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Federal and State Aid

Types of Federal and State Aid

* Subject to Washington State Aid Conditions of Award

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to post-secondary education.

Eligibility

  • Available to Undergraduates pursuing their first undergraduate degree and not enrolled in a professional program.
  • Must complete a FAFSA Application each year.

Award Amounts

  • Maximum award amount is $7,395 for the 2023 - 2024 academic year depending on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the FAFSA. 
  • The smaller the EFC, the larger the possible award.
  • Students can receive a maximum of six years of Pell Grant Awards.

Enrollment Requirements

  • Students must be enrolled full-time (12 credits or more) to receive their maximum award eligibility.
  • Students enrolled in 9 to 11 credits will receive 75 percent of their maximum award eligibility.
  • Students enrolled in 6 to 8 credits will receive 50 percent of their maximum award eligibility.
  • A minimum award may be made for student enrolled in less than six credits per term.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is designed to assist undergraduates with the highest level of need. Award amounts will vary depending on the availability of funds and student's EFC.

Eligibility

  • File your FAFSA each year.
  • Student must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits).
  • Student must be Pell Grant eligible.

Washington State Passport to Careers

The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college with access to a scholarship and support services.

Eligibility

  • Have been in the care of the Washington State, tribal, or federal foster care system after age 13, or experienced unaccompanied homelessness in the prior academic year or later.
  • Be a resident of Washington State, or your case is based in Washington State.
  • You are or will be enrolled at least half-time by age 21.
  • Have not yet earned a Bachelor’s Degree and are not pursuing a degree in theology.

To Apply

Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant is a state grant program for Washington residents with exceptional financial need.

Eligibility

  • File either the FAFSA or WASFA application each year.
  • Have a family income of equal to or less than 70 percent of the state median.
  • Be a Washington resident (dependent students' residency is based on parents' resident status).
  • Be pursuing a certificate or associate degree.
  • Not be pursuing a degree in theology.

Award Amounts

  • Award amounts vary each year based on available funds. Review the eligibility and award charts for the most current information on these awards.
  • Students can receive Washington College Grant funding for a maximum of five years or 125% of their academic program length.
 

Washington State Aid Conditions of Award

If your award letter includes Washington State funding (Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, or Passport to Careers), by accepting state financial aid, you agree to the conditions listed below. If you have questions or find that you cannot comply with these conditions, please contact your institution's financial aid office. 

  1. You must meet the requirement for Washington State residency.
  2. You do not owe a repayment to any state grant or scholarship nor are you in default on a state student loan.
  3. You must be enrolled in an eligible program and not be pursuing a degree in theology.
  4. If you hold a bachelor’s degree or the foreign equivalent, you are not eligible to receive state grant funds.
  5. If you do not attend or if you withdraw from your classes, you may owe a repayment of all or part of any state funds you have received.
  6. You must maintain the academic progress standards established by your institution in order to receive additional state aid.
  7. There could be other circumstances that would require a repayment or reduction in your current award amounts.
  8. You must meet all eligibility requirements for the state aid program(s) awarded.
  9. The offer of this financial assistance is subject to, and conditioned upon, the availability of funds. Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and the institution through which the grant, scholarship, or work study is awarded, reserve the right to withdraw, reduce, or modify the awards due to funding limitations or due to changes in circumstances which affect your eligibility for the program(s).
  10. If I fail to cash my check containing state funds or pickup any remaining funds by the close of the academic year, the funds shall be returned to the program at WSAC and treated as funds declined by me. 

The State of Washington is offering you financial assistance to help support your educational expenses. Please visit Washington State Financial Aid Programs | WSAC to receive more information about financial aid, scholarships, work study, and student loans. 

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

Federal student loans are low-interest loans which require repayment. Pierce College participates in the Direct Stafford Loan program which provides the best benefits for you as a borrower. This program is not a credit history-based program. Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available. To learn more, please review the Steps for Loan Borrowers section. You can also view our Official Cohort Default rate at the Federal Student Aid website by entering OPEID 005000 for Pierce College.

To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA each year.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan Program

The Federal Parent PLUS loan program is a credit-based loan program available to all qualifying parents. You’ll first need to complete the FAFSA before your parents can borrow money under this program. If your parents are denied the loan because of their credit rating you will be eligible for additional funds under this loan program. Contact the Financial Aid Office if this situation applies to you.

To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA each year.

Student Employment (Federal and State Work-Study)

Work-study programs offer you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning money for college. Some jobs can be a great opportunity to enhance your current course work as well as gain valuable real-world work experience. Receiving a Federal Work-Study award does not guarantee employment.

Students may work a maximum of 19 hours per week while attending Pierce College. Work-study is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.

To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA each year.