FPL) and program criteria. SBCTC Opportunity Grant—student info + coordinators. (sbctc.edu)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your college’s Workforce Education office about WorkFirst (for TANF recipients), Worker Retraining (for dislocated workers, veterans, displaced homemakers), and BFET (for SNAP) as alternate funding routes. SBCTC financial aid programs. (sbctc.edu)
Early Achievers Grant (for moms working in child care/ECE)
- For employed early learning professionals pursuing ECE stackable certificates or an associate degree. Funding includes up to 52 credits of tuition/fees and up to $1,000 for books/supplies over the grant period, plus wraparound supports. Apply through participating community/technical colleges. Program details and contacts. (sbctc.edu)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you’re at a 4‑year public university, ask about WSAC’s campus‑based Child Care Grants program available at UW, WSU, CWU, EWU, WWU, and Evergreen (state grant requires 1:1 campus match; apply via your campus). (wsac.wa.gov)
State Work Study (SWS): earn while you learn
- Typical student earnings are 2,000–2,000–5,000/year; the state subsidizes part of your wages to your employer so more jobs are available. You’re limited to ~19 hours/week while enrolled. There’s no separate application—FAFSA/WASFA triggers consideration. SWS overview + contact. (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If your award letter doesn’t include SWS but you want a work‑study job, ask your aid office to be wait‑listed. Also check Federal Work‑Study openings if available. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
Washington National Guard Postsecondary Education Grant (for Guard members and their dependents)
- 2025–26 maximum base awards: 2,500∗∗(CTCs),∗∗2,500** (CTCs), **4,500 (CTC applied bachelor’s and regional publics), 6,500∗∗(publicresearch/privatefour‑year),∗∗6,500** (public research/private four‑year), **3,500 (WGU). Includes a possible one‑time $500 books/supplies allowance. Requires one year of Guard service for each year funded. NGG program page. (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Contact your Guard Education Services Office: Elymayi Woodall 253‑512‑8435 or ng.wa.waarng.list.per-education@army.mil for FTA or other military education benefits. (mil.wa.gov)
Apprenticeships: WCG can help pay related training
- WCG also applies to state‑registered apprenticeships. For non‑college‑based programs approved by WSAC, WCG can cover tuition/fees for related supplemental instruction and required materials; 2025–26 Band A max is $4,923 (see WCG table). Application processing for 2025–26 noted at 4–6 weeks. WCG for Apprenticeship. (wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If your apprenticeship sponsor isn’t yet participating, ask them to complete WSAC’s WG‑A intake. Meanwhile, explore WSOS CTS ($1,500/quarter) for selected apprenticeship sponsors. (wsac.wa.gov, waopportunityscholarship.org)
Childcare while you’re in school
Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
- Helps with monthly child care costs while you work or attend approved education/training. Copays are flat and based on income bands; many families have 0–0–215 monthly copays. Example monthly income limit for a family of 4 at 60% SMI is $6,552; chart also shows thresholds for continued/exit eligibility. Apply via Washington Connection or call 844‑626‑8687. WCCC eligibility/copay chart. (dcyf.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your college’s Benefits Navigator to help appeal a denial or find back‑up options (on‑campus child care, sliding‑scale centers, or CCAMPIS if your campus has it). Find Navigators: Benefits Navigation—students. (sbctc.edu)
Campus child care grants
- WSAC’s Child Care Grants (state funds matched by campuses) are offered at the six public 4‑year universities; you apply directly through your university. Contact WSAC program staff at 360‑515‑3115 if your campus can’t point you to the right office. WSAC Child Care Grants. (wsac.wa.gov)
- Example: UW Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (student parents): up to 1,000/monthforinfants/toddlers∗∗(max∗∗1,000/month for infants/toddlers** (max **3,000/quarter for full‑time students), with lower amounts for preschool/school‑age and part‑time enrollment. UW CCAP award amounts and application. (washington.edu)
Food, transportation, books, and emergency help while in school
BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training) for SNAP recipients
- If you get Basic Food (SNAP) and are not on TANF, BFET can fund training, books, fees, and support services. State plan examples include caps of 1,600/year∗∗fortransportationand∗∗1,600/year** for transportation and **5,000/year for emergency housing; books/training supplies have no statewide cap (provider policies apply). Enroll through your college’s BFET office or a CBO provider. BFET overview and participant reimbursement limits. (dshs.wa.gov, wioaplans.ed.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If you’re an immigrant/refugee student on SNAP and not a citizen, the ORIA BFET track offers culturally specific providers statewide—ask to be referred to ORIA BFET. ORIA BFET. (dshs.wa.gov)
Student Emergency Assistance Grants (SEAG) at CTCs
- Many community/technical colleges have state emergency grants for sudden costs (rent, utilities, car repair, tech). You don’t need to file FAFSA to get emergency funds, but you’ll fill out a short request. Ask your campus Benefits Navigator. SEAG program info. (sbctc.edu)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- If your college doesn’t have SEAG funds left, ask for a list of local emergency aid partners (United Way, YWCA, Salvation Army, tribal social services). Your Navigator keeps a current list. (sbctc.edu)
Nonprofit scholarships you can stack
- Washington Women in Need (WWIN) Star Scholars: up to 5,000/year∗∗,renewableto∗∗5,000/year**, renewable to **20,000 total. Open to WA women attending eligible WA schools; FAFSA/WASFA required. WWIN Star Scholars. (wwin.org)
- Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” Award: local/region/international levels totaling 1,000–1,000–16,000; for women who are primary financial support for their families. Apps open Aug 1–Nov 15 annually. Live Your Dream—apply. (soroptimist.org)
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Education Support Award: up to $5,000 for low‑income mothers (deadline dates posted annually). 2025–26 application. (form.jotform.com)
- theWashboard.org (statewide matching site run by WSAC): create a profile and get matched to WA scholarships. Free, no spam. theWashboard.org. (washboard.wsac.wa.gov)
What to do if this doesn’t work
- Ask your college foundation office about campus‑specific “completion grants,” “child care scholarships,” and departmental awards—these often have mid‑quarter deadlines and lower competition. (wsac.wa.gov)
Application Checklist (documents you’ll likely need)
- Photo ID and proof you live in Washington (lease, utility bill, or residency documentation).
- 2023 tax return (for 2025–26 FAFSA/WASFA), W‑2s, or non‑filer statements.
- Social Security numbers (if applicable) for you and any required contributors, or ITIN where accepted; for WASFA, residency/immigration questions are tailored to state aid.
- Proof of SNAP/TANF/WIC/housing status if you will apply for BFET, WorkFirst, or emergency grants.
- Class schedule or program acceptance letter (for child care and campus grants).
- Childcare provider’s license number (for WCCC) and your work/school schedule.
- Bank info for direct deposit so grants refund to you fast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to file FAFSA/WASFA. Even though the federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2026, many campus funds are first‑come, first‑served. File now. (usa.gov)
- Not listing your Washington school on FAFSA/WASFA. If your school isn’t listed, it won’t receive your data, and awards get delayed.
- Skipping the child care application. WCCC and campus child care grants can take weeks—apply as soon as you register for classes. (dcyf.wa.gov, wsac.wa.gov)
- Ignoring apprenticeship funding. If you choose an apprenticeship, you can still qualify for WCG‑Apprenticeship—don’t assume aid is “college‑only.” (wsac.wa.gov)
- Not using a Benefits Navigator. Every WA community/technical college has one person dedicated to linking you to child care, food, housing, and emergency aid—use them. (sbctc.edu)
Diverse Communities: tailored tips and resources
- LGBTQ+ single mothers
Use campus counseling and LGBTQ centers for scholarship leads and letters; WSOS and WWIN welcome LGBTQ+ applicants. WCCC eligibility is based on income/activity—not marital status. For safety concerns related to domestic violence, ask aid staff about address confidentiality procedures. - Single mothers with disabilities or moms of disabled children
Ask Disability Services for reduced course‑load accommodations that still keep you aid‑eligible. WCCC can pay higher rates for children with special needs; request a “Special Needs Child Care Rate” review with DCYF. (dcyf.wa.gov) - Veteran single mothers
Compare VA education benefits with WCG and Pell; you can often stack. If you serve in the National Guard, the NGG grant adds 2,500–2,500–6,500 per year plus possible $500 for books/supplies. Contact WSAC NGG or Guard Education Services for exact amounts by school. (wsac.wa.gov, mil.wa.gov) - Immigrant/refugee single moms
If you’re undocumented, apply with WASFA for WCG and state aid. If you receive SNAP and are not a U.S. citizen, ORIA BFET offers culturally and linguistically matched providers for training and support services. WASFA and ORIA BFET. (wsac.wa.gov, dshs.wa.gov) - Tribal‑specific resources
Start with your Tribe’s education office for higher‑ed grants (amounts vary by Tribe). Statewide: WSAC’s American Indian Endowed Scholarship awards about 500–500–2,000 per year to 10–15 students; up to five years if you reapply. AIES details + contact. Also consider Northwest Indian College and American Indian College Fund programs. (wsac.wa.gov) - Rural single moms (limited internet/child care)
Ask your college about loaner hotspots/laptops and hybrid courses. WCCC can be used with licensed family home providers, not just centers. Your county library may offer study rooms and Wi‑Fi. - Single fathers
Most programs here are gender‑neutral (WCG, Pell, WCCC, BFET). Scholarships like WWIN are women‑only, but Soroptimist’s award is also women‑only. Fathers should still file FAFSA/WASFA and meet with Benefits Navigators. - Language access
WSAC and DCYF pages include materials in multiple languages. You can ask for an interpreter when calling agencies like DCYF (844‑626‑8687) and WSAC (888‑535‑0747). (dcyf.wa.gov, wsac.wa.gov)
Resources by Region (find help near you fast)
- Find your community/technical college Benefits Navigator (basic needs, emergency funds, public benefits): SBCTC Benefits Navigation—students. (sbctc.edu)
- theWashboard.org (statewide scholarship search for WA students): Register and match to scholarships. Support line 888‑535‑0747 (option 2). (washboard.wsac.wa.gov)
- WSAC Student Financial Assistance helpline: 888‑535‑0747 (WCG/CBS/WASFA, options listed on site). WSAC contact and program pages. (wsac.wa.gov)
- DSHS BFET provider network (find a training partner near you): BFET public page. (dshs.wa.gov)
- Working Connections Child Care eligibility and application: DCYF WCCC, call 844‑626‑8687. (dcyf.wa.gov)
Timelines you can expect (reality check)
- FAFSA/WASFA to award letter: 2–6 weeks after your school receives your data (longer at peak times). Apprenticeship WG‑A: 4–6 weeks. (wsac.wa.gov)
- WCCC child care: 2–4 weeks; start early so care is in place by the first week of class. (dcyf.wa.gov)
- Opportunity Grant/Early Achievers: often same quarter once you meet with the college coordinator; faster if you’ve already filed FAFSA/WASFA. (sbctc.edu)
Real‑world scenarios (what this can look like)
- Community college nursing pre‑reqs, two kids, income 50,000∗∗(familyof3):likelyBandAforWCG(≤∗∗50,000** (family of 3): likely Band A for WCG (≤ **66,000), so WCG up to 4,923∗∗;PellmaybepartialdependingonSAI;OpportunityGrantcancoverremainingtuition/feesupto∗∗45credits∗∗plus∗∗4,923**; Pell maybe partial depending on SAI; Opportunity Grant can cover remaining tuition/fees up to **45 credits** plus **1,000 books; WCCC copay might be 90–90–215/month depending on exact income. Stack WWIN (up to $5,000) if selected. (wsac.wa.gov, sbctc.edu, dcyf.wa.gov, wwin.org)
- Electrician apprenticeship (non‑college sponsor), one child, income 60,000∗∗(familyof2):WCG‑ApprenticeshipBandA/Bdependingonincome;upto∗∗60,000** (family of 2): WCG‑Apprenticeship Band A/B depending on income; up to **4,923 for related instruction/materials; apply through WG‑A portal and your sponsor; ask about WSOS CTS ($1,500/quarter) if your sponsor is eligible. (wsac.wa.gov, waopportunityscholarship.org)
10 Washington‑specific FAQs
- Do I have to go full‑time to get Washington College Grant?
No. Part‑time students get prorated awards. Even one or two classes can be eligible if your program is aid‑eligible. Check with your financial aid office. (wsac.wa.gov) - Is WCG only for recent graduates?
No. It covers working‑age adults, certificates, apprenticeships, and degree programs. (wsac.wa.gov) - How much Pell can I get in 2025–26?
Up to 7,395∗∗maximum;∗∗7,395** maximum; **740 minimum. Amount depends on your Student Aid Index and enrollment intensity. FAFSA required. (fsapartners.ed.gov) - I’m undocumented. Can I still get grants?
Yes. Complete the WASFA for state aid like WCG and CBS. Many scholarships (WSOS, WWIN) also accept WASFA applicants. (wsac.wa.gov) - Can WCG cover apprenticeship training?
Yes. WCG‑Apprenticeship can cover tuition/fees and materials for related instruction if your program participates. Processing can take 4–6 weeks. (wsac.wa.gov) - How do I pay for child care while in school?
Apply for WCCC (copays 0–0–215) and your campus child care grants (if at a public 4‑year). UW Seattle’s CCAP can provide up to $1,000/month for infants/toddlers for full‑time students. (dcyf.wa.gov, washington.edu) - I need one year of training for a better job. What program fits?
The Opportunity Grant can fund up to 45 credits plus $1,000 for books in high‑demand programs at community/technical colleges. (sbctc.edu) - I’m on SNAP but not TANF—any education help?
Yes, BFET can pay for training, books, fees, and supports like transportation (up to 1,600/year∗∗)andemergencyhousing(upto∗∗1,600/year**) and emergency housing (up to **5,000/year), depending on provider and availability. (wioaplans.ed.gov) - Can I get paid work on campus?
Yes. State Work Study jobs typically pay 2,000–2,000–5,000/year while limiting hours so you can parent and study. Ask your aid office to be considered. (wsac.wa.gov) - Where do I find more scholarships just for Washington students?
Create a profile at theWashboard.org (run by WSAC). It’s free and only lists legit WA scholarships. (washboard.wsac.wa.gov)
Plan B if grants don’t cover enough
- Ask your aid office about short‑term “completion grants,” payment plans, or swapping a loan for State Work Study.
- Take the first year at a community/technical college to lower costs; WCG is generous at CTCs, and many programs ladder to bachelor’s.
- Meet a Benefits Navigator to check eligibility for WCCC, SNAP/BFET, housing help, and campus emergency grants. They can often close last‑mile gaps within a week. (sbctc.edu)
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC), WA Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), WA Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), U.S. Department of Education, and established nonprofits.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards—we use only official sources, verify links, and track changes. We are independent and not a government agency. Individual outcomes can vary based on your situation.
Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.
Corrections? Email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll review within 48 hours.
Disclaimer
Program rules and funding change. Always confirm amounts, deadlines, and eligibility with the relevant agency or your college financial aid office. We link directly to official sources so you can verify current details yourself. To keep your information secure, apply only through official .gov and .edu sites or established program pages linked here. Never pay for scholarship lists or financial aid help.
— End of guide —
🏛️More Washington Resources for Single Mothers
Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Washington
- 📋 Assistance Programs
- 💰 Benefits and Grants
- 👨👩👧 Child Support
- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery