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WashingtonSB 57852025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Modifying students' share of the education costs at institutions of higher education.

Sponsored By: June Robinson (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Washington College Grant: income-based awards

Starting in 2025–26, your Washington College Grant is based on family income as a share of the state median. 0–60% gets 100% of the max; 61–65% gets 60%; 66–70% gets 50%; 71–75% gets 24.5%; 76–100% gets 10%. Family income is measured against the state median and adjusted for family size. If you attend a private four‑year nonprofit, the maximum grant is $9,739 for 2019–20 and can rise only by the tuition‑growth rate through 2025–26. Beginning in 2026–27, that private four‑year maximum is set at 50% of the average award at Washington public research universities.

College Bound: award formula and private-school amounts

For College Bound students at two‑ or four‑year schools, your award equals tuition and required fees minus any state grants, scholarships, or waivers you get, plus $500 for books. Private four‑year schools: through 2026–27, the award equals the public research‑university average (or the 2014–15 average if higher). Starting in 2027–28, it is 50% of that public research average. Western Governors University‑Washington: starting in 2027–28, the award is $4,650. Private vocational and two‑year private nonprofits: through 2026–27, the award equals the community and technical college average (or the 2014–15 floor). Starting in 2027–28, two‑year private nonprofits use the same‑year community and technical college average (or the 2014–15 floor). Colleges must give you the need‑based and merit aid you qualify for, and your College Bound award replaces unmet need, loans, and, if you choose, work‑study before other grants are cut.

College Bound eligibility and direct admission rule

To get the College Bound Scholarship, your family income at high school graduation must be 65% or less of the state median family income. If you are a College Bound student starting college for the first time in 2023–24 or later, you must have at least a C average in high school to be considered for direct admission to a public or private four‑year school.

Apprenticeship aid changes under College Grant

If you are in an approved apprenticeship, your Washington College Grant matches the two‑year college maximum from 2022–23 through 2025–26. Beginning in 2026–27, it equals 50% of the two‑year maximum for that year. You can use the award for tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, and other allowed educational costs.

When these education changes take effect

The law takes effect on July 1, 2025.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • June Robinson

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 111 • No: 83

Senate vote • 4/25/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 28 • No: 20

House vote • 4/24/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 55 • No: 43

Senate vote • 4/19/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 28 • No: 20 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/1/2025.

    5/20/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 395, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/27/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/26/2025legislature

  6. Passed final passage; yeas, 28; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/25/2025Senate

  7. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/25/2025House

  8. President signed.

    4/25/2025legislature

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/24/2025Senate

  10. Third reading, passed; yeas, 55; nays, 43; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/24/2025Senate

  11. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/24/2025Senate

  12. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    4/24/2025Senate

  13. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/23/2025Senate

  14. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    4/23/2025Senate

  15. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/23/2025Senate

  16. First reading, referred to Appropriations.

    4/21/2025Senate

  17. Third reading, passed; yeas, 28; nays, 20; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    4/19/2025Senate

  18. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/19/2025Senate

  19. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    4/19/2025Senate

  20. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    4/19/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/19/2025Senate

  22. Minority; do not pass.

    4/18/2025Senate

  23. Minority; without recommendation.

    4/18/2025Senate

  24. WM - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    4/18/2025Senate

  25. First reading, referred to Ways & Means.

    3/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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