Grants
Grants are based on financial need and generally do not need to be repaid. They may come from federal, state, or college sources. Information provided on the FAFSA determines ones eligibility.
Federal Grants
Most grants and scholarships from the federal government are for eligible students who demonstrate financial need through their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The maximum annual Pell Grant for the award year may change from year to year according to Congressional appropriation. Pell Grant eligibility is based on the expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is directed toward students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who also qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.
State Grants
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) offers and administers a variety of grants to Maryland residents. For 2024-2025, the deadline to submit a FAFSA is June 1, 2024 to be considered for a MD state grant.
Maryland Residents
Howard P. Rawlings Program of Educational Excellence Awards:
Guaranteed Access Grant - a need-based grant that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants enrolled at Washington College. Award amounts are up to $20,700/year.
Educational Assistance Grant - a need-based grant that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants enrolled at Washington College. Award amounts are up to $3,000/year.
Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant - a need-based financial aid program that assists students who were not considered for the Educational Assistance Grant.
Part-time Grant - part-time, degree seeking students are eligible as well as students dually enrolled in a Maryland high school and Washington College.
2+2 Transfer Scholarship - transfer students who have received an Associates degree from a Maryland community college. Award amount is $1,000 per year and $2,000 for a student who enrolls in a science, teaching, engineering, computer science, mathematics or nursing program.
Delegate and Senatorial Scholarships - offered to Maryland residents and are awarded by Maryland Senators and Delegates
Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship - students who pledge to work as public school or public pre-kindergarten teachers at schools that have at least 50% of the students in the school eligible for free or reduced price meals (FRPM) in Maryland are eligible.
Application for Maryland State Grants - for applicants that are ineligible to receive federal aid using the FAFSA.
VIsit the MHEC website for more information.
Institutional Grants
Washington College offers Institutioanl grants.
Awarded to students who have financial need according to the FAFSA. These grants are renewable as long as the recipient continues to demonstrate need and maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Award amounts are calculated using direct costs. If you move off campus at any point, your award may be adjusted due to a reduction in these costs. Direct costs include costs billed by the college such as tuition and fees, room and meals.
WC Need-Based Grants do not need to be repaid. However, the College hopes that recipients will recognize they have incurred an obligation and therefore subsequently contribute as they can to help ensure that the benefits they enjoyed are available to others.
Students who wish to be considered for Washington College Need-Based Grants must complete the FAFSA by the annual published deadline date.