SB 6217
In CommitteeSenate
College grant/credential prg
Expanding access to the Washington college grant to students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This bill expands access to the Washington college grant by allowing more high school students—including those in families receiving basic food benefits—to qualify starting in 2025–26, and by adding eligibility for students in nondegree credential programs beginning in 2027–28. It aims to help low-income students earn workforce-relevant credentials without debt.
- Expands eligibility for the Washington college grant to include high school students (grades 10–12) whose families receive basic food benefits (starting in 2025–26) and to those in families receiving other public assistance (e.g., housing, disability, or pregnancy support).
- Adds eligibility for students enrolled in eligible postsecondary nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training, certifications) beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, as determined by the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
- Maintains existing eligibility for students with financial need, Washington residency, and no prior bachelor’s degree, and allows part-time students to receive a prorated grant.
- Keeps the 6-year or 150% program-length limit on grant eligibility and requires students to maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew the grant each year.
- Requires the Office of the Chancellor (under the State Board) to administer the program and adopt rules for implementation, including determining which nondegree credential programs qualify.
Who is affected
- High school students (grades 10–12) from low-income families — Students in high school (grades 10–12) whose families receive certain public benefits (e.g., basic food, housing support, or disability/aged/blind assistance) may qualify for the grant starting in the 2025–26 school year, and those in families receiving basic food benefits may qualify starting in 2027–28.
- Adult learners in nondegree credential programs — Adults and recent high school graduates enrolled in eligible nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training, certifications) may become eligible starting in 2027–28, expanding access beyond traditional degree programs.
- Institutions of higher education in Washington — Community and technical colleges, and other eligible higher education institutions in Washington, must administer the grant and ensure compliance with program rules.
- Students with financial need seeking college affordability support — Students who already receive other forms of financial aid (e.g., Pell Grant, state need-based aid) may still receive the Washington college grant to cover remaining costs, potentially increasing total aid available.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (4)
The expansion to include students in nondegree credential programs (e.g., short-term training, certifications) beginning in 2027–28 significantly broadens access to workforce-relevant education for adult learners and low-income youth who may not pursue traditional degrees, aligning with Washington’s labor market needs.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(ii), (a)(iii), (a)(iv); Sec. 1(5)(b)(iii) (2027–28 expansion)Allowing students whose families receive public assistance (e.g., basic food, housing, disability, pregnancy support) to qualify for the grant—starting in 2025–26—targets aid to the lowest-income households, reducing out-of-pocket costs for education and helping break cycles of intergenerational poverty.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(ii), (a)(iii), (a)(iv); Sec. 1(7)The prorated grant for part-time students ensures that low-income students who must balance work, caregiving, or other responsibilities can still access support without being forced into full-time enrollment, increasing flexibility and completion likelihood.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(10)The grant is designed to stack with other need-based aid, meaning students who qualify for Pell Grants or other state aid can still receive additional support to cover remaining costs—reducing unmet need and potential debt accumulation.
FinancialPeopleRef: Sec. 1(11)
Potential Concerns (1)
Expanding the Washington College Grant to high school students in grades 10–12 whose families receive basic food or other public assistance increases access to postsecondary education for low-income students, potentially reducing student debt and improving workforce outcomes.
EducationPeopleRef: Sec. 1(5)(a)(iv) (2025–26 expansion), Sec. 1(5)(a)(iii) (2027–28 expansion)
Who Is Most Affected
Low-income high school students (grades 10–12) in households receiving basic food or other public assistance gain direct access to tuition-free postsecondary education starting in 2025–26, reducing financial barriers to credential attainment and improving long-term economic mobility.
Adult learners in short-term, nondegree credential programs (e.g., IT certifications, welding, healthcare training) gain eligibility for tuition-free education beginning in 2027–28, enabling faster entry into high-demand jobs without debt—especially beneficial for displaced workers and career changers.
Community and technical colleges will administer the expanded program and may see increased enrollment in nondegree programs, but face administrative costs and reporting requirements. The state funding increase may strain budgets if enrollment exceeds projections, though the program is designed to be cost-neutral per student.
Students with financial need who already receive other aid benefit from stacking eligibility, reducing unmet need and debt. However, those just above the public assistance threshold (e.g., families earning slightly above basic food eligibility) may not qualify, creating a narrow cliff effect.