DC Financial Aid Information
DC Tuition Assistance Program (DCTAG)
Description: This provides up to $10,000 toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities throughout the US, Guam and Puerto Rico. DCTAG also provides up to $2,500 per academic year toward tuition at private colleges in the Washington, DC area and private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.
How to Apply: Students must apply for DCTAG every year using the DC OneApp to receive these funds. The DC OneApp was open from March 11-September 6 in 2024.
Eligibility:
- Must apply for FAFSA;
- Must be a US citizen or have an eligible non-citizen status;
- A District of Columbia resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the applicant’s first time in college and maintain continued domicile throughout the applicant’s college matriculation.
DC Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program
Description: This provides need-based funding for eligible DC residents up to $4,000 per academic year, for up to four years for an associate’s degree, and up to six years for a bachelor’s degree. The program is a last-dollar award designed to fill the gap between a student’s financial aid package and the cost of attendance. The funds are available first-come, first-serve, and applicants must reapply each year. There is no guarantee applicants will receive funding, as funds are only available until they run out. US citizenship is not required.
How to Apply: Students must apply every year using the Application for Postsecondary Studies (APS) to receive these funds. The APS was open from March 11-September 6 in 2024.
Eligibility:
- Must have a household taxable income below 300 percent of the federal poverty line;
- High school applicants must graduate from a DCPS or public charter high school with a 2.5+ GPA;
- A District of Columbia resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the applicant’s first time in college and maintain continued domicile throughout the applicant’s college matriculation. You must be planning to attend an eligible college or university in the greater Washington area.
DC Futures Program
Description: Historically, this program provided need-based funding for eligible DC residents up to $8,000 per academic year, for up to four years for an associate’s degree, and up to six years for a bachelor’s degree. The program was a last-dollar award designed to fill the gap between a student’s financial aid package and the cost of attendance. The funds were available first-come, first-serve, and applicants must reapply each year. . For the 2024-25 academic year application, DC Futures funds are only guaranteed for the fall semester (up to $4,000). There is no guarantee applicants will receive funding, as funds are only available until they run out. US citizenship is not required.
How to Apply: Students must apply every year using the Application for Postsecondary Studies (APS) to receive these funds. The APS was open from March 11-September 6 in 2024.
Eligibility:
- Must have a household taxable income below 400 percent of the federal poverty line;
- High school applicants must be a graduate of a DCPS or public charter high school;
- A District of Columbia resident for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the applicant’s first time in college and maintain continued domicile throughout the applicant’s college matriculation. You must be planning to attend Trinity Washington University, the Catholic University of America, or the University of the District of Columbia and studying a high-demand field.