PRIA Logo™
WashingtonSB 57852025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: June Robinson (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

College grants follow family income tiers

Starting in 2025-26, Washington College Grant amounts follow family income tiers, adjusted for family size. Income at or below 60% of state median family income qualifies for the maximum grant. At 61–65%, students get 60% of the maximum; at 66–70%, they get 50%. At 71–75%, students get 24.5% of the maximum; at 76–100%, they get 10%. Dollar amounts depend on the maximum grant for the student's school or program.

Two-year nonprofit students get scholarship floor

Starting in 2027-28, College Bound students at Washington private two-year nonprofit schools get awards based on two public-college averages. The award uses the higher average: the current year's or 2014-15's, at Washington public community and technical colleges. The 2014-15 average provides a floor when the current-year average is lower.

Apprentices face a lower grant maximum

Through 2025-26, approved apprenticeship programs use the Washington College Grant maximum for two-year colleges. Starting in 2026-27, the apprenticeship maximum drops to 50% of that amount. Apprentices can use their awards for tuition, fees, supplies, equipment, and other education costs.

For-profit college grant growth ends

Washington private two-year and four-year for-profit colleges have limits on Washington College Grant growth. Through 2025-26, maximum grants can increase by no more than the tuition growth factor. The law does not provide for those annual increases after 2025-26. This can limit future growth in students' grant help.

Nonprofit college aid follows university averages

At Washington private four-year nonprofit colleges, the Washington College Grant maximum changes starting in 2026-27. It equals 50% of the same-year average Washington College Grant award at Washington public research institutions. Students can receive less than this maximum. Starting in 2027-28, College Bound awards equal 50% of the same-year average College Bound award at Washington public research universities. These formulas can produce higher or lower aid than prior amounts.

Western Governors students get new aid limits

Starting in 2026-27, Western Governors University-Washington students have a maximum Washington College Grant of $4,150 per year. Later increases cannot exceed the tuition growth factor and are not guaranteed. Starting in 2027-28, eligible College Bound students at the university receive a $4,650 annual scholarship award. The grant maximum is not a promise that every student receives $4,150.

College Bound students face use deadline

You must use your College Bound Scholarship within six years of receiving it. Any tuition units left after that deadline return to the Washington College Bound Scholarship account. You lose the value of those unused units.

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

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation